GMAT again...The whole process again

[zagcollins]

Hi,

I am back in town.. My first tryst with GMAT was a non-memorable one... ..While i was ok with my quant score, my verbal score is definitely a concern...I expected to score atleast 40 but found the level of RC's extremely tough...In fact, I didn't see such tough RC's even in KAP G800...

I have picked up 3 books from the Manhattan Series (Inequality, Num Properties, and Fractions)..I have started work on Inequality since yesterday..planning to finish all 3 books by end of September and then move onto Manhattan online tests...I plan to write my GMAT by mid Nov...

Yes, Yes...Questions that I'd like to ask:

1. What should I do as far as Verbal is concerned? I am way stronger in Verbal but now it makes me nervous.
2. Rnd2 Admission deadline to my top priority schools would end around mid Jan to first week of Feb...By when do you think I should have my application package ready?

Please help me out here...Also do let me know if I should ideally create a error log sheet, make a detailed study plan etc...

Thanks a lot...Am sure sum1 will be my messiah in this dark hour!

[ab46]

Hey zagcollins,

For the R2 application round, I think there are some schools were its doesn't matter as long as it's before the deadline. But it does matter when the school has rolling admissions. In the end, I would say the sooner the better, while ensuring that your application is perfect. I'm sorry that my answer can't be more useful, but you can't really put a date.

By the way, I would love to hear your reply to my post that was in reply to your post which was in reply to my original post Ok, I think I need get something to eat.

Thanks

[Stacey Koprince]

As far as applications, go ask the admissions consultants, but let them know the specific schools (as ab46 says, some have rolling admissions, some don't, and the admissions consultants may know which are which!).

For verbal, you mentioned that RC seemed tough. Can you give us some additional information about your strengths and weaknesses? What does the data from your most recent practice test say? (Ideally, that test should have come in the last 3 weeks - if it's been longer, then maybe take another one this week-end and let us know what happens.)

Specifically, how are your percentages and your timing across all three main question types? What about across the specific grammar content areas and different RC and CR question types? How was your timing across the entire verbal section - was it pretty steady, or did you sometimes spend far too much or far too little time? Did you run low on time at any point and have to rush? Did you have to guess randomly as a result of time pressure?

Also do a qualitative check: how did you feel during the test? How was your stamina? Did you feel low on energy / concentration during the verbal section? How were your nerves? (How were these things during your official test?)

Then go take a look at the problems you got wrong and the problems on which you spent more than normal time (even if you got it right).

For the ones that you got wrong, why did you get them wrong? What thing (or things) specifically led to the error? What habits can you develop to minimize the chances of making that same error again in the future? (And, yes, do start an error log and put the answers to the above questions in it.)

For the ones on which you spent more than normal time, why did you spend more than normal time? Was it just a little bit longer or more complicated to read, so a little bit of extra time made sense? Or did you get sucked into spending a lot more time than you should have for some reason (and, if so, what was that reason)? What habits can you instill in future to prevent yourself from getting sucked into wasting time?

And, yes, you do need some kind of detailed study plan. You mention some new books you're using for quant, but you didn't mention what you've been using for verbal. If you don't already have them, you need resources for each of the three main verbal question types - something that teaches you grammar and technique for SC, and something that teaches you analysis and technique for CR and RC. Then, depending upon the results of the above surveys of your strengths and weaknesses, you need to develop a study plan that allows you to hit your weaknesses hard while maintaining (or even improving) your strengths.

[Ian Stewart]

Zag- Stacey always gives great advice, so I won't add to what she's said. I just wanted to wish you luck on the road ahead, and I'll do my best to answer any questions you post to the math forum.

[brianhoberg]

Zag -
I'm on the road to preparing again for the GMAT as well. I took the exam well over a year ago and did not do very well at all. After having my son, taking a small break, and working a bit more, I am now beginning my approach to the GMAT again as well. I've obtained the materials and developed a game plan already which was a conglomeration of various plans from other members. I've already began the prepping for the exam by reading through the introductions and strategies, so I will be taking my first practice test today or tommorow.

If you're interested in my approach or progress, although it is thorough and extensive, here is my blog you can look at:
https://mbabrian.blocked

Best of luck on preparing for the exam!