Thanks for the good thoughts!
So for the first GMAT, I did the following:
PR + All the CD Tests
Kaplan + 2 of the CD Tests
Kaplan Math
Kaplan Verbal
PP1 & PP2
Then all of the
OG
I did not have a specific strategy and did not use any sort of
error log.
My approach at that time was sort of to bombard myself with as many sample questions as possible. It worked pretty well for the most part because it's hard to do 1,400 questions without picking up some of the concepts. I have a more detailed description of what I did in my previous post in this section.
The second time I only studied what I missed as I wrote above.
For the Problem Solving Questions:
I made sure I knew the topics covered in the front of the
OG (the math review section)... also I tried to lean the rules for divisibility and any geometry shortcuts. For topics like probability, I went on the net. I basically knew next to nothing about probability (last time I studied it must have been 10 years ago). I posted 2 sites which I liked for beginning probability in the math section. Also the guide on this site was excellent and definite a must read.
The big takeaway for studying PS in my opinon, is to really learn the concepts and not try to memorize problems. My view is that you'll never see all the different ways the ETS can repackage the questions, but if you know the concepts you can tackle most of the questions they will throw at you. I only hit the concepts I was weak on or unfamiliar with. Sometimes, I have a tendency to restudy what I was strong at becasue it was more familiar and easier... I made sure not to do that the second time around.
For the Data Sufficiency:
I used GMAT800 and this site as much as possible. I found that actually working out a problem half or part way helped alot in deciding on a solution. Again I redid all the
OG questons I messed up the first time around and found that any question that required plugging in answers I missed. I just never liked the idea of picking numbers so I really worked to get comfortable at it and in choosing numbers that made sense to plug in. I really didn't like to do DS questions so I realy made myself practice as much as possible. For the second time around, I re-did the last 70 questions for good measure and really paid attention to how the questions were solved. You have to get into the mode of thinking like the ETS test writer. Also the AD/BCE strategy is very useful.
For Sentence Correction:
I just had to do a TON of questions (every practice qeustion I could get my hand on, I'd do). I realized that I was missing on average 1 out of every 4 questions. I looked at what questions I missed and for the most part, they were idioms. I went down the list of ETS qeustion types listed in PR and figured out what I was weakest in. Unfortunately, there is no place where you can get practice questions on each specific type of SC topic. I just went on alot of english websites, like the ones people posted on this site and studied whatever rule corresponding to questions I missed.
The odd thing is, after a while, the more I studied, the more I missed. It got to the point where I was below 50%. I figured that I was out guessing myself so I took a break on SC pretty much up to the day of the test. It is very easy to second guess yourself out of the right answer... I felt POE was the best tactic for this section. Make sure you know the basic rules. For some questions, it helps to just block out all the phrases between the subject and verb and make the sentence as simple as possible.
For Critical Reasoning:
The LSAT is awesome. If you can do the LSAT DS, the GMAT should be very doable. I used the LSAT primarily for CR. Again POE was my ally in this. I looked for scope shifts, apples to oranges comparisons, etc. Again, I think it's really easy to outguess yourself on this section. Ig ot a bold face question in my test and the LSAT had plenty of those so I was ready for it...
For Reading Comprehension:
LSAT was also a good resource. I did not use it too much because I felt confident in RC. In my opinion, skimming and taking notes actually hurt my scores. Instead I took the apprach of reading briskly and carefully and not taking notes. I was able to answer the questions and reffered to the passage every so often. It turns out I saved more time than going back and rereading what I skimmed each time. I think each person should give both a try and time themselves and see which one is faster, and which one gives them the better score.
In retrospect, having an
error log is a great idea. For people just starting to study I'd highly recommend it. The first time around, it was very hard for me to get into the habit of logging my errors because I had not ever done it. When I restarted studying, I made sure to at least have an idea of what I was missing. I have a feeling if I did that from the start, I would have been better off the first time around. Really read and understand teh
OG explanations... even if you got the question right. The
OG may give clues as to how the test takers think. Try to put yourself in the test maker's shoes and learn their reasoning...
Well, I think that about does it. The texts used the second time around were GMAT800, PR Verbal Workout, 10 Official LSATS, the
OG, Power Prep, and PR CD. I did not give myself a set time limit per problem, but I did set time goals. For instance, I needed to get done with question 10 with at least 50 minutes remaining. I needed to hit mid way through with at least 35 minutes remaining, etc.
Another big thing is to get some rest before the exam. Treat yourself the night before and trust in your prep. Cramming might backfire if you're not careful. As others have said, a good night sleep very important. Don't understimate having a fresh mind. Between sections I'd go to the restroom and splash water on my face to refresh myself.... use the breaks to your fullest. Try not to think too hard about the exam during your breaks. Use it to relax and regroup.
close
29 May 2004, 18:07
thanks jo.. great great job.
