Can you provide insight?

[SepticRevo]

Hi. I've been taking a Manhattan GMAT test course since early May of this year. I've been tracking my progress in a spreadsheet and haven't seen the improvement I was hoping for. As a someone who is retaking the test after a two year hiatus, I've been grinding through work, as opposed to a few years ago when I didn't study at all. Nervous that studying and learning the proper ways of attacking questions is becoming more detrimental than beneficial. Can anyone provide insight? I've attached the spreadsheet so that you have what I have.

Thanks!

[varung79]

Hi SepticRevo

You may need private tutoring. Did you try any other test prep products?

[SepticRevo]

In 2011, I took a Kaplan course during my Senior Year of College and studying for that fell by the wayside when school became too busy. Other than that, I'm just using everything MGMAT gave me.

[[email protected]]

Hi SepticRevo,

There are plenty of different "ways" to go about studying for the GMAT. Philosophically, I believe that if a particular resource doesn't help you to improve, then you should investigate the other options. Keep in mind that training to crush the GMAT is a process in the same way that learning to play a guitar is a process. It takes time and effort, and you'll probably progress faster with the right teacher. You'll make mistakes and get frustrated, but if you learn the proper tactics, work hard and eliminate the silly mistakes, then you can play/score at a high level.

Based on what you've described, you've been at this for about 6 weeks, which isn't that much study time. Most Test Takers need the better part of 3 months (or more) to hit their respective peak scores.

When it comes to assessing your performance on a CAT, a good place to start is: how many questions did you get wrong because of a silly mistake? Fix those mistakes and you'll see a measured improvement.

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

[VivianKerr]

Learning the "proper" way of attacking questions would never become detrimental, but you need to be honest with yourself. Do you REALLY know the proper way of attacking questions (i.e. effective strategy), because your scores don't imply that. If your strategies were truly effective, then they'd be...well, effective, right? It's also possible your strategies rock but you don't have a handle on the tested content or are really all over the place when it comes to pacing.

The Good News: You're JUST getting started. What you did 2 years ago is really irrelevant at this point. MGMAT's courses are solid, so you probably have picked up on a LOT of the tested content.

The Bad News: Your MGMAT course is like a gym membership, not liposuction. You gotta make it work for you outside of class. Your 550-570 MGMAT scores probably translate to something in the mid-500's on the actual GMAT. You might push up towards a 600 by the end of the course, but my suspicion is you need to build an entire study plan from scratch. You'll need to MASTER the OG13, and all four GMATPrep Tests by the time you take your exam. You'll also need to break down EVERY tested GMAT concept into manageable chunks. I have to agree with Varung79. You might consider working with a private tutor. Your course will not likely be enough.

My questions:
- when's your Test Date?
- what's your DO OR DIE score? (i.e. you HAVE to get a 680+)
- what are your strategies for systematically approaching the following question-types: DS, PS, CR, SC, CR? How do you change-up your approach for a DS-Value versus a DS-Yes/No question? Or an RC inference versus a RC main idea question? GET SPECIFIC!

Overall Suggestion: Stop relying on MGMAT to do it for you. Download and take the GMATPrep 1 and report your scores here. Build a brand new study plan from scratch incorporating MGMAT books.

It's all do-able, and no matter what your desired score, the fact that you're seeking out extra help this early on is a great sign. But overall, I'd really suggest stepping up the way you attack Content, Strategy, and Pacing. You can learn how I classify these definition here: https://gmatrockstar.com/online-gmat-tutor/

Good luck!

[SepticRevo]

Hi Vivian,

Thanks for the response. My test date is July 23rd. I started my MGMAT course during the first week of May and have had a family vacation planned since January that will start on July 26th. If my score isn't up to par, I would consider taking it again, but would also need to know if schools look down on 4 tests in the span of 4 years (November 2011, January 2012, and 2 in 2014). My DO OR DIE score is around 680. I felt like a 60 point increase would be very manageable, especially with a lower verbal score. The two schools I am most interested in are Georgetown and University of Maryland. I currently live in the DC area, and I don't plan on leaving, so I am restricted to GU, UMD, GWU (Undergrad Alum), AU, GMU, Catholic, etc.

What are your strategies for systematically approaching the following question-types: DS, PS, CR, SC, CR?

For DS, I break down/rephrase the problem (clean up/simplify messy equations, state if its an integer), build a t chart for statement 1 and 2 (to prevent statement carry over) as well as build a box of AD/BCE for eliminating answers. I then work through statements 1 and 2. I don't really change up my approach for Value vs Yes/No except when I work through the questions, I say "does this equal x" or try to prove if the Yes/No can be the opposite or conflict (yes and no).

For PS, I determine what the problem is asking, and use the appropriate topic (combo/prob, triangles/quads/3d, algebra, FDP, etc) to solve.

