What should I do next?

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What should I do next?

by gerkka » Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:55 pm
Hello,

I've been studying for this exam on and off for approximately 3.5 months. During that time, I took a MGMAT prep course. I felt that the course was of some value, but I preferred to not take the test immediately and instead changed my strategy to improvements on the quant side. My prep test scores are as follows:

MGMAT 1 = 720, (Q43, V45)
MGMAT 2 = 680, (Q43, V39)
MGMAT 3 = 730, (Q48, V41)

All tests were taken under timed conditions. My quant score jumped up recently, and I thought it might be because I've spent the last month using the following material:

1. Jeff Sackmann's 1000 Question Set -(I've done about 920 of them. Great material, and I would certainly recommend it if you have the time/money to spend).

2. MGMAT Guides - read through all of them, but didn't explore the advanced sections in too much depth. I'm wondering if this could be the next step?

3. OG 12 - I've completed roughly 20 percent of the OG, and mostly easier questions at that. This seems like an obvious thing to do, but I haven't been particularly compelled to push through this just yet.

4. LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible - I read the entire bible prior to taking my first prep test, but my verbal score has settled back to where I believe it actually may be naturally. This might be worth reviewing again.

Things I'm considering doing:

1. GMAT Club Tests? I would say 95% of my prep has been focused on the quantitative side. I want to ensure that I can post at least a 48 quantitative on the actual GMAT, and I'm wondering if this could be a way to do so?

2. MGMAT Advanced Quant Material - I've heard that this information is for those who are scoring about the 70% in quant. My scores on my last MGMAT quant jumped from a 43-48, so am I necessarily ready for this? Or could the last prep exam I gave have been a fluke, and my real quant level be between the 43-45 range?

Plus, some additional questions:

I've noticed that the MGMAT Quant material feels quite difficult when I'm in the heat of the moment on the actual prep exam. During my each of my first 2 MGMAT CATs, I had a stretch during the exam where I missed 7-9 questions in a row. This was debilitating for my score, and something that I tried to rectify on my last exam. However, on the first 2 CATS, I legitimately felt that the questions I missed were not due to time constraints and falling behind, but just that they were really difficult (if not impossible!) for my to solve. Even in private review after the exam, it took me at least several minutes just to understand how the CAT expected me to know how to solve the questions.

In any case, I thought the last MGMAT CAT was easier despite more difficult questions, according to my score reports. With that said, my question is as follows: Is the MGMAT Quant more difficult than the GMAT Prep Quant? If so, can I expect to be closer to a 49-50 Quant on the GMAT Prep if I'm scoring in the 47-48 range on MGMAT?

Also, I forgot to mention earlier, but I just graduated from college and decided to get this exam out of the way, with no intention of applying to b-school for at least 4 years. I'm already really invested in this, but I hear that the top schools (Harvard, Wharton, Stanford) make students furnish scores from the last 2 years. Is this true? Would they make me do so, even with a 750-770 GMAT that I think I'm capable of?

Thanks,

G.
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by akhilsuhag » Tue Sep 13, 2011 1:09 am
I have heard that the MGMAT quants are harder. Try taking a GMATprep and see where you actually are.
From their I have heard good things about the MGMAT advanced Quant.

I would also point out, since your strength is verbal concentrate on that as well and perfect it. A good verbal score can take you far. Try to make it flawless and you will easily get your target.

I hope I make sence!!
Please press "thanks" if you think my post has helped you.. Cheers!!

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by gerkka » Wed Sep 14, 2011 10:50 am
Does anyone from Manhattan GMAT know of whether I can get the Advanced Quant guide now (free of charge), despite the fact that I finished the prep course over 1 month ago?

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by gerkka » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:40 am
My test is scheduled for next week, November 21st. I've recently gone through most of the OG#11 and have taken GMATPrep1 and GMATPrep2 with the following scores:

GMAT Prep #1: Q49, V37 = 710
GMAT Prep #2: Q49, V41 = 740

I was thinking of doing the following in my last week:

1. Do all difficult GMAT SC problems from the file somewhere on BTG
2. Review GMATPrep 1 and 2 thoroughly, and re-solve all problems.
3. Re-read MGMAT Word Translations and MGMAT NP guides
4. Skim through all old MGMAT problems from my first 3 MGMAT exams.

Is there anything else you all think I should do before I take my exam? Should I do any studying on the two days prior to this exam (i.e., 19th and 20th no studying)?

Is there some critical component I'm missing in my final round of prep?

Thanks.

Gerkka

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by IJR » Tue Nov 15, 2011 9:09 am
I can definitely recommend the gmatclub math tests. If you go through 8-10 of those, you will definitely take your Quant abilities to the next level. I thought they were great.