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.
Too Many CATs in Too Short a Period of Time
Hey Rich,
I’m in my last 2 weeks of studying and was planning to take the 2 prep tests next week (keeping it light in the final week of the exam). I also want to give 3 more tests in the next 3 days and then assess where I am at. Any other suggestions?
Ese
Hi Ese,
You mentioned taking 3 more CATs in the next 3 days. THAT is a TERRIBLE idea. Each CAT is a measuring device (it's really no different than stepping on a scale to gauge your weight); it does NOT make you a better Test Taker. When used correctly, a CAT will give you a reasonable score/assessment of your current ability and will certainly point out the things that you screw up. Without the necessary time to practice and improve BETWEEN CATs, there's a really good chance that your 3 CAT scores would all be within a small range of one another. Plan on taking no more than 1 CAT/week and spend the balance of your time on review and continued study.
Proper Study Includes the Right Resources AND the Right Schedule
Hello Rich,
I’ve been scoring in the 550-590 range on all my Cats and scores 580 on the GMAT. My goal is 650+ though. My personal analysis of what went wrong with my studies:
- I just worked on the basics of math mainly. Did concepts from school text books and a pool of GMAT style questions provided to me by a friend who had put them all together from various blogs and communities (no particular known source).
- My habit of studying is such that I pile up my work till the last couple of months and go full gear in those days. I guess, this approach is not quite suitable for GMAT. Because, I took the 4-5 CATs with a gap of 1-3 days max. and by the end of it, I was completely exhausted.
- I also tend to get anxious during my tests and I think that hurts my focus.
So, I definitely need to change my strategy here. Any advice?
Te
Hi Te,
It appears that your GMAT score is comparable to your practice CAT scores, so your performance shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Based on what you've described, I'm going to point out some flaws in your process and confirm some of your suspicions:
1) Calm Test Takers tend to perform better than people who panic (or get overly psyched, etc.). The GMAT is a standardized Test, so keep that in mind as you continue to study. The concepts will be the same on Test Day; it's just the "packaging" that changes.
2) There's no way to know if the "material" provided by your friend was realistic, up-to-date, or representative of the makeup of the actual GMAT. I'm sure that he/she was trying to be helpful, but your goal score requires a bit more expert guidance.
3) "Cramming" is not the best way to study for your. While it may be difficult to schedule, GMAT studying is best done is small chunks spread throughout the week, as opposed to doing lots of studying all on one day.
Additional Verbal Resources?
Rich,
I’m currently working through a copy of Manhattan GMAT's verbal strategy guides. My weak areas are Critical reasoning and Reading comp. I find it very exhausting to comprehend dense material and thus struggle a lot. Especially when I am put on a clock. What else can I be doing to improve in verbal?
Uh
Hi Uh,
The Verbal section of the GMAT is as predictable and standardized as the Quant section is, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. There is some content to learn (grammar/idioms) and logical patterns in how information is presented (CR and RC), but then there is the proper mix of tactics and attitude that you have to bring to that section of the Test.
In addition to the MGMAT books, I'd suggest that you plan on working through the entire OG13. You’ll also likely need to invest in some non-book resources that will help you to hone ALL of your skills and work in the same format that you will on Test Day. Learning to deal with dense material isn’t as hard as you might think it is, but you have to learn the proper ways to handle the information. If your current resources don’t help you to do that, then investing in some additional resources will likely be necessary.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