For RC, I read the passage. For Specific Detail questions, I go back into the passage based on the question and find proof for an answer. If there isnt proof in the passage, then the answer is generally wrong. For Except questions, I work E-A, otherwise I work A-E.

For CR, I try to find the Reason and Conclusion for each question, then work through the answer choices from there. CR was a weaker area prior to Test 3, but I saw improvement on my 3rd CAT because I focused on that area a little more.

For SC, I look for splits in the answer choices. Based on what is being tested in the question, I look to see what the modifier is next to, if there is subject verb agreement, parallelism matches up, etc. Idioms are something I'm just now studying. I've downloaded the Magoosh flashcard apps and will also be looking into the BeattheGMAT flashcards.

Pacing wise, on my 2 live tests and first 2 CATS, I would finish each section with 15 mins of extra time, however, I found myself strapped for time on the 3rd test. I guessed on a bunch of questions near the end to finish the Quant Section.

Do the GMATPrep tests allow for review? I've avoided them at this point because I didn't know if I would be able to review them after finishing. I'm very interested in seeing question level and how my progression through the test went (where I dipped down or climbed up, how far each way, average difficulty, etc).

Thanks again for the response. I appreciate it!

[[email protected]]

Hi SepticRevo,

First off, Business Schools don't really care if you take the GMAT more than once. As a general rule, they'll likely consider your most recent GMAT score as your "official" score. You can impress the Schools by showing improvement on this next GMAT.

You've described a suitable methodology for the various GMAT questions that you've practiced with, but adaptation is important (and reviewing past questions so that you can re-do them and work on the subtleties and nuances will help you to improve).

The GMATPrep CATs do allow you for review, but they're remarkably "thin" on information. You can see which questions you got correct/incorrect and you can see the correct answer for each question, but that's it. There are no explanations and no ranking/progression information. A thorough, question-by-question of your each of your CATs is a MUST. You have to "fix" the little things that went wrong, otherwise they might happen again.

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

[SepticRevo]

The GMATPrep CATs do allow you for review, but they're remarkably "thin" on information. You can see which questions you got correct/incorrect and you can see the correct answer for each question, but that's it. There are no explanations and no ranking/progression information. A thorough, question-by-question of your each of your CATs is a MUST. You have to "fix" the little things that went wrong, otherwise they might happen again.

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the information. Is there a companion for the GMATPrep CATs? My biggest concern is not being able to review them in depth.

Thanks!

[[email protected]]

HI SepticRevo,

Unfortunately, I don't think that any companion software (of the type that you're looking for) exists. However, you can still do your own full review of your performance and it's a good bet that almost every question on those CATs has been discussed in these Forums. You can post individual questions here and get multiple responses from experts about the various approaches and "secrets" behind each question.

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

[VivianKerr]

Hi SepticRevo,

As I suspected, your strategies are NOT where they need to be. You can definitely make some big adjustments between now and July 23rd, but you really need to get on it ASAP.

If you really need a 680, you should be scoring a 700+ on your practice CATs. A 60 point increase in 1 month is pretty darn ambitious, so I'd suggest a total strategy overhaul.

For DS, a "value" and a "yes/no" questions are VERY different and should not be approached in the same way.

For PS, do you ever backsolve/pick numbers? In what situations?

For CR, you need to change your strategy tailored to the Q-type. You would not approach a Flaw, Bolded Statement, or Evaluate the Plan question in remotely the same way. There are built-in expectations for the correct answer in CR depending on the Q-type. You MUST identify the Q-type category immediately and adjust accordingly.

For SC, splits are misleading. Just because 2 choices have 1 construction, and the other 3 have a different construction does NOT mean that is what the question is testing. Yes, you need to look for common errors, but you need to use process of elimination and be clever about it.

RC is my specialty. What do you mean when you say you "read" the passage? There's a million ways to do that. For GMAT success, you have to anticipate the questions and essentially find those answers the first time you read, reading critically and intelligently, ignoring confusing, irrelevant details. Searching and evaluating thoroughly for the author's point of view, the structure behind each paragraph's construction, noting transition phrases, key words, etc. It's so much more than just passively "reading."

Pacing-wise, 15-min of extra time is a waste unless you're getting all the questions correct. Ideally you're answering the final question with 10-seconds to go in each section. Are you working with benchmarks in front of you so you're exactly on track throughout each section?

I'd highly suggest you re-evaluate your strategies with a tutor. Your test date is soon, and while you CAN bring your score up a few points by identifying the content you don't know and reviewing it thoroughly, I don't think you're going to jump from a 620 to a 680 without re-evaluating HOW you approach the questions.

Finally, 100% you MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST (emphatic enough? ) review ALL your GMATPrep exams thoroughly, knowing how and why you got each Q incorrect. They do not provide full explanations, but you can find them easily enough via Google. The GMATPrep doesn't do the hard work for you the way test prep companies will but these questions are worth their weight in GOLD. A lack of review will kill your progress.

