4 Days Before the GMAT... Need Help

Expert replies

jgrontko: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 4; Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:55 pm; GMAT Score:610

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.

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon May 18, 2009 2:02 pm

skang357: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 124; Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2008 10:33 pm; Location: Los Angeles; Thanked: 5 times

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

VP_Jim: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1223; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pmFollowed by: 15 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 185 times

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

jgrontko: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 4; Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:55 pm; GMAT Score:610

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.

VP_Jim: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 1223; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pmFollowed by: 15 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 185 times

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

4score20: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 133; Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 11:28 am; Thanked: 3 times

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.

...
MBA Volunteers -- GMAT Practice Test

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review