I recently took the GMAT and scored a 660 (41Q/40V) after scoring 700+ on practice exams (MGMAT/POWERPREP).
Granted, I had a bad day as I didn't get much sleep, arrived at the test center late after running from the subway, felt extremely anxious, and I mismanaged my time on Verbal, but I'm not sure how significant of an effect that had on my performance as I feel that even with those factors, I should have scored at least in the 680-690 range if I was truly prepared.
DURING THE TEST:
QUANT: I thought it was relatively easy compared to the MGMAT CATs and POWERPREP. The questions seemed mostly focused on int properties/algebra/percent type questions, although this might be because I didn't reach "higher level questions." I didn't struggle until the end, when I ran out of time and left the last question blank.
VERBAL: This had been my strength, except for CR which I seem to have difficulty with if I'm not focused, but I ended up rushing through a few questions to make sure I didn't run out of time at the end.
Anyway, after feeling burnt out/disappointed/pathetic for a few days, I'm trying to come up with a better strategy and would DEFINITELY appreciate any/all input.
What is the best strategy to pursue at this point?
On previous exams, I had been averaging the following:
- QUANT Practice Test: AVG: ~43 RANGE: 39-45
- VERBAL Practice Test: AVG: ~42 RANGE: 40-45
Quant has always been a relative weakness, but my Quant score this time (41) does not deviate significantly from previous scores so I wonder how much higher I can score next time
TIMELINE:
-I'm planning on retaking the test in about 2 months.
RESOURCES:
-ALL MGMAT Books
-OG 12
-FORUMS
STRATEGY:
- Go through all incorrect/missed problems on MGMAT CATs
- Work on Weak Areas through MGMAT Books
- Go through MGMAT CR Again
- Practice Test every 2 weeks to practice timing
I also wonder if I should try a service like KNEWTON or MASTERGMAT? I've already spent $$$ on the MGMAT course and other materials, but I realize that I have the most difficulty with DS questions. I feel like I understand the concepts and can solve the PS ones (even difficult Combinatorics questions), but when it comes to DS, I seem to waste time trying to figure out how to approach certain problems. I'm wondering if one of these programs will help me address those issues.
Thanks in advance for all of your advice![/b]
Granted, I had a bad day as I didn't get much sleep, arrived at the test center late after running from the subway, felt extremely anxious, and I mismanaged my time on Verbal, but I'm not sure how significant of an effect that had on my performance as I feel that even with those factors, I should have scored at least in the 680-690 range if I was truly prepared.
DURING THE TEST:
QUANT: I thought it was relatively easy compared to the MGMAT CATs and POWERPREP. The questions seemed mostly focused on int properties/algebra/percent type questions, although this might be because I didn't reach "higher level questions." I didn't struggle until the end, when I ran out of time and left the last question blank.
VERBAL: This had been my strength, except for CR which I seem to have difficulty with if I'm not focused, but I ended up rushing through a few questions to make sure I didn't run out of time at the end.
Anyway, after feeling burnt out/disappointed/pathetic for a few days, I'm trying to come up with a better strategy and would DEFINITELY appreciate any/all input.
What is the best strategy to pursue at this point?
On previous exams, I had been averaging the following:
- QUANT Practice Test: AVG: ~43 RANGE: 39-45
- VERBAL Practice Test: AVG: ~42 RANGE: 40-45
Quant has always been a relative weakness, but my Quant score this time (41) does not deviate significantly from previous scores so I wonder how much higher I can score next time
TIMELINE:
-I'm planning on retaking the test in about 2 months.
RESOURCES:
-ALL MGMAT Books
-OG 12
-FORUMS
STRATEGY:
- Go through all incorrect/missed problems on MGMAT CATs
- Work on Weak Areas through MGMAT Books
- Go through MGMAT CR Again
- Practice Test every 2 weeks to practice timing
I also wonder if I should try a service like KNEWTON or MASTERGMAT? I've already spent $$$ on the MGMAT course and other materials, but I realize that I have the most difficulty with DS questions. I feel like I understand the concepts and can solve the PS ones (even difficult Combinatorics questions), but when it comes to DS, I seem to waste time trying to figure out how to approach certain problems. I'm wondering if one of these programs will help me address those issues.
Thanks in advance for all of your advice![/b]
