Scored 660 Twice. Time to regroup. Maybe YOU can help?!

[papgust]

I guess you've already studied the MGMAT quant guides. Have you recorded important concepts/formulae as flashcards?

This is very vital for both quants and verbal. With MGMAT quant guides, you can't ask for more in terms of resources. These guides are really sufficient for any GMAT math test-taker. I would sincerely advice that you go through all 5 guides once more and refresh your basics. Record important points as flashcards and go through your flashcards everyday. You now have plently of time. Even if you're good at verbal, just dedicate atleast 30% of your study time to verbal.

[sauce87124]

Hi Papgust,

Thank you very much for replying to my post.

I have studied all of the MGMAT quant guides, but I have never used flash cards to study. How many cards would you suggest? Mostly formulas, triangles, number properties, exponent rules, etc? Or broader concepts?

I have been so focused on the OG books lately that I've rarely revisited the MGMAT books. That's great advice. I'm going to start on number properties tomorrow and work my way through again. Do you think it's worth covering the advanced chapters as well? Or with my current scoring range, would my time be better spent trying to master the regular chapters?

Interesting point on verbal as well. It sounds like you think my verbal could slip if I don't put in some time to maintain it. Makes total sense, but my initial thought was to focus almost 100% on quant now, so thanks for that advice.

One final question (which I know has been covered ad nauseum around the forums) - but are the GMAC MBA.com practice tests truly the most accurate score predictor? Since I scored a Q46 on both of those practice exams, is it reasonable to assume that - with some focus - I can hit that score on test day?

[papgust]

Hi,

You should definitely start collecting flashcards. It's not the number of flashcards that matter. Whatever concept/math trick/important point you think that needs to be reviewed periodically, then have them as flashcards and review them everyday. It can be a broader concept or a specific one. Anything that you wish to have. You may go through this link which you may find them useful. I have written all of my flashcards here.

https://www.beatthegmat.com/papgust-s-gm ... 58902.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/papgust-s-gm ... 58950.html

Reg MGMAT books, you should first focus on regular chapters. Once you're well-versed with all concepts in the regular chapters, then move on to the advanced section. Advanced section is a must-read for GMAT test-takers. Most of the GMAT questions are build with core fundamentals. Advanced section definitely gives you great insight.

Today's GMAT Math is actually little tougher than what GMATPrep has. I would say that GMATPrep Math is NOT the most accurate indicator now (Some may disagree with me. But this is just my opinion based on my experience). However, it does give you a fair idea of in what range you'll be scoring. My best best will be MGMAT CAT quants. In my opinion, they are the best practice tests for Quants. Although some questions are ridiculously tough, they give you the best problems and explanations. Once you do well in MGMAT quants, you will definitely do well in actual GMAT. They also give a good indicator on how much you will score. For instance, I was scoring 50 in GMAT Prep math and 45-47 in MGMAT quants constantly. Finally, in the D-day i scored a 45. MGMAT has given me an accurate indicator for quants.

Sure, you can score better in real one than what you were scoring in GMATPrep with good amount of focus and pacing. Pacing is very important for quants. I feel that MGMAT does a great job in improving your pacing with their CATs.

[sauce87124]

Has anyone else had success using flashcards? Did you use the BTG free flash card set or did you create your own?

[beatthegmat]

Here is sauce's original post (somehow got deleted). See below:

Hello, Longtime reader. First time poster. So here's my situation. I started studying for the GMAT in late June. I completed the Manhattan GMAT 9 Week Course. I worked hard and kept up with the homework. I completed the entire 12th Edition Official Guide and both supplemental OG Books for Quant and Verbal. I also did the daily "GMAT Hacks" email question and some extra practice questions from the Kaplan 800 book and Critcal Reasoning Power Score book. My score history (5 MGMAT, 4 800score Quant, 2 MBA.com, 2 Real GMAT): MGMAT V36, Q43, 650 (my first full exam before the course started) V37, Q40, 640 V42, Q39, 670 V42, Q47, 720 V41, Q44, 700 800score.com Quant: Q48, Q45, Q38, Q42 MBA.com GMAC Practice Tests: V34, Q46, 640 V41, Q 46, 710 Actual GMAT Exam: V41, Q39, 660, 6.0 AWA (Oct 15) V42, Q39, 660 (Nov 15) (I always took the practice tests in exam conditions btw - with essays and normal break times, etc). I was quite nervous during my first actual exam sitting, so I was quick to blame the Q39 on nerves. When I looked back on my last few MGMAT scores and the Q46 from both MBA.com practice exams, I figured that with some continued studying and a calm mind I could pretty easily get my quant score up. Over the last month, I completed all the Quant questions in the green OG Quant supplement book - and reviewed a number of trouble questions from the OG 12 book. But as you can see, I scored a Q39 again today on my quant. After some initial nerves, I actually felt quite calm today, so my repeat quant score was discouraging. I have decided to give it one more shot. I really think I can improve my quant score. I registered to retake the exam on December 23. That gives me 38 days to get my quant on. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Danka.