GMAT preparation Strategy

The dilemma with the OG is that most of the problems in the OG are included in the Powerprep software.

ok, so this is what i tell guys. My advice to you is .. start with the OG. study it , master it cover to cover. I would start with sets of 25 questions of MATH, 10 CR, 10 SC and 3 RC every day. dont rush it, try to understand every problem you get wrong. if this system works for you, you should be able to do most of the OG in two - three weeks.

Then, put the OG aside and start working with the problems in Kaplan etc and if possible, participate in the forum. as weeks go by, you might not remember the OG problems as well as you did the first time you solved them. So, three or four days before the test, take the two Powerprep tests and see how you do. After you have taken the test, now is the time to study the OG completely once again. if you took notes of what errors you did the first time and what errors you did in the powerprep, study them carefully and write down an explanation for your errors. From my experience, I have found that writing down an explanation usually helps you to understand things better and you can remember it better.


While i have time, allow me to add something here ....hope you dont mind.

We have recently started categorizing GMAT MATH problems by difficulty level. There's basic, intermediate and advanced categories. One you are in week 2 of your prep, start going over the problems in this forum. Most of the problems here will make you feel that you are not doing anything in your prep. but our idea of practicing with tough questions is to help you understand the entire concept rather than just a particular problem.

Most guys would solve 100 SIMILAR types of problems on their own easily and feel good that they are doing well. But ETS wont give you points this easily. they will change a little bit here and a little bit there and add to that the pressure that you are in, the problem suddenly looks extremely difficult. This is where clarity of concepts works extremely well. Whenever you feel that you have become good at, say PS, come to the forum and try some of the problems.

Almost every problem you do wrong teaches you something new or reminds you of a pattern in your mistakes. So try to time yourself when you get good at most of the GMAT concepts.

I hope this was helpful to you and other members

Sincerely
Praet