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Cannot get past 500

by mjoeb » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:46 am
Hi everyone,

I am embarassed to write this post, but I feel that I really need to ask for help.


Two years ago, I wrote the GMAT 3 times in haste. I didn't commit myself to good studying, and I didn't fully understand the GMAT exam at all.

Then, I decided to buckle down and study through OG and understand the concepts.

I wrote the gmat 2 more times and the highest score I got was 450.



I have decided to write the GMAT one last time but last night I took the MGMAT CAT test and I got 390.


I really don't know what to do.

I can perform basic math, and I am better at verbal than what I was a year ago. But the moment I realize I am timed, I just freeze. All my knowledge simply slips away, and I don't know what to do.


People say GMAT can be done, especially if you are a native speaker (which I am) and you have done basic math before. I heard its only high school level math, but yet why is it so hard? (I had high math scores in HS- 80% - 90% level).


What am I doing wrong?


It's so embarassing that I wrote the GMAT 5 times and haven't even met the average GMAT taker score (550ish).
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Re: Cannot get past 500

by carllecat » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:58 am
mjoeb wrote:Hi everyone,

I am embarassed to write this post, but I feel that I really need to ask for help.


Two years ago, I wrote the GMAT 3 times in haste. I didn't commit myself to good studying, and I didn't fully understand the GMAT exam at all.

Then, I decided to buckle down and study through OG and understand the concepts.

I wrote the gmat 2 more times and the highest score I got was 450.



I have decided to write the GMAT one last time but last night I took the MGMAT CAT test and I got 390.


I really don't know what to do.

I can perform basic math, and I am better at verbal than what I was a year ago. But the moment I realize I am timed, I just freeze. All my knowledge simply slips away, and I don't know what to do.


People say GMAT can be done, especially if you are a native speaker (which I am) and you have done basic math before. I heard its only high school level math, but yet why is it so hard? (I had high math scores in HS- 80% - 90% level).


What am I doing wrong?


It's so embarassing that I wrote the GMAT 5 times and haven't even met the average GMAT taker score (550ish).
I would like to remind you that the GMAT is not an I.Q. test. Some people are likely to score higher than others. I bet you are above average on stuff that high GMAT scorers are reallt bad at. You are not the only one in such a situation and I hope you will enjoy the journey and make it to your goal.

Good luck.
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Re: Cannot get past 500

by sudi760mba » Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:16 am
mjoeb wrote:Hi everyone,

I am embarassed to write this post, but I feel that I really need to ask for help.


Two years ago, I wrote the GMAT 3 times in haste. I didn't commit myself to good studying, and I didn't fully understand the GMAT exam at all.

Then, I decided to buckle down and study through OG and understand the concepts.

I wrote the gmat 2 more times and the highest score I got was 450.



I have decided to write the GMAT one last time but last night I took the MGMAT CAT test and I got 390.


I really don't know what to do.

I can perform basic math, and I am better at verbal than what I was a year ago. But the moment I realize I am timed, I just freeze. All my knowledge simply slips away, and I don't know what to do.


People say GMAT can be done, especially if you are a native speaker (which I am) and you have done basic math before. I heard its only high school level math, but yet why is it so hard? (I had high math scores in HS- 80% - 90% level).


What am I doing wrong?


It's so embarassing that I wrote the GMAT 5 times and haven't even met the average GMAT taker score (550ish).
First and foremost, don't get discouraged. When I wrote the GMAT several years ago, I don't recall the score but it was probably below 500. nowI intend to score in lower 700's and I know I will. Here's where I started seeing improvement and I would suggest you take this approach if it might work for you:

1. Start with the basics. Pick up a high school math book and work through problems from each section (algebra, geometry, etc). I've started putting an excel sheet labeling every problem that I get wrong(geometry, number properties) because I've reached a threshold and can't seem to get past it. When you're comfortable with this, move onto step 2.

Step 2. Pick up Princeton to learn the GMAT and GMAT basics. Work through the problems, identity problem areas through an excel grid and attacking your weak areas. Using this method, I believe will help you give feedback with not only in your problem areas but you can see through data that you're improving or not.

Step 3: The OG is the bible. Work through those problems once again and again identifying weak areas and attacking them. Time yourself to do quant in 2 mins and verbal in 1.5 mins.

Step 4: Take Progressive exams, not starting MGMAT but with Princeton and gmatprep when you've completed both Princeton and the OG.

Step 5: Keep concepts on flashcards and review them daily.

Step 6: Work through the problems but if you need help, just post them on the BTG.

When I first started studying for the gmat, I had a tough time with most of the problems from the quant...Now by working on each area, i've gotten better. Btw, when I started, I would freeze not knowing what to do but as you get better and better in identifying a problem, you'll have the confidence to apply the technique but that only comes with systematic practice.

Best of luck. Hope this helps!
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