Hello Community,
I am feeling too much pressure from studying for the GMAT. To explain a bit about myself, I graduated in Fall 2010 and after studying on and off for six months (probably for about 3-4 months total), I took the actual GMAT and actually only scored 20 points higher than my very first diagnostic CAT. I went through the 9 week MGMAT course, bought the 3 OG books and Powerscore CR bible but I believe I ended up scoring so poorly because my foundations were weak. When I saw my 490 (Q29, V29) score, I felt like shit- and was sad. My CATs previously averaged around 530.
I took a 6 month break- sold most of my study materials and thought I would give it a few years. By the end of December, I wanted to go back in and finish this once and for all. I enrolled in an Intermediate College Algebra course and am currently in the middle of it with a 100% in the class after a test, quiz, and homework. My math feels significantly better than before, so I've picked up a McGraw Hill handbook on Grammar to try to gain a good grip on my Verbal. After this I plan on going through the Powerscore CR bible one more time. Quite frankly, I am letting the text anxiety get to me again. It's not that I don't test well- it's just that I get so anxious in the months preceding the actual test.
After having such an unsuccessful studying/test taking experience last year (despite having weak foundations), my lack of GMAT confidence is quite apparent. My fear of failing again seems to be hindering my ability to effectively study. Interestingly enough, I have a BA in Psychology which causes me to over analyze quite a bit.
My goal would be to get a 570 - 630. I am not shooting for the moon here, but I guess I am looking for some encouragement/advice. I would be content with a 550.
I am feeling too much pressure from studying for the GMAT. To explain a bit about myself, I graduated in Fall 2010 and after studying on and off for six months (probably for about 3-4 months total), I took the actual GMAT and actually only scored 20 points higher than my very first diagnostic CAT. I went through the 9 week MGMAT course, bought the 3 OG books and Powerscore CR bible but I believe I ended up scoring so poorly because my foundations were weak. When I saw my 490 (Q29, V29) score, I felt like shit- and was sad. My CATs previously averaged around 530.
I took a 6 month break- sold most of my study materials and thought I would give it a few years. By the end of December, I wanted to go back in and finish this once and for all. I enrolled in an Intermediate College Algebra course and am currently in the middle of it with a 100% in the class after a test, quiz, and homework. My math feels significantly better than before, so I've picked up a McGraw Hill handbook on Grammar to try to gain a good grip on my Verbal. After this I plan on going through the Powerscore CR bible one more time. Quite frankly, I am letting the text anxiety get to me again. It's not that I don't test well- it's just that I get so anxious in the months preceding the actual test.
After having such an unsuccessful studying/test taking experience last year (despite having weak foundations), my lack of GMAT confidence is quite apparent. My fear of failing again seems to be hindering my ability to effectively study. Interestingly enough, I have a BA in Psychology which causes me to over analyze quite a bit.
My goal would be to get a 570 - 630. I am not shooting for the moon here, but I guess I am looking for some encouragement/advice. I would be content with a 550.
