GMAT Strategy

Hey abhinayar,

Don't put too much stock into one test result. It's quite likely that you had a bad day. You might try taking another practice test soon so that you can put this latest one behind you.

Not able to figure out where I lack.

To improve your score, it's important that you identify and strengthen your weak areas. One way to do this is to use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart) while completing questions from the Official Guide (OG). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log
Also, you should be reviewing each practice test to identify areas of weakness.

Verbal CR and RC needs improvement too.

If you're interested, we have a free set of videos that cover all sorts of Reading Comprehension strategies: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... prehension

Finally, keep in mind that the GMAT is a test of your math and verbal skills AND it's a test of your test-taking skills. So, be sure to work on your endurance and your time management skills.

Cheers,
Brent

abhinayar wrote:By the time I'm half way through verbal all I want is to finish the test.
Do you suggest any tips to keep me going throughout the test with the same interest as I have in the earlier parts of the test?

Fake it!

Long/difficult/boring CR and RC passages can really kill one's concentration, and it's easy to starting "zoning out." In these instances, it's crucial that you engage 100% in the passage. So, rather than approach a passage with dread ("yeesh, this is going to be a killer"), try to feign interest ("Excellent! This passage is about protozoa!! I can't think of anything more exciting!!!!"). It may sound silly, but it helps. The greater your engagement, the better your results.

You can find additional tips to help you better engage with the passage in this free video: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... on?id=1123

Cheers,
Brent

Hi abhinayar,

What materials have you been using to study? Are you self-studying with books or using a prep course?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

mevicks wrote:

Brent@GMATPrepNow wrote:...

Also, you should be reviewing each practice test to identify areas of weakness.

Hi Brent,

On a side note it seems that in my recent mock tests my level has improved and I see a majority of (700+) level questions, which are of course harder. However, the problem I'm facing is that my habit of reviewing each and every problem (right or wrong, correct and incorrect guesses, validating other approaches which are faster etc) is taking too much time out of my preparation schedule! Sometimes it takes 2-3 days to finally complete my reviewing of a mock test. And this in turn affects either my verbal or quant score in the next test as i tend to forget various key concepts! Is it advisable to spend so much time in reviewing, which can be used in re-reviewing my error-log of OG problems or going through the notes/flash cards I've prepared ?

Thanks & Regards,
Vivek

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana)

I'm going to answer your question with another question: If you don't review the mistakes you made, how will you avoid making the same mistakes in the future?

Yes, this approach takes time, but I think that the best way to strengthen your weakness is to accurately identify those weaknesses via some kind of analysis of practice tests.

Cheers,
Brent