GMAT Strategy

Hi adi90,

I like your attitude - you've had some GMAT setbacks, but you're willing to keep working at it in order to succeed. That's exactly the right approach. My advice right now is to take a look at the way you best learn. You mention practice tests (good, everybody should do that!), and also book-based resources that you have used. Some people have a lot of success with books, but other people do not. Other people achieve success with video learning resources, or with personal tutors.

Ask your self how you best learn, and then find the resource that works with the way you learn. Fortunately, there are many "try-before-you-buy" resources, and I recommend that you look closely at these so that you are not out of pocket as you search for the resource that matches your preferred learning style. For example, our online video lessons and practice questions have many free videos for you to watch, and see if they work for you: https://gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat-read ... prehension has ten free videos on reading comprehension.

Good luck!

Hi Adi90,

While you're not feeling good right now, you should remember that Business Schools don't care if you take the GMAT more than once, so doing so is not a big deal. You've also learned some things about what "works" and what doesn't in terms of how you should be studying.

Based on what you've described, I can see some problems with how you approached your studies. Thankfully, they can all be fixed/improved.

1) It does not sound like you were able to study in a truly consistent manner. Most Test Takers need 3 months of consistent study (10-15 hours per week or more) to hit their "peak" scores. While studying every day is NOT necessary, studying in small "chunks" throughout the week tends to be a more effective way to learn than trying to "cram" in a lot on the weekends.

2) Studying primarily with books does not properly simulate the work/"mechanics" that are required on the actual GMAT. Certain books are quite valuable (the OG13, for example), but they should be used as a complement to a Computer-based set of resources. The physical "mechanics" of Test Day require LOTS of practice on a computer (more than just taking CATs). Books also tend to be limited in terms of the volume of material they can teach you (and the types of explanations that are offered in answers/explanations section of the book).

3) Practice CATs should be taken on a regular basis (1 CAT every 1-2 weeks). The ENTIRE CAT should be taken (including Essay and IR) under as-close-to-Test-Like conditions as possible). Retaking a CAT that you've already used almost always leads to artificially "inflated" scores, since you will likely come across questions that you've already seen/answered. A full question-by-question review of the CAT is also a good idea (even the questions that you got correct).

Everything on the GMAT is standardized and predictable, so you CAN learn to CRUSH the GMAT. If you find yourself "guessing" on lots of Verbal questions, then you have not spent enough time learning the content, patterns and tactics for that section of the Test. Beyond the Verbal section, you have an opportunity to pick up points in the Quant section as well.

Now as to what comes next:

1) What is your goal score?
2) When do you want to apply to school?

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