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Need Advice - 3 GMAT Attempts (670 - 45Q 35V)

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Need Advice - 3 GMAT Attempts (670 - 45Q 35V)

by sarangpalsule » Thu Jul 10, 2014 2:22 pm
Hi Guys,

I have given the GMAT thrice 640, 630(49Q 27V), 670 (45Q, 35V)
On my second test I messed up my 8 min break between my quant and verbal section and then I was psychologically destroyed. Couldn't recover after that.

The last test that I took, I felt very comfortable giving the test. I have a feeling that I may have fallen for some quant traps because when I was solving the problems I was getting through them pretty well. I also think that I may have gotten complacent, because mid way through the test I started getting some really tough questions, so I thought I was doing great.

In the verbal section CR was more difficult than my mock tests/problems and I encountered a few CR questions which were very cryptic. RC was much easier except 1 passage. I had a couple of issues with SC : 1. I could do the first split but then selecting between the last 2 options I think I messed up. 2. There were a few questions where I had no clue what was going on.

I was planning on scheduling another test date, but I wanted some advice

1. What resources should I focus on for getting better at SC? I have solved the OG13 and supplements and Manhattan Series
2. Any tricks for keeping up with popular traps in Quant?
3. I dont have confidence when I'm solving SC. How do I work on that?
4. For SC what would be the best way to learn all the subtle rules for splitting?

Thanks
Sarang
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by [email protected] » Thu Jul 10, 2014 5:19 pm
Hi sarangpalsule,

I'm hoping that you can provide a bit more information about your studies:

1) What resources did you use?
2) How much time did you spend prepping before each GMAT?
3) When are you thinking about retesting?

As to your questions:
-SC is a mix of knowledge (knowing grammar rules and idioms) and pattern matching (knowing how SCs are "built", the patterns behind the common wrong answers, etc.).
-This might be tough to hear, but If you're making silly mistakes and getting Quant questions wrong, then it's not because of trap answers - it's because you didn't do the necessary work to get the correct answer. Demand excellence of yourself, take lots of notes and stay organized.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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by sarangpalsule » Fri Jul 11, 2014 7:12 am
Hi Rich,

Thank you so much for replying to my post.

1) What resources did you use?
- I used MGMAT, OG 13 and the supplements that came with it. I finished the quant questions that came with the GMATPrep software.
- I just ordered the Advanced Quant MGMAT and the Aristotle SC Grail book. So I will be working on those before my next re-test. Any suggestions on additional material that I could use which would not be a repeat of my earlier resources?

2) How much time did you spend prepping before each GMAT?
- I spend a couple of hours during the weekdays and about 3-4 hours on the weekends. Before the last 2 GMATs I was focusing on solving sets of Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency. I solved 8 problems each and then reviewed. I was using the OG13 a second time for this method. For verbal I was solving 1 RC, 3 CRs and 4 SCs everyday with the quant and revising my issues.
- Any suggestions on how to review my mistakes? I generally felt very comfortable when I read the explanation and understood where I messed up. I need to understand how do I review so that I dont repeat the same error again.
- I had taken a GMATPrep test 2 weeks before my last GMAT and I got a 740. I saw a few repeat scores which might have inflated my score.

3) When are you thinking about retesting?
- I wanted to apply for 2nd round admissions, so was thinking of re-taking the test in September

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out!!

Sarang
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by [email protected] » Fri Jul 11, 2014 10:44 am
Hi Sarang,

A September Test Date gives you plenty of time to continue studying (and improve). Most Test Takers need 3 months (or more) to hit their respective peak scores; while you told me what you were doing on a "typical" day of the week, I'm still not clear on how much total time you put in before each GMAT.

Your GMAT scores are all solid, so a thorough question-by-question review of your last couple of CATs is warranted. You'll have to define what types of questions you're getting wrong and WHY. My guess is that it's a lot of little things, instead of one big category-related issue.

The Verbal side of the GMAT is as standardized and predictable as the Quant side, so you have to treat that section of the test with the same degree of precision, note-taking and attention to detail. If you find yourself reading through all 5 answer choices, eliminating options and trying to find the one that "sounds good", then that is part of why you're not at 700+ yet.

If you haven't learned the proper tactics to deal with the full Verbal section in a consistent fashion, then you might need to invest in some GMAT resources that will teach you those tactics.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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