Hello GMAT Club!
So after weeks of procrastinating and shadowing these forums for preparation advice, I finally decided to kickstart my GMAT preparation yesterday! I decided I wanted to start with a mock GMAT to gauge my current standing and identify my weaknesses. So I did the online "Veritas Prep GMAT Simulator 1003.0" and scored 700 (51Q, 38V). I am planning on taking the GMAT early next year - so I feel I still have time to prepare and work on "softer skills" and language skills in general (like actually reading) while also learning the "scoring techniques".
This was my first time doing a mock GMAT and I felt I struggled to complete the Quant section in time. But I guess this is because I'm just rusty with standardized test math and just doing more practice tests would help with pacing.
My REAL problem was the Verbal section. I don't know if this was because I started the test at 11 pm and by the time I got to the Verbal section, it was well past my usual sleeping time - but I REALLY struggled with it - especially with the reading comprehension questions. Even before I got my score, just going through the section made me realize I needed SERIOUS practice for the Verbal section. I was "falling" for the test-setter's tricks and allowing the big words, technical mumbo-jumbo in the passages distract me.
The bottom line is - I need to get started on GMAT prep and looking at the forum, it seems that everyone advices different books and study techniques (LSAT, Manhattan,
OG etc.). I was hoping that you guys who have already tried out various books and/or taken the GMAT will be able to assess my current standard and suggest material and techniques accordingly.
I might be setting my goal too high (but hey, why not?) - but I'm aiming for a 780+! On this test, I got two Quant and nine Verbal (5 RC, 3 SC, 1 CR) problems wrong. I look forward to your advice/suggestions/tips/prep-book-recommendations/anything-really! Thank you for reading this and here's wishing you good luck for your GMAT and applications!