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eyelikecheese: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 36; Joined: Sun Nov 14, 2010 8:46 am; GMAT Score:690

by eyelikecheese » Mon Dec 27, 2010 10:45 am

Hey guys. I've been studying for about 2 months now. I guess you could say I'm in the GMAT cave. I have spent over 300+ hours going over the MGMAT books, 3 OG's and various elements of kaplan 800. My initial score was 530-I wasn't expecting much because I literally guessed on almost everything. I knew it would be quite a task to improve. I am in no rush to take the test for a deadline or anything, so theoretically I have an unlimited time-frame.

My dilemma: My most recent scores GMAC software and MGAT prep test were both 640. I need to get over that hump though. I'm solid in problem solving, and the quants. The area in which I am lacking is data sufficiency and some reading comprehension. Any advice on how to improve in data sufficiency?

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Dec 27, 2010 10:45 am

Random Wok: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 59; Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 3:26 pm; Thanked: 8 times; GMAT Score:750

by Random Wok » Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:04 pm

Doing well in DS is all about process memorization.

For me, what I did was, rewrite each statement in shorthand form on my notesheet. That way, when I started testing values on my notesheet, I wouldn't forget one of the proofs. I also created the "AD BCE" grid as prescribed by MGMAT. That way I could systematically cross off each answer choice until I got to the end. Finally, I re-read the actual question before crossing off or finalizing an answer. Many wrong DS answers just come from forgetting what the question actually asked for.

Given, for some of the easier DS problems, this detailed process isn't necessary. But you'll definitely need it for the harder DS problems where the answer is not obvious.

For material, I know that a lot of the material out there on DS can be out of whack. There was a post in this forum with 700+ GMAT Prep problems. That should be a good source of legitimate DS problems.

For RC, I personally didn't study much in this area. I would just recommend reading tough material, such as articles from the Economist or National Geographic, to hone your skills.

Best of Luck.

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eyelikecheese: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 36; Joined: Sun Nov 14, 2010 8:46 am; GMAT Score:690

by eyelikecheese » Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:28 am

Thanks for the information. I thought the quant would be the hardest section for me, but it turns out to be easily manipulatable and the MGMAT guides are worth their weight in gold. I went from 33-44, and steadily improving in quant.

My verbal has gone from 31-40ish also. I just need to work on perfecting techniques and timing on the verbal

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