Starting Prep- 1st Gmat Prep. What next?

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akhilsuhag: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 351; Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 10:25 pmFollowed by: 4 members; Thanked: 57 times

by akhilsuhag » Sat May 31, 2014 9:31 am

Hey,

Well I am looking to re-start this journey, I had prepared back in 2011 for a month but never really finished it. So starting my prep today with my first GMATPrep-

Total- 680
IR 4
Q 47; 14 Incorrect ( 9 PS; 5 DS)
V 35; 14 Incorrect (4 CR; 5 SC; 5 RC)

First time with IR. Din know what to expect. Had no clue what they were asking. Guessed on most. Need to work on it.

In Quant I was surprised that I have more PS incorrect than DS that came as a surprise. Also I got a lot of questions incorrect in groups like (5/7/8), (18/21/22), (30/31/32), (11/12). Does this have some logic, does it mean the concentration drops suddenly or something.

In Verbal during my last prep I was considerably stronger on CR/RC. On verbal I could feel my mind being fatigued, also I could feel that I am not registering the RC's or even basically understanding them. Again got questions wrong in groups (6/7/8), (20/21/22 Last two are RC), (33/34), (38/39/40 All RC). The last RC my mind was basically dead, and my eyes.

I also think I should start reading more- I used to and then I just view stuff on youtube these days. Also need to build stamina.

I would be grateful for your assessment of my score and breakdown. I hope to get beyond 740, don't know if I can though.

Thanks beforehand!

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sat May 31, 2014 9:31 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Sat May 31, 2014 1:26 pm

Hi akhilsuhag,

Back in 2011, the old version of the GMAT started you off with 2 essays; the current version starts you off with 1 Essay and IR - having to deal with IR instead of a second essay is a considerable difference. The IR requires more work and is far more likely to cause stress than a second essay used to. As such, it's not a surprise that you were a bit burned out during the Verbal section.

The good news is that this CAT result is a strong performance and I believe that you could hit a mid-700s score, if you make the necessary adjustments.

When are you planning to take your Official GMAT? Are you planning to apply to Business School this year?

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

varung79: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 38; Joined: Tue May 20, 2014 6:38 am; Thanked: 3 times

by varung79 » Sat May 31, 2014 11:15 pm

Hi Akhil

Interesting case; I'm watchful on this thread too and, would like to listen from experts about, given 75 to 90 days of time period from now, what it takes to move ahead from 680 score to get into mid 700s?

akhilsuhag: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 351; Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 10:25 pmFollowed by: 4 members; Thanked: 57 times

by akhilsuhag » Sun Jun 01, 2014 4:09 am

Hi Rich,

I am giving myself 3-4 months to prep. I will be applying next year and hoping to start in 2017. So I do have time on my hand.
However I expect to be relatively more busy post September from a work perspective (although I still am to a certain extent).

Regards.

Please press "thanks" if you think my post has helped you.. Cheers!!

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:54 am

Hi akhilsuhag,

Your overall plan/timeline gives you a great opportunity to hit your goal.

Before you get deep into your studies, here's some overall advice:

1) Make your practice as realistic as possible. Most of your practice problems, quizzes, etc. should be done on the computer because that's how the actual GMAT is administered. Some bookwork is okay (the OG13, for example, is a great resource), but working out of a book is not realistic. To that end, you MUST take each of your practice CATs in its entirety and in a test-like fashion.

2) Do your studying in small "chunks"; the concept of "cramming" doesn't tend to lead to good results on these types of exams.

3) Precision is a must. At the level you're aiming at, silly/little mistakes will make a big difference.

4) The GMAT gives you the score that you EARN, so you have to think about all the different things you can do to EARN IT. This goes beyond mental preparation. There's the functional side of taking the GMAT, the physical and psychological aspects, the little details that can affect one's state of mind.

What materials are you planning to use during your studies?

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

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