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4 Days Before the GMAT... Need Help

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by jgrontko » Mon May 18, 2009 2:02 pm
I know there are dozens of posts on what to do the week of the GMAT and the consensus seems to be to taper your studying.

I've now taken about 9 practice tests (MGMAT, PowerPrep, GMATPrep). Aside from the first test, I've been right on par with the score I want.

Of course, I scored a 580 (GMATPrep) on the last practice test I took (Saturday), which has slightly shaken my confidence (I'd like to score 650 or above). I didn't study at all on Sunday. Today is Monday and I take the test on Friday.

My question is, should I take another practice test or should I stick to light studying? As far as studying goes, would you recommend reviewing flash cards or doing some problems? I haven't been using flash cards at all in my studying, so would it be a bad idea to start now?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!
Last edited by jgrontko on Mon May 18, 2009 2:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Source: — GMAT Strategy |

by skang357 » Mon May 18, 2009 2:09 pm
For me : hard as I can.

I don't have the discipline to study a little bit every day for a long period of time.

So I study here and there for a month, maybe solve an OG guide and some question banks.

A week before the test I take 2/3 practice tests a day. And I review on top of that too.

This puts me in a mode to answer any problems. Puts my mind in the right state. And I'm ready to answer any question come test time (hopefully).
Impossible is nothing
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by VP_Jim » Mon May 18, 2009 5:34 pm
Have you taken the other GMAT Prep test? How did that one go?

If you had taken a test from a prep company and received a 580, I would probably tell you to forget it. However, the GMAT Prep tests tend to be pretty accurate. Have you looked at what you got wrong? Maybe you just made silly mistakes, rushed because you were overconfident, or something.

With only four days, you're not going to get much quality studying in. I would restrict my study to reviewing the practice test, taking a last look at any notes or prep guides you have, and maybe - MAYBE - doing a few targeted problems from some area that you're still struggling with. Other than that, it's time to relax, refresh your brain, and get psyched up for the test.

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by jgrontko » Tue May 19, 2009 5:05 am
Here are my Practice Test Scores:

Manhattan GMAT 1 580 40/30
PowerPrep 1 620 40/35
Manhattan GMAT 2 620 39/37
Manhattan GMAT 3 620 40/35
PowerPrep 2 710 46/42
GMATPrep 1 660 38/42
Manhattan GMAT 4 640 42/36
GMATPrep 2 580 35/35

I think I just made some stupid mistakes, rushed, and was over confident on my last GMATPrep... I finished the quantitative section with 10 minutes to spare.

I printed out all of the MGMAT flash cards and plan review them Tuesday & Wednesday, take is easy on Thursday, dominate the test on Friday morning, and celebrate my GMAT victory at Indy 500 Carb Day.
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by VP_Jim » Tue May 19, 2009 7:35 am
Sounds like a plan! Also, on the day of the actual test, I always recommend sticking to your regular schedule (for example, if you normally go without breakfast, don't try to eat a humongous one to attempt to get your energy up).

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by 4score20 » Wed Jun 03, 2009 3:15 pm
If you feel that taking another practice test would be beneficial, go for it. Otherwise, stick to studying and reviewing your weak areas.
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