Preparing for GMAT but very doubtful

[swan]

Hello Everyone,

I just joined. Quite an impressive forum!
I have been preparing for GMAT slowly for last few weeks.... I understand the problems and their explanation but when I take practice tests (Princeton Review) I get less than half the answers right. Again when I read the answer explanation I understand them. Why have I not been able to enforce this understandong in the practice tests that I have taken so far.
Is it a lot of practice that I need before going for the test?
Do I need to change my approach or keep on studying slowly like I am now.?

Background: I have been out of university for a while now, background is Civil Engineering and have worked as an oilfield engineer for 5 years. Not working now because I thought it was time to change.

[beatthegmat]

Hello Everyone,

I just joined. Quite an impressive forum!
I have been preparing for GMAT slowly for last few weeks.... I understand the problems and their explanation but when I take practice tests (Princeton Review) I get less than half the answers right. Again when I read the answer explanation I understand them. Why have I not been able to enforce this understandong in the practice tests that I have taken so far.
Is it a lot of practice that I need before going for the test?
Do I need to change my approach or keep on studying slowly like I am now.?

Background: I have been out of university for a while now, background is Civil Engineering and have worked as an oilfield engineer for 5 years. Not working now because I thought it was time to change.

Hi swan:

Welcome to the community. The short answer to your question is: YES--it takes a lot of practice to do well on the test. I would take some time to look at my GMAT blog, https://beatthegmat.blocked, to see one example of a good study strategy. You'll notice that practice tests are frequently built into the study schedule.

The secret to success on the GMAT is simply solid practice. If you can stay disciplined to your studies you'll have a great shot at reaching your target score.

Look forward to reading your posts! Definitely leverage the community during your prep--replying to posts and teaching others are effective ways to reinforce GMAT concepts for yourself.

[swan]

Thanks for replying. I know I need a lot of prep before going to the exam. Even though I have also bought the thicker books like KAPLAN PREMIER & CRACK THE GMAT PRINCETON books, but I am re-doing the thinner slimmer Princeton's Math Workout book. I find it great for brushing up the basic concepts.

For all others like me, re-doing makes a concept stick in your mind. My startegy is before I move on to bigger books I should be solid in my basics and the types of question that the GMAT throws at us.
Then I can start the thick books and the CDs.

It may take me longer than others to get smart but I am on my way.
Cheers.