How important are grade school basics on gmat performance?

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wreelp: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 5; Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:49 pm; Location: Pittsburgh PA

by wreelp » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:32 pm

Hi i've been studying a lot this last month but have made minimal progress. I was an undiagnosed dyslexic student growing up and still to this day (now 27) have little understanding of the basic principles behind math, reading comp and grammar. I've always been able to get by- doing well in both college and my career but something particular to this test has been holding me back.

So my question is ... does anyone else have this problem or perhaps would someone without this problem be willing to share some insight on the grade school basics they have used while working out solutions to gmat prep questions? Anything would be helpful, if I need to go to borders and purchase some children's learning books so that I can beat this gmat, i will

Justin

Last edited by wreelp on Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

Justin R Miller

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:32 pm

frantastic: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 59; Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:14 pm; Thanked: 6 times

by frantastic » Mon Feb 11, 2008 8:49 pm

I would take a deep breath...if you did well in college, you should be able to conquer the GMAT. I would start with Cracking the GMAT...it has the best overview of the test, and it's really easy to read through. Work through the Official Guide carefully, and review your mistakes as you go.

You might want to take a prep course or work with a tutor if you get really stuck, but keep a positive attitude and I think you'll surprise yourself in a good way!!

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Stacey Koprince: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 2228; Joined: Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:28 pmFollowed by: 694 members; Location: Montreal, Canada; Thanked: 639 times; GMAT Score:780

by Stacey Koprince » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:52 am

The test does contain a lot of fundamental math and grammar knowledge, but you're probably better off with books that are targeted to the GMAT specifically, because not every math or grammar concept is tested.

If you have been formally diagnosed at some point, you may want to see whether you qualify for extended time on the test. You have to show quite a bit of documentation - it's not an easy process - but if you do qualify, then you should do it.

Also, I agree with frantastic that you may need to work with someone. I have an obvious conflict of interest in suggesting this, so take it with a grain of salt, but if you already know you have difficulties, it may be harder for you to study on your own.

Please note: I do not use the Private Messaging system! I will not see any PMs that you send to me!!

Stacey Koprince
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Manhattan GMAT

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