How to study for the gmat?

[albaqsan]

Hi, I have a specific question on how I should be studying and understanding all the concepts we see from the gmat exam? The course prep material Im using is from Knewton, but I don't see major improvements so far after 2 weeks.

For example, I know that I need to do the pre-assessment test then watch the videos, then do the core work, and finally complete the practice questions. However, my scores are terrible! I get an average of about 30% on all practice tests, and quizzes. What am I doing wrong?

The videos cover a good range of question types and explanations to them, but they do not cover every single question type that I see in the practice questions, not even the majority of them for that matter. Therefore, I have to try and figure out the ones I missed have to be solved.

I do review the tests to see each individual question I missed and solution to it, but I do not always understand the solutions provided. On top of that, assuming there are over 100 types of questions on the exam, each requiring a specific and special way to solve, how are we suppose to prepare for each one?

Appreciate all your help and support on this matter.

Thanks!

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Hi albaqsan,

Since you've only been studying for 2 weeks, you're still fairly early on in your studies. Some Test Takers need far more time than that to see significant improvement.

If you're not clear on the "content" that is consistently tested on GMAT questions, then some content focus is probably warranted (math formulas, grammar rules, etc.). You might find that necessary content in your current resources; if you need more than what you currently have access to, then some additional resources are probably warranted.

To your last question, you will certainly learns lots of "rules" while preparing for the GMAT, but from a tactical standpoint, there are NOT 100 different GMAT tactics. As an example, on any given Quant question, there are usually several ways to go about solving, but it's the same handful of approaches for all the Quant questions. You'll have to get comfortable with the various tactics and practice a great deal. I wouldn't expect anyone to have done either in the first 2 weeks of one's studies. You should keep working. If you don't see any improvement in the next few weeks, some adjustments will probably need to be made.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[albaqsan]

Thanks Rich. I appreciate the help!