Please tell me it gets better

[MMC]

I just took the arithmetic portion of the first diagnostic in the OG. I didn't even bother with the data sufficiency yet. I consider myself intelligent...or did until I checked my answers...BOMB! I have been studying for a while now, and have been making my own notes. Your flashcards are really good and covered things that I didn't think of.

The first diagnostic in the 11th edition OG had 3 probability problems and 3 cylinder/cone questions. 6 questions out of 24 down the toilet...grrr.

Please tell me that this gets better.

[beatthegmat]

Hi MMC:

It does get better. Just focus on putting together a solid study strategy to systematically cover material as well as analyze your weaknesses, and you should see improvement.

If you're just kicking off your prep, I recommend skimming through my GMAT Blog, https://beatthegmat.blocked. This is one example of how you can structure your own preparation.

Best of luck and keep your head up!

[MMC]

Thanks Eric,

I would love to say I have just started, but I can't. I started studying for this back in March (obviously not consistently). I signed up for Veritas in late Jan., the class was supposed to start mid-March and they ask that you don't prep beforehand so that their strategies aren't undermined. Well, they canceled the class on the Fri. before the Mon. that it was supposed to start. I haggled with them a bit, which took some time, and we agreed on a private tutor. The tutor didn't get a hold of me until a week before she was supposed to graduate and move to Montana. By then, it was too late. They were cool about it and gave me my money back. My wedding, honeymoon and work (6 days a week) took up all of June. I put in my notice in July and they had no one to replace me until, three weeks ago.

In addition, I have been trying to finish the second of two continuing ed courses to keep my real estate appraisal license. There's probably more, but I feel that you get the gist. I need to make a Nov. 1st deadline, including recommendations, application and essays. *puff* *puff*

I even took the books on my honeymoon...after the first two days, I never even took them out of the suitcase.

[beatthegmat]

Looks like you have been keeping busy!

Is your schedule more or less clear now for some consistent studying?

[Stacey Koprince]

I even took the books on my honeymoon...after the first two days, I never even took them out of the suitcase.

I'm glad to hear that (the second part of your sentence, that is)! Yes, things get better. On the real test, it is extremely unlikely that you'll get 3 prob and 3 cone / cylinder questions - the algorithm spreads things out more to make sure you're tested on lots of different areas.

Even though you said you've started studying, it sounds like things have been pretty non-ideal so far. You've just got to get yourself on a consistent and comprehensive study plan.