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GMAT Club

Monday Mail-Bag: Advice on Big Picture Issues That Impact GMAT Test Takers…

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This series of emails and PMs focuses on situations that many Test Takers face during their studies. The names of the original posters have been changed to protect their identities.

Steps to Improving CR Ability
Hi Rich, I'm wondering what is the best way to review a CR question. Thanks.

Tau

Hi Tau,

You ask a remarkably broad question, so I'll offer some broad suggestions and work towards specifics...

Things to consider when reviewing CR questions:

1) Did you get the question right or wrong? Just because you got it right doesn't mean that you understood it. Maybe you took a good guess (or even a blind guess). You can't depend on "taking good guesses" as a strategy; on a bad day, you'll get all of those questions wrong.
2) What type of CR question was it?
3) What type of notes did you take?
4) How long did it take to solve it? And WHY did it take that long?
5) What type of logic is the CR prompt built on? Some prompts simply link facts, while others use causality or representativeness (among other things). Understanding the logic behind a prompt should help you to recognize that same logic in other questions.
6) Did you recognize the wrong answers? WHY were they wrong? Can you train yourself to spot THOSE patterns later on (because they will show up again)?
7) Finally, did the approach that you came up with (or were taught) effective in getting you the correct answer. If you've practiced a tactic and it does not seem to help you, then there's nothing wrong with admitting it and changing tactics.

 

Just Starting GMAT Prep
Rich,

I’ve been away from education for about 7 years now, so. I will have to start everything from scratch. I would like to know what materials are the best to start off with?

Upsilon

Hi Upsilon,

It's useful to test your current abilities early on in your studies (either before you start studying, or just after you’ve begun) so that you can get a sense of your "weak" spots. Take one of the FREE CATs offered through www.MBA.com (the download package includes 2 CATs and some practice problems) and see how you do. The score results could be low, but that's okay - it usually takes months to prepare for the GMAT, so your first practice attempt likely won't be great.

 

3rd Attempt at the GMAT
Dear Rich,

I am currently in the process of studying for my third attempt at the GMAT. Looking back I went into my first attempt ALL WRONG. I tried to cram in about a month and did poorly. I decided to retake the exam only a month later and of course I did worse. Feeling deflated both emotionally and financially I decided I would just put my business school aspirations on hold until I felt a little better about myself.

Flash forward a year later, and I am in a slightly better place with wanting to once again attempt the GMAT. I realize that I was giving myself unrealistic timelines to do what I needed to do and that I was not entering into the testing process with the right mindset. I would greatly appreciate any guidance and/or support on how I can combat my test anxiety.

Phi

Hi Phi,

Don't get too down on yourself. Many Test Takers retake the GMAT and Business Schools really don't care how many times you take the test. With GMAC’s new score reporting rules, if you end up cancelling your score, the Schools won’t even know about it. With this go around, plan on spending a bit more time on your studies and plan a bit better so that you can pace yourself. If you're looking for an elite score, then you might have to work a little harder and/or spend a bit more money. Take advantage of all the free resources that are available to you. The GMAT is predictable. You don't have to "like" what's on it, but with practice, you'll know what's coming and you'll know how to handle it.

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