Poor results - need help :(

[BW123]

Hi guys, I'm in need of dire help -- would like some consultation.

I'm currently on Day 23 of the 60-Day study plan (4-5hrs/day). I did not do as well as I hoped on the 1st CAT. Just to give you a breakdown of my situation:

Goal: 700+
Test date: TBD - whenever I'm averaging 700+.

Reality:
* OG Diagnostics 1st time: Quant = "Avg/Below Avg". Verbal = "Avg/Below Avg"
* GMATPrep Exam 1: Q26/V21 - 420 Overall (pathetic, I know)

--- After all Quant Review ~Day 22
* OG Diagnostics 2nd time: PS/DS = Low end of "Excellent" -- Not timed!
* GMATPrep Exam 1: Q36/V25 - 510 Overall (still disgusting!)

On the CAT, I tried the 2min per problem strategy and this forced me to skip 5 problems to keep up with time. I know I can solve most of these problems if there was more time! I know I wasn't as fast or efficient as I'd like to be on the CAT and that is something I need to work on. However, is this REALLY the problem? Could it be possible that I'm still not solid with the fundamentals?

I've read that the first 10 problems are very important in terms of scoring algorithm, should I reserve more time for the 1st 10 problems on the CAT? I understand that there are dedicated practice days towards the end of the 60-day guide. Will I be able to improve my Q36 to potentially Q48+?

I've been using MGMAT books for the Quant section but it is extremely time consuming. Some topics take me multiple days to finish. I've always wondered if I can get the same strong fundamentals from the GMATPrep Videos with less time? This will give me more time back to spend on practice problems and speed up the overall study process. Any insight on this as I prepare to start my verbal section?

I apologize for the many questions. I'm very disappointed (and worried) in my results thus far, nowhere near the progress I imagined. However, I'm determined to get that 700+! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to your response!

Thanks!
BW

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

To begin, it's important to point out that your quant score increased 10 points in 22 days. That's huge! This illustrates the importance of getting a baseline score at the beginning of your studies. Without that baseline score, you wouldn't know how far you've come.
If you can achieve the same success in Verbal, then your score on the next practice test will be around 600, leaving you with 100 points to go.
This is all very manageable. You're on the right track.

Timing: for the time being, I suggest that you don't worry about timing until later in your studies (Day 43 to be precise). Having said that, it's not a bad idea to time yourself while doing practice question, but do so solely for the purpose of getting a good idea of what 2 minutes feels like.

I wrote two articles for Beat the GMAT on the topic of timing while preparing:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/06/ ... mat-part-i
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/07/ ... at-part-ii

I've read that the first 10 problems are very important in terms of scoring algorithm, should I reserve more time for the 1st 10 problems on the CAT?

The test-makers say that this is a myth. From the GMAT Official Guide:

It is true that computer-adaptive testing algorithm uses the first 10 questions to obtain an initial estimate of your ability; however, that is only an initial estimate. As you continue to answer questions, the algorithm self-corrects by computing an updated estimate on the basis of all the questions you have answered, and then administers items that are closely matched to this new estimate of your ability. Your final score is based on all your responses and considers the difficulty of all the questions you answered. Taking additional time on the first 10 questions will not game the system and can hurt your ability to finish the test.

I've always wondered if I can get the same strong fundamentals from the GMAT Prep Now videos with less time?

I'm a little biased here, but I'm confident that our videos can provide you with the verbal and quant fundamentals required to achieve high scores on the GMAT.

Cheers,
Brent

[aravind45]

Brent, I have noticed that the videos in GMATPrep and Magoosh are the same.Please kindly explain to me if it's different.