Data Sufficiency Help

Hi knuckleduster,

Since you stated that you've come back to studying for the GMAT, did you take this practice CAT before (meaning - is this the second time that you've used it?)?

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

Hi Rich,

This was my first attempt in taking this practice exam. My previous study did not involve any mock exams, it only included reading through Manhattan GMAT and solving some problems from OG 12.

Best

Hi knuckleduster,

If you took the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections), and did so under realistic conditions, then I would say that you're in an outstanding position to score at a high level on the Official GMAT.

1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
2) What is your goal score?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Data Sufficiency is a question type that impacts many Test Takers (since its unique to the GMAT), but it's a predictable question type in the same way that all of the others are predictable.

4) What practice materials have you been using to study DS?

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

Hi Rich,

This reply gave me a pretty good confidence boost. That's why I would like to thank you first. Please find answers to your questions below.

1) I have scheduled my exam for May 21st, 2016
2) The goal score is 750+. But I am sure I would be happy with anything above 720.
3) I am planning to apply this year around September (R1) to most of the M7 schools
4) I have registered to Gmatprepnow.com, which is a free online tool. Also, I still have my Manhattan GMAT books as well as the latest version of OG. I also read read posts in this forum from time to time.

I am always open to recommendations if you have any. The GMATPrep Software showed me that my weakest points are DS (11 out of 13 total wrong answers) and SC (9 out of 11 total wrong answers) in each section. Please let me know of any of your suggestions because I am all ears.

Hi,

I had the same problem but I referred to Manhattan GMAT Math textbooks (5 textbooks). In each textbook, the last 2 chapters focus on data sufficiency problems and strategies. So I would recommend you to read the DS strategies from those chapters if you master the other quan. skills.

Wish you the best!

Hi knuckleduster,

Since you've defined a couple of specific areas that you need to work on and you've put together some study materials already, I suggest that you study as you see fit for the next 2 weeks, then take a new FULL-LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections). That