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Time issues/ Work ethic/ Problem recodnition

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Time issues/ Work ethic/ Problem recodnition

by hutch27 » Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:19 pm
Whats going on forum, I just took the GMAT after doing a 15 hour private tutoring program with Kaplan and was hoping for a score above a 580, but I ended up getting a 500.

I think my main problem with this test is my stamina, and I can't confidently tackle all problems quickly with 100% effort. This leads me to guessing on questions that I don't know rather than solve them rationally. I finish CAT's on time but if I were to genuinely take my time on each Math and Verbal question, I am guessing I would have around 13-15 questions remaining in each section left unfinished.

Obviously time is a big issue and I'm worried that I may take too much time on one individual question but I can't seem to find a study method that works for me to improve this. Am I trying to too quickly tackle this exam all at once?

I can't explain how badly I want to beat this GMAT. My heart dropped when I saw my score of a 500 because I never expected myself to be in the 33rd% of anything. I put in a very sufficient amount of time studying but my worries are that my hours spent were not efficient. Maybe I should re-take this kaplan course and put in more effort?

My main issue comes with practice tests though because I sometimes feel mentally fatigued on CAT's and suspend them midway through each section to do something else. Does anybody see this as a major problem to my studying or is this normal?

I want to take this GMAT once more and I want this time to be my last. I've taken it 3 times already and am literally about to cry because I have never been this defeated before by anything or anyone.

Should I focus a sufficient amount of time prior to taking these CAT's to do each math and verbal section problems? I think that problem recondition plays a role in my time issue

Thanks!!!!! This forum is great but I can't wait to KILL this test :)

Also be safe from hurricane sandy, stay indoors. Nobody wants to see u on the news flyin all around.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:01 am
How did you do on your practice tests prior to taking the official exam? I typically suggest that students achieve their target score on at least 2 practices tests before they take the official test.

A score of 500 suggests that you are still lacking some of the core concepts. Are you using some kind of error tracking tool (e.g., Improvement Chart at https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log) to identify your weaknesses?

In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

If you can spare 2 months before rewriting the GMAT, you might consider signing up for BTG's free Study Guide: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all of the necessary concepts that the GMAT tests.

Cheers,
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by hutch27 » Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:01 am
Well I took the Kaplan class, and studied for 3 months and in between that time span i took 8 CAT's

Diagnostic 530
CAT1: 470
CAT2: 510
CAT3: 510
CAT4: 540
CAT5: 570
CAT6: 580
CAT7: 570

Practice tests went well I think, ironicaly I did better on verbal on every practice test but on the real GMAT I did worse.

I feel like my form dies down greatly when i get tired and that's my main problem so i want to focus on that. Do you suggest I re-take the Kaplan course over again and spend more time on each section?

I will sign up for the study guide to supplement my study but I think I work well using the resources i have at hand. The more things that are available, the less organized i become, so i'll use the BTG study guide when I could use the extra help. but thanks!
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:36 am
Did you take any of the official GMATPrep practice tests?
Available for free here: https://www.mba.com/the-gmat/download-fr ... tware.aspx
These practice tests are the best indicator of your abilities.

Sure, re-taking the Kaplan course should work.

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by AristotlePrep » Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:01 am
hutch27 wrote:
I think my main problem with this test is my stamina, and I can't confidently tackle all problems quickly with 100% effort. This leads me to guessing on questions that I don't know rather than solve them rationally. I finish CAT's on time but if I were to genuinely take my time on each Math and Verbal question, I am guessing I would have around 13-15 questions remaining in each section left unfinished.
Guessing on questions is not bad per se; in fact, instead of wasting a lot of time on a question, it's better that you make an educated guess but yes if you are guessing too much, it means that you need to go back to the drawing board and work on your concepts.
Obviously time is a big issue and I'm worried that I may take too much time on one individual question but I can't seem to find a study method that works for me to improve this. Am I trying to too quickly tackle this exam all at once?
The amount of time you take to solve questions from a particular area is actually inversely proportional to the conceptual clarity one has in that particular area. You will observe that you are able to solve questions from areas you feel confident in much, much faster than those areas in which you are standing on shaky grounds.
I can't explain how badly I want to beat this GMAT. My heart dropped when I saw my score of a 500 because I never expected myself to be in the 33rd% of anything. I put in a very sufficient amount of time studying but my worries are that my hours spent were not efficient. Maybe I should re-take this kaplan course and put in more effort?
Rather than directly jumping into a course again, ask yourself what are your specific needs, what are the areas you need help with. Maybe there are a lot of areas that you can address yourself without any tutoring. Tutoring is most helpful when you have very specific needs. Write down all the areas you need to address and see which areas you can improve on by yourself and which areas do you need help an instructor to help you with.
My main issue comes with practice tests though because I sometimes feel mentally fatigued on CAT's and suspend them midway through each section to do something else. Does anybody see this as a major problem to my studying or is this normal?
It's not very unusual to get bored sitting for a 4 hour test. One of the tips that will really help you stay focused during the exam is to take short breaks/pauses while you are attempting a particular section. The break has to be short, roughly of 5-10 seconds, after every 10-12 questions. All you have to do is look away from the computer screen for a couple of seconds, take a deep breath and tell yourself to "Relax".You will be stunned to see how much helpful will this tip be in helping you remain focused. You will feel at ease after taking the pauses and you will actually look forward to doing questions rather than quitting the test.
Should I focus a sufficient amount of time prior to taking these CAT's to do each math and verbal section problems? I think that problem recondition plays a role in my time issue
Yes, that's the way to go. It's quite analogous to lifting weights in the gym. If you have never done weight lifting and within the first few days of hitting the gym, somebody asks you to lift a 200 lbs weight, would you be able to do it ? Probably not. You would probably want to start with 25 lbs, then 50 lbs and then gradually move to 200 lbs in 3-4 months. Similarly, before you set a goal of sitting continuously for 4 hours, take a couple of sectional tests ,experiment with various techniques,figure out what works for you and what doesn't and gradually start increasing the duration of the tests you take.
Also be safe from hurricane sandy, stay indoors. Nobody wants to see u on the news flyin all around.
Probably a good reason for one to study for the GMAT more rather than be out. :)
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