[SepticRevo]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for the valuable insight. I just completed GMATPrep #1 and scored a 640 (Q48,V29) with an 8 on IR (skipped essay).

I was hoping someone could provide some insight on the test difficulty in comparison to MGMAT. Is Quant easier on the actual test in comparison to MGMAT? I know Verbal is where I need to improve, but how much should I buy into the GMAT Prep 1 Quant score? Additionally, I got 10 IR questions right and 2 IR wrong. Should I be relaxing a bit on IR to save mental power for Verbal? Should I look at this 640 and think that my goal of 680 is more realistic now? Please advise.

Here is the original scores and breakdowns from above:

Original Official GMAT Scores
GMAT 1 (November 2011): 610 (Q44,V29) Essay 6
GMAT 2 (January 2012): 620 (Q43, V32) Essay 6

MGMAT Scores
CAT 1: 550 (Q38, V28)
CAT 2: 570 (Q41, V28)
CAT 3: 570 (Q38, V30)

Thanks!

[[email protected]]

Hi SepticRevo,

Your latest practice CAT score is encouraging. However, it does come with one "red flag" that you need to think about:

You skipped the Essay. By definition, this CAT is "unrealistic" since you went straight to IR and didn't have to "endure" the work that goes into writing the essay. You've proven that you have the necessary skills to earn a 6, which is great, but that part of the Test still requires time and effort to complete. By skipping that section (or any sections) during a CAT, you've potentially inflated your performance on the Quant and Verbal sections.

That having been said, it's difficult to "luck" your way into a Q48, so there's a reasonable argument that your skills are improving. From now on, you MUST take the ENTIRE CAT each time you take one. You need realistic data to assess your progress and this sample doesn't meet the definition of realistic.

As to your other questions, you're likely closer to 680 than you were before, but we can't say that for sure. As to the IR section, most Business Schools don't care too much about your IR score (and many don't care at all), so it's not so much about "relaxing" during the IR section as it is about staying calm and not getting too "bogged down" by any one prompt. Do your best and make sure to answer all of the questions, but that section is not nearly as important as the Quant and Verbal sections.

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

[SepticRevo]

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the insight.

Your latest practice CAT score is encouraging. However, it does come with one "red flag" that you need to think about:

You skipped the Essay. By definition, this CAT is "unrealistic" since you went straight to IR and didn't have to "endure" the work that goes into writing the essay. You've proven that you have the necessary skills to earn a 6, which is great, but that part of the Test still requires time and effort to complete. By skipping that section (or any sections) during a CAT, you've potentially inflated your performance on the Quant and Verbal sections.

Ya, I know this isn't simulating a true exam. I chose not to take the essay on GMAT Prep 1 because it was a new system and was more concerned with IR. Prior to taking test 4, the plan was to take Exams 5, 6, and 7 with full essay and IR. My IR scores on the Manhattan exams were very discouraging, but at the same time my instructor said that IR on the actual GMAT had been reduced in difficulty but MGMAT didn't reduce their difficulty. Now that I have a better idea of what the IR looks like, I should be fine going forward with my plan of full CATs until test day.

That having been said, it's difficult to "luck" your way into a Q48, so there's a reasonable argument that your skills are improving. From now on, you MUST take the ENTIRE CAT each time you take one. You need realistic data to assess your progress and this sample doesn't meet the definition of realistic.

As to your other questions, you're likely closer to 680 than you were before, but we can't say that for sure. As to the IR section, most Business Schools don't care too much about your IR score (and many don't care at all), so it's not so much about "relaxing" during the IR section as it is about staying calm and not getting too "bogged down" by any one prompt. Do your best and make sure to answer all of the questions, but that section is not nearly as important as the Quant and Verbal sections.

With this in mind, what practice scores should I be looking for to determine how I am doing in regards to my target score? I've heard there is a 30 point standard deviation on the exam, so I'm not sure if I am a 640, am I a 610 that had a good day, or am I a 670 that had a bad day.

I know moving forward I need to address Verbal. I didn't do well on the RC for this exam, which is not the norm. Generally I am weaker in SC and CR, but a majority of my wrong answers on the Verbal section came from this.

Additionally, I was told that incorrect answers a weighted at different levels. An incorrect 500-600 level problem is worth as much as 7-11 incorrect 700-800 level problems. Is this true?

Thanks again for all your insight!

[[email protected]]

Hi SepticRevo,

Yes, the GMAT creators have published that the Official Exam will give you a score within +-29 points of actual ability. Trying to figure out if you're at the "high end" or the "low end" of the range isn't practical. Instead, focus on finding the questions that you should have gotten correct, but didn't. Fix the little errors and silly mistakes, learn the grammar rules that you didn't already know (but need to know), and improve your endurance and pacing.

Don't worry about the "level" of a particular question either; if you think that you can get the question correct, then you need to put in your best efforts to do so (while still getting through the entire section).

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