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New to all this - diagnostic test difficulty

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New to all this - diagnostic test difficulty

by topperdoggle » Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:00 pm
Hi,

I'm not thick, I have a Computer Science BSc, and 15 years work in the field. I've started the diagnostic test in the Official guide 12th Edition, but it's really tough going, and each question is taking me 5-20 minutes. This is because I don't remember all the basic maths principles, and I'm having to derive them from scratch.

What's a good path - muddle through the diagnostic test to get a baseline, and then move on to the rest of the book, or should I skip the diagnostic test?

Does this book contain enough information for someone like me (native English speaker, some maths in background but needs a refresh) to do well in the GMAT?
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by dmf5238 » Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:28 pm
Assuming you haven't started any official study yet, I think it's fine to just work the problems and not worry too much about time. The OG diagnostic test isn't meant to be timed anyway, it's meant to be a gauge of what subjects you do/don't have a good grasp on.

With that said, don't waste your time if it's seriously taking you 20 minutes to struggle through a problem. If you genuinely don't know how to go about solving a problem, just put a big fat red X by it and make sure you review that math principle.

The OG is generally regarded as an absolutely necessary tool for reviewing for the GMAT, but I think it is rarely considered sufficient for someone shooting for top level scores. I'm in no position to recommend you a program, but I'm personally working through the Manhattan GMAT set; it seems to be working for me.

If you're looking for a baseline score, check out the GMATPrep software (found at www.mba.com). It is produced by the makers of the GMAT, and it is often considered the most accurate (but not perfect) depiction of what score range you're looking at for the GMAT. I would recommend taking one of those now so you know where you stand, then in a few weeks when you're making progress with your study program, take another one to view your progress.

There are experts on this forum who will help guide you in the right direction, I'm just a fellow student.

Good luck! :)
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by sss2534 » Sun Aug 07, 2011 4:56 pm
I highly recommend this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Math-Review-Stand ... 0822020335


Its a fantastic review of basic math skills. As you can see from the numerous positive reviews on Amazon -- this is a very good book to help you get back to the basics. I found myself in the same boat a few months ago -- my math was a bit rusty. I used this book to myself back on track. Of course -- it's not an advanced quant book -- but its perfect for someone who has been away from math for a while.

topperdoggle wrote:Hi,

I'm not thick, I have a Computer Science BSc, and 15 years work in the field. I've started the diagnostic test in the Official guide 12th Edition, but it's really tough going, and each question is taking me 5-20 minutes. This is because I don't remember all the basic maths principles, and I'm having to derive them from scratch.

What's a good path - muddle through the diagnostic test to get a baseline, and then move on to the rest of the book, or should I skip the diagnostic test?

Does this book contain enough information for someone like me (native English speaker, some maths in background but needs a refresh) to do well in the GMAT?
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by topperdoggle » Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:17 am
Thanks all for the replies. I'll get stuck in and come back later with more questions.
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by Bara » Tue Aug 09, 2011 6:34 am
Dear TP.

The cliffs notes book is a really good start. You might not be ready for OG yet. That said, I highly suggest you keep things in perspective and keep in mind a few things - -

1. the GMAT not only tests content, it tests critical thinking.
2. The critical thinking it tests is specific to business - - not things you'd do if you were McGuyver or a lawyer or Dr.
3. The test is wholly coachable, you just need to find the best method for you to learn the information:
alone, with a tutor, or in a group. The rest is commentary
4. Most of the Math can be solved by not doing it the long way - Many books out there, including Cliffs - - will teach you long math. Again, you need to think through the questions to see what they are really asking you.
5. YES to a diagnostic, and if you want a free evaluation (or diag for that matter) write me off line and I'll send this to you.
6. There are 3 types of verbal test takers: Native English speakers who know the difference between spoken and written English, Native English speakers who mostly read trade journals, newspapers etc., and non Native English speakers. Your approach depends on where you fall on this spectrum.

I have more to say about this. A lot more. But this should get you started with thinking like a business leader, who needs to catch up by getting his MBA, rather than a student clawing at trying to understand what is going on...

Best,
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
BOOK: https://tinyurl.com/TPNYSC
TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McA4aqCNS-c
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