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Really frustrated! What should I do next? Need help!

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Really frustrated! What should I do next? Need help!

by Winge » Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:45 am
Hello,

I don't know if anyone will respond, but I thought I will post this to get some help.
I took a three month time off from work to study on the GMAT.

I bought following Prep stuff:
GMAC Blue + green + red
Manhattan SC
CR Bible
Kaplan Math workbook

My Scores:
1. MGMT 410 (Q29/V17)
2. MGMAT 560 (Q39/V29)
3. GMAC 440 (Q31/V19)
4. MGMAT 530 (Q35/V29)
5. MGMAT 430 (26/V25)

I have to admit it took me quite a long time to just read the books. (English is not my mother tongue). So I started to do the exercises from the GMAC books 3 weeks ago and during this time my Prep Tests.
First official Test is scheduled this Sunday, 01. August and next one is scheduled 4 weeks later. This would be probably my last chance because I have to work again.

What do you think? Is it worth it to study the August and spend my holiday, or is 650 an unreachable score for myself. What can I do better? I think I already made at least some progress on CR but SC is a big ?. What is the best thing to do? Shall I do some Prep courses? Which one would be best. I think Prep courses are really expensive or? Or is it fine to go through all questions in the GMAC books again and again?

Thanks a lot for your opinions. I am really frustrated!
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by Bens4vcobra » Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:34 am
I am certainly not in a position to dispense advice, but I thought I'd throw out a few observations (Disclaimer: English is my first language so I have no idea what it's like to be in your situation. It is my understanding that there are specific prep resources available for people in your circumstances). First, just looking at your practice CATs it appears that your scores for both Q and V are all over the place. Look at your Q for your second CAT compared to your most recent. That's a significant disparity in my opinion. Ditto for most of your V scores, not much consistency. It appears that you may need to spend a good deal of time on concepts. Work easy problems first, then build from there. Second, you seem to be in a rush to take the exam before you're ready. As a result, you've put undue stress on yourself. This test is a pressure cooker. No need to add fuel to the fire. I'm not sure what exactly your situation is in terms of why you are in such a rush, but think about slowing it down a touch. Give proper respect to this test and take your time preparing for it.
"It takes no ability to give effort. Toughness is not God-given; it's a choice. The discipline to execute is a habit." - Nick Saban
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by Dan@VinciaPrep » Wed Jul 28, 2010 2:13 pm
Winge wrote:Hello,

I don't know if anyone will respond, but I thought I will post this to get some help.
I took a three month time off from work to study on the GMAT.

I bought following Prep stuff:
GMAC Blue + green + red
Manhattan SC
CR Bible
Kaplan Math workbook

My Scores:
1. MGMT 410 (Q29/V17)
2. MGMAT 560 (Q39/V29)
3. GMAC 440 (Q31/V19)
4. MGMAT 530 (Q35/V29)
5. MGMAT 430 (26/V25)

I have to admit it took me quite a long time to just read the books. (English is not my mother tongue). So I started to do the exercises from the GMAC books 3 weeks ago and during this time my Prep Tests.
First official Test is scheduled this Sunday, 01. August and next one is scheduled 4 weeks later. This would be probably my last chance because I have to work again.

What do you think? Is it worth it to study the August and spend my holiday, or is 650 an unreachable score for myself. What can I do better? I think I already made at least some progress on CR but SC is a big ?. What is the best thing to do? Shall I do some Prep courses? Which one would be best. I think Prep courses are really expensive or? Or is it fine to go through all questions in the GMAC books again and again?

Thanks a lot for your opinions. I am really frustrated!
I'm going to agree with Bens4. It seems like your rushing a bit. One of the most important things you can do during your studies it to review things you've already gone over. You've read a far amount but how much do you remember of what you've read? People often have to read the Manhattan SC several times before they come to grips with all the information. Also, if you're not reading everyday online you should start.
"Read the New York Times everyday - not the whole paper, just go to the website and read one of each: a headline story AND the opinion-editorial of the day. DO NOT read something you're interested in as you won't be reading about an interesting topic on the GMAT. Why the New York Times? The editors are notoriously picky regarding grammar - probably more so than GMAT test writers. Reading two articles a day will, over time, improve your reading speed, stamina, comprehension, and possibly SC skills. "
You're going to have to work really hard to get a 650 but its not impossible. I would do 4 hours in the morning, take a two hour break, and study for another 4 hours afterward. If you still have energy read through the forum especially "I just beat the GMAT" for inspiration.

Good luck
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