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First attempt 650, plan to reappear

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First attempt 650, plan to reappear

by Navie » Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:22 am
Hi All

I took my first attempt in Feb , scored 650 (V37, Q42).
The test material i studied was Manhattan Gmat all 8 books
Powerscore Critical reasoning, i took the manhattan practice tests, and the free versions of Kaplan n Veritas too.

The problem areas that i have identified are-
1. Timing- i could not finish the Quant section , it had 4 questions left when time ran out
2. Quant- data sufficiency questions
3. Data interpretation- timing sucks , if given time i can solve most of the questions, the questions are too lengthy and not enough sources to practice from.
4. Sentence Correction.

My questions to the experts-
1. How to rectify timing issues- practice (thats all ? or some other techniques are out there that i dont know)

2. What sources to use this time around and how long should i prep.

3. What is the scalable target given all above , i need minimum 725 to get into the b school of my choice

Background- Med science grad, working in HR field in a 100 employee IT company 2+ years, not hot cakes experience wise , thats why i need a better score.

Appreciate your help in advance.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Apr 10, 2014 7:55 am
Navie wrote: 1. How to rectify timing issues- practice (thats all ? or some other techniques are out there that i dont know)
I suggest that you use a Milestone Chart to keep you on track. This is covered in our free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

Also, early in one's studies, it's a good idea to use a stopwatch to help get an idea of what 2 minutes feels like. This tip and others can be found in my BTG articles on "making friends with time on the GMAT"
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/06/ ... mat-part-i
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/07/ ... at-part-ii


Navie wrote: 2. What sources to use this time around and how long should i prep.
You mentioned that Data Sufficiency is proving difficult for you. This is quite common - practically everyone struggles with Data Sufficiency (DS) questions at first. This question type is totally unique to the GMAT, so it's foreign territory.

If you're looking for some extra DS resources, we have a free set of videos that cover everything you need to know: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-data-sufficiency


Finally, to help keep your studies on track, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by [email protected] » Thu Apr 10, 2014 9:01 am
Hi Navie,

If you can answer a few questions, then I'd be happy to offer some advice:

1) How long did you study before you took the Official GMAT?
2) What were your practice CAT scores (and the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
3) Did you have this timing/pacing problem on your CATs too?

4) What school(s) are you planning to apply to?
5) Why do you think that you need a minimum of 720 on your GMAT?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
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by Navie » Sat Apr 12, 2014 5:41 am
Hi Rich

1) How long did you study before you took the Official GMAT?

The effort i put in all would be worth 3 months, although i started in Aug last year, with an intent of appearing in Dec, i was not very consistent, lost out on the momentum due to family emergencies n work issues by September and had to put it off, then picked up again in Dec and appeared in Feb.

2) What were your practice CAT scores (and the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)
My CAT Scores for Manhattan were-
CAT 1- 520 Q 35, V 28
CAT 2- 520 Q 32, V 29
CAT 3- 500 Q 40, V 18
CAT 4- 540 Q 30, V 35
CAT 5- 580 Q40, V 31
CAt 6- 560 Q40, V 28

CAT 1-3 were in the Aug- Oct phase, rest CAT 4-6 in Jan end n Feb.

Kaplan- 620
Veritas- 650

I don't remember their break ups, but they were after some serious follow up post Manhattan.

3) Did you have this timing/pacing problem on your CATs too?
I had this problem on Manhattan ones but not in the latter ones.

4 ) What school(s) are you planning to apply to?
ISB, MDI,these are indian colleges, i have not considered colleges outside India as i plan to finance this myself without asking my folks.

5) Why do you think that you need a minimum of 720 on your GMAT?
Because the average score for previous batches in these colleges in 710 or thereabout, i possibly need more than 720 to secure an admission.

I believe i can make it to my Targeted score , i just need direction.
My first attempt was me trying to figure it out myself, don't want to repeat the mistake .
I am determined to see this through.

Appreciate you taking the time out for my query !


P.S- i can attach mu assessment summary if needed.
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by [email protected] » Sat Apr 12, 2014 11:25 am
Hi Navie,

Your CAT scores and Official GMAT score show that you have an ability to improve. Considering the competitive nature of the schools that you listed, I understand why you're planning to retest. To that end, you'll need to focus more on your Quant score, as that tends to be a number that many Business Schools scrutinize. One final point on your overall GMAT score - Business Schools typically list their AVERAGE GMAT score for admission and the "middle 80%"; based on what you describe, there is NO real evidence that you NEED a 720 to secure admission. Since 720 is the average, some applicants clearly scored higher and some scored lower than that.

With a Q42, you are clearly strong at the "math" that the GMAT tests, but you're not thinking strategically enough to score in the higher range. Quant tactics are what you'll require to pick up those points (including a new approach for DS questions; your current approach takes too long AND costs you points). The V37 means that you're strong in all 3 Verbal categories, but there are some subtle grammar rules and rarer versions of standard RC/CR prompts that you're getting wrong. Fatigue might also be affecting your performance a bit.

I'd suggest that you look into some additional computer-based GMAT materials. Some consistent, professional guidance over the course of a month or so (and a bit of work on your part) is probably all that you need to score in the 700+ range.

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by Navie » Mon Apr 14, 2014 4:36 am
Would Kaplan test series help ? I have already done the Manhattan one for the last attempt,
and for IR- any sources for questions ?Should i get the manhattan book for it ?

Problem here is - i dont know where to start and what to do? the same books n sources all over again ?
or some other books / forums ?
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by [email protected] » Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:55 am
Hi Navie,

I think that if you use the same resources in the same way then you'll end up with a similar result. You need to make some adjustments and use new tactics (or use certain tactics more frequently than you currently use them). To that end, you need some new GMAT materials that will force you to change your perspective, so you should review the various options and choose whichever one best matches your personality, budget and timeline.

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