BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Need help and advice

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:02 pm

Need help and advice

by sridhar803 » Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:36 pm
Hi,

I had previously scheduled for my GMAT June 30'2011 sometime in mid May.
I brushed up my basics and gave two MGMAT tests in mid june and scored 590 in both of them.
With such low scores back to back, I pushed my date to Aug 31'2011 so that I could prepare better.

In both the tests, I havent been able to complete the section in 75minutes. I was always like 8-10 questions away by the time I reached the 75th minute. I have a math background and was disappointed to see that I couldnt even finish the quant section!

My scores were:
CAT 1: 590(Quant 38(correct:15), Verbal 33(correct:21))
CAT 2: 590(Quant 44(correct 20), Verbal 29(correct:20))

Is the GMAT really as tough as the MGMAT tests?
They seemed to be tougher than the ones I have seen in the OG 12th edition.

I have MGMAT study material and OG 12th edition and I plan to prepare myself.
When I assessed my performance, apart from the time factor, I see that I am weak in RC and CR in Verbal. In quant, I am weak in DS.

Any suggestions on how I could improve my performance?
If you have any good study material or question banks, that will be very helpful.

thanks
Top
Source: — GMAT Strategy |
User avatar
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 24
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:04 pm
Location: San Antonio, TX
Thanked: 4 times
GMAT Score:650

by rjank » Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:37 pm
I haven't taken any MGMAT CATs myself, but I've heard people say that the quant on those CATs is harder than the real GMAT.

People usually agree that the official practice CATs GMAC provides are the best indicator of how you will score on the real test. This doesn't hold true for everyone, however.
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:00 am
GMAT Score:710

by singhupinder » Mon Jul 04, 2011 1:19 am
The quant on MGMAT is definitely tougher than that on the real GMAT. But it prepares you really well and reviewing the questions will help you build a better foundation. The verbal section is pretty close to what you get in the GMAT. The Manhattan books are more than sufficient to get a good score in the GMAT. Go through the Manhattan CR guide, it is one of the best books out there. As for timing, practice is the key. Go through the material and give as many tests as you can. You should be able to develop an internal clock so that you just know when you are taking too much time on a particular question.

Tip : Don't practice against the clock. While practicing write down the starting time and time of completion. That ways you will develop a better timing sense. Practicing against the clock will only make you anxious.

Best of luck with your preparation. Fell free to PM me if you have any doubts.
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 1:02 pm

by sridhar803 » Tue Jul 05, 2011 2:34 pm
Thanks for the inputs guys.

I am currently reviewing the CR book from MGMAT. Will solve the official guide and verbal review books once I review this book. Hoping to improve :)

Do you guys know of any online 700+ GMAT questions resources?
If they are affordable I would like to go ahead and purchase them and practice.
Especially for Quant I am struggling to find a good question bank resource with 700+ type GMAT questions.
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:00 am
GMAT Score:710

by singhupinder » Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:29 am
Try out the manahattan online question bank.
Nulla tenaci invia est via : "for the tenacious no road is impassable"
Top
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 311
Joined: Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:42 am
Thanked: 45 times
Followed by:18 members

by FutureWorks » Wed Jul 06, 2011 2:36 am
Hi Sridhar


There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. It could be combination of-

1-Books- Books like- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review etc could be used.

2-Online Study Guide: Websites like Knewton, Grockit etc provide you with practise questions online.

3-Smart phone applications- Kaplan, Veritas etc offer applications to prepare for GMAT on your smart phones.

A combination of these could be useful at different stages and will also provide you flexibility and more content. Also you can be sure if you are areas you are facing issues are solved or not. We would advise you to keep taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas and you can focus on them accordingly. If you are aiming for top institutes a score of 700 and above is advisable.
Top
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 2193
Joined: Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:30 pm
Location: Vermont and Boston, MA
Thanked: 1186 times
Followed by:512 members
GMAT Score:770

by David@VeritasPrep » Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:58 am
Sridhar -

It is actually not advisable to try to do only 700 level questions (and these are often misidentified anyway).

You are having difficulty making it through the 37 questions in the time allowed (even if the Manhattan tests, like the Veritas Prep tests are "tougher" on the Quant side than the real thing you are still behind the pace). This means that you need to be able to do all levels of questions. You will not only get 700-level questions. After all, that is the top 10%. Not only that but the test does not adapt so quickly or so specifically that you won't continue to see questions of various levels throughout the test.

Please also keep in mind that probably the most important thing that you can do on the test - both in terms of timing and scoring - is to be able to get the questions right that you are supposed to get right and to do this efficiently, but without rushing.

The ability to handle questions of all levels is key to scoring very high on the Quant (and the verbal as well). I would recommend that you continue to do a mix of questions. Remember that because someone labels questions as 700-level does not mean that they are good questions. Concentrate on doing official questions and good questions from reputable companies.

Good luck!
Veritas Prep | GMAT Instructor

Veritas Prep Reviews
Save $100 off any live Veritas Prep GMAT Course
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1