Frustrated 1st GMAT Attempt

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Frustrated 1st GMAT Attempt

by hthielenc » Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:35 am
This community has given me a great deal of sense in terms of the GMAT's ins and outs. I discovered it too late, though. I would be thankful to get someone's input on my situation:

I took the Manhattan GMAT 9-week course in September 2009. After that I took my 1st practice exam, getting 580. Then I had the Holiday break over Christmas and started back in January doing problems at lunch break during the week and takin a practice exam on the weekends. My average score has still been 580.

I took the official GMAT yesterday and was very frustrated to see a 540. Although I was not expecting a huge improvement, I felt great (no stress, no nervousness, etc.) and was expecting a little over 600. I want to go to a top 10 (need at least 660+) in fall of 2011 so I need to get the GMAt out of the way pretty soon.

I ca see that the course and my self-study have not been efficient methodologies. I would like to know if anyone can share some wisdom recommendations as to what to do to study for my re-take in about a month and a half.

Thank you!
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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:47 am
Sorry about your test. I can understand your frustration. I was very frustrated with my first attempt as well. This is what I would recommend. Since you have all of the MGMAT guides, I would go through all of the math material again. This time though, as you go through a chapter go back to previous end of chapter problem sets and do two of those a day. For example, lets say you start with Number Properties after you go through chapter one do the 15 problems at the end. The next day go through chapter two and do those 15 problems, but after you finish chapter two go back and do problems 1 and 2 from chapter 1. The next day go through chapter 3 and go through all of those problems, and as soon as you finish chapter 3 do problems 3 and 4 from chapters one and two. Next day go through chapter 4 and after you finish those 15 problems, do problems 5 and 6 from chapters 1, 2, and 3. Do this all the way through all of the math guides. If you do this, the material will remain fresh in your mind.

With verbal, get the powerscore critical reasoning bible. This will be helpful with CR.
https://www.beatthegmat.com/the-retake-o ... 51414.html

Brandon Dorsey
GMAT Instructor
Veritas Prep

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by hthielenc » Wed Apr 14, 2010 9:07 am
Great idea. I will start applying your suggestion. Thank you!

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by ohtany » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:06 am
I have the same problem. Although, I wasn't following exact methods from MGMAT: I didn't do the test afterwards, took vacations. So after studying on my own, I didn't do too well on the oficial test. I guess the stress took over. Now I am ready to work hard all summer and do the test, I want to apply to top 10 also, and I need at least 690+. I was thinking if I should take the course again? Or just study on my own? (P.S. I loved MGMAT course, I just wasn't focusing enough.)