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Completely bombed the GMAT. 360

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Completely bombed the GMAT. 360

by ANDREAR2 » Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:59 am
Wow. Well, what can I say!? I studied for about a month, and took a prep course. I definetely need more time to prepare. I think after 1 month I just now am getting the general understanding of the format and concepts tested.
I think during the beginning of the Quant section I got a few questions I didn't know, and then I proceeded to freak out and go blank, even on the items that should have been easy. It turned into a downward spiral from there!
Good news is that I now know more of what to expect, and I really only need a 500 to get into the MBA program I applied for.

I have the OG books...which I will admit I used less than I should have. I had a 3.4 GPA in school, so I know I have the aptitude, but honestly I think some of the things the GMAT is testing are completely irrelevant to an MBA program. Well that is neither here nor there.....

The math concepts I understand, and can do, but it takes me alot longer just to decipher what the heck is being asked...

just curious if the only way to improve quant scores is to just do math day in and day out......?

any guidance would be helpful...and thanks!
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:56 am
As far as how one goes about improving in math, I believe that you should compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.).

This means that, for each topic, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it
Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.

I also suggest that you spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps you should be taking when tackling math problems.

In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests.

If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by keith_b » Mon Dec 03, 2012 8:02 am
Hi Andrea2,

You are still standing and I love your attitude "Good news is that I now know more of what to expect..."

There are a few suggestions I have for you.

You have hit upon a key item that can make the GMAT difficult and that is interpreting the question. I spend a lot of time in my classes training students to look for key terms to help them identify which strategy to pursue when answering a question. For example, when I see the word "product", I start thinking about factoring (how can I break down these numbers into their basic elements - prime factors - so that I can easily see how they relate to each other?) So as you work through questions, look for math terminology and work to associate that terminology with a particular strategy that makes sense to you. To compliment this approach, I would not just do problems. Study some of the concepts being tested (basic geometry, fractions/decimals/percents, and algebra to name a few) so that your conceptual understanding improves as well and you get a better feel for what the GMAT is testing.

Another suggestion would be to take a few practice tests (2 to 3). From your post it sounds like you practiced problems but did not practice taking the test. You have a real one under your belt, but I would encourage to take a few practice tests to get a better feel for how the test adapts to your performance and to prepare you mentally and physically for the test (it is long for most of us :-)).

And a last suggestion would be...don't freak out! :-) As mentioned, the test is going to adapt to how you are doing. As you do better, the questions get harder. So in reality, getting a question you do not know is a good thing. It is important that when you get a question you cannot do, be disciplined: eliminate any wrong answers you can, guess from the remaining answers, and move on. Do not spend extra time on questions you do not know. It is very important to finish all the questions, so by maintaining discipline on the hard questions and letting them go as necessary, you can improve your performance because you will be able to spend the appropriate amount of time on the questions you do know.

Best of luck as you prepare for the GMAT and business school!

Keith
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by alex_katharina » Tue Dec 11, 2012 8:56 am
ANDREAR2 wrote:Wow. Well, what can I say!? I studied for about a month, and took a prep course. I definetely need more time to prepare. I think after 1 month I just now am getting the general understanding of the format and concepts tested.
I think during the beginning of the Quant section I got a few questions I didn't know, and then I proceeded to freak out and go blank, even on the items that should have been easy. It turned into a downward spiral from there!
Good news is that I now know more of what to expect, and I really only need a 500 to get into the MBA program I applied for.

I have the OG books...which I will admit I used less than I should have. I had a 3.4 GPA in school, so I know I have the aptitude, but honestly I think some of the things the GMAT is testing are completely irrelevant to an MBA program. Well that is neither here nor there.....

The math concepts I understand, and can do, but it takes me alot longer just to decipher what the heck is being asked...

just curious if the only way to improve quant scores is to just do math day in and day out......?

any guidance would be helpful...and thanks!
Hi Andrea,

I am pretty much sitting in the same boat when it comes to the quant section. I took the GMAT yesterday and bombed the quant. My verbal was very good with a V43, but I only got a Q18, with an overall score of 460. You described exactly what happened to me when I took the quant section. I stumbled upon a couple of questions that I didn't know how to approach, then I freaked out, and then it got out of control....
After taking the GMAT yesterday, I sat down in the evening and did a debrief. I realized that yes, you indeed need to MASTER each quant topic and practice, practice, practice. Learn how to tackle each question type, and practice in similar conditions, such as a computer screen, the yellow note pad, etc.
I am going to retake the test in 30 days and need to score a 650! It's a big undertaking but with my verbal score of V43 and a decent Quant score, I can do it!
And so can you!!! Best of luck to you!
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