What would be a good stuy plan for me?

[maxpowers]

Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject: What would be a good study plan for me?

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I haven't looked at any GMAT prep stuff in a few years, and just started again this week. The only section I need help with is math. I've done extremely well on the verbal every time I've taken it. Last time I took the test was in Feb 2 of 04 and I got 39 verbal and 42 quant for a score of 660 (and 5.5 on AWA), which is pretty consistent with my previous attempts. I had a kaplan tutor before that test work with me only on math and my math score actually went down and my verbal went up, leaving me with the same 660 I got before.

I know the basic math concepts, but stil struggle with figuring out the harder problems and handling my nerves when taking a test like this. I find the data sufficiency problems to be escpially difficult when dealing with number properties.

I have the OG 10th edition, the 2003 ARCO book, a probability book from high school, and a book called "Math Power" from the 80's, and I have the Kaplan 2003 book here somewhere.

So far I've reviewed the perm/comb from the prob book, as well as the basic math concepts from the math power book. I've also done some questions on the forum.

Should I go out and buy all the new editions or any other books or is what I have fine? I refuse to believe that I can't improve my math skills to the point where I can solve these problems

[beatthegmat]

Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 12:57 pm Post subject: What would be a good study plan for me?

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I haven't looked at any GMAT prep stuff in a few years, and just started again this week. The only section I need help with is math. I've done extremely well on the verbal every time I've taken it. Last time I took the test was in Feb 2 of 04 and I got 39 verbal and 42 quant for a score of 660 (and 5.5 on AWA), which is pretty consistent with my previous attempts. I had a kaplan tutor before that test work with me only on math and my math score actually went down and my verbal went up, leaving me with the same 660 I got before.

I know the basic math concepts, but stil struggle with figuring out the harder problems and handling my nerves when taking a test like this. I find the data sufficiency problems to be escpially difficult when dealing with number properties.

I have the OG 10th edition, the 2003 ARCO book, a probability book from high school, and a book called "Math Power" from the 80's, and I have the Kaplan 2003 book here somewhere.

So far I've reviewed the perm/comb from the prob book, as well as the basic math concepts from the math power book. I've also done some questions on the forum.

Should I go out and buy all the new editions or any other books or is what I have fine? I refuse to believe that I can't improve my math skills to the point where I can solve these problems

Hi maxpowers:

It sounds like you need to develop a study strategy that emphasizes rigor in analyzing your mistakes. My one piece of advice is that you do not conduct your GMAT preparation in the same manner that you had before. Your goal for studying this time around should be to develop a system where you can systematically identify/categorize your errors, and then tactically improve on your weaknesses.

This advice might sound a little vague, but the best place to start developing a study strategy is to look at an example of what one successful study strategy can look like. Please take some time to visit my GMAT Blog (https://beatthegmat.blocked).

For more info about strategy and resources, I encourage you to browse through the new GMAT Resource Wiki (https://www.beatthegmat.com/wiki). I think you'll find a lot of great info there.

Also, during your prep I encourage you to use this forum heavily for any questions you might have about the test--whether it's related to strategy or specific problems. We're here to help you succeed!

Best of luck!

[maxpowers]

How do I systematically identify/categorize my errors to learn from them?Am I ok with the books I have?

[beatthegmat]

Check out this thread: https://www.beatthegmat.com/viewtopic.php?t=68

In terms of books, I would avoid ARCO--I haven't heard good things about it. Check out the GMAT Books I recommend on the GMAT Resource Wiki: https://www.beatthegmat.com/wiki/