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Rough transitions

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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Rough transitions

by kdn508 » Tue Apr 15, 2014 10:35 am
Good Afternoon all!

I recently finished the MGMAT Foundations of Maths book and decided to test my progress with the OG13 Problem Solving Diagnostic Questions and boy did I struggle, I was able to pretty get 85%+ correct in the Foundations book but, jumping right into GMAT questions in the OG threw me for a loop!!

For those of you who did self studying ( especially those who were weak in quant) with the OG13. Was the OG13 too intense? Are there resources to help scaffold my studying?
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by [email protected] » Tue Apr 15, 2014 2:32 pm
Hi kdn508,

The Quant Diagnostic Quiz in the OG, when taken as a whole, is NOT representative of the actual GMAT. At first glance, you should notice that there are too many questions and the question types are not "shuffled" (all PS, then all DS). The opening batch of PS questions are also considerably tougher, as a group, than any comparable group of questions you'll see in a row on the actual GMAT. Your "sense" that the Diagnostic was difficult is correct.

There is another issue though regarding your studies. While there are many essential math skills that are required to beat the Quant section of the GMAT, the Quant section is NOT a "math test"; if you're thinking only in terms of "doing math" and not about Quant tactics, number properties, estimation, pattern matching, etc., then you're missing out on a lot of what the Quant section is actually about.

How far along are you in your studies? What materials are you using?

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Rich
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by kdn508 » Wed Apr 16, 2014 3:41 pm
Hi Rich,
Thanks for your input! So far I've finished the MGMAT Math Foundations book to make sure I reviewed concepts properly! I'm currently using the OG13 and planning to mix in the Kaplan premier gmat! I also have access to Veritas Prep course and books but I'm not starting the class until May.

I think the problem I'm having is I have a bunch of resources but I'm not sure how I should be using them.
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by [email protected] » Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:03 am
Hi kdn508,

When are you planning to take your Official GMAT?

Doing some "prep work" before you take a class is a good idea, but since you haven't learned much in the way of "GMAT tactics", you shouldn't get too down on yourself if you're getting lots of questions wrong in the the OG13. I'd suggest that you work through the Course that you've paid for, then measure your progress on the practice CATs that you have access to. If you get stuck or find that your scores are not improving, then some adjustments will need to be made.

For now, you can "flip through" the books that you have and acquaint yourself with the Quant material and Verbal concepts; again, don't get too bogged down in anything too complicated. Your Course is meant to give you the useful tactics and perspective to crush the GMAT.

Have you taken a full-length practice CAT yet?

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by kdn508 » Thu Apr 17, 2014 6:26 am
Hi Rich,

My test date is July 25/26

I've taken a practice CAT and scored a 480
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by [email protected] » Thu Apr 17, 2014 4:52 pm
Hi kdn508,

Your initial practice CAT score is fine (considering your lack of familiarity with the material) and you still have over 3 months to prepare for your exam, so I'd suggest that you proceed as discussed. When your Course starts, be prepared to do a lot of work and adjust your tactics accordingly.

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by ceilidh.erickson » Fri Apr 18, 2014 7:05 am
Hi kdn508,

The MGMAT Foundations of Math guide is designed to be a precursor to more in-depth Quant content. Basically, FoM is meant to catch you back up to the basic math skills that you had when you graduated high school, but that doesn't mean that you'll be ready for the GMAT yet!

Our strategy guides - FDPs, Algebra, Word Problems, Number Properties, and Geometry - are designed to show you how this content applies to GMAT-level problems. You probably won't see improvement until you read through those strategy guides (or comparable ones from another company). After you start you course, you should see your practice scores go up!

Rich is right - the Diagnostic at the beginning of the OG is more difficult on average than the rest of the OG. I wouldn't use that as an indication of your progress.
Ceilidh Erickson
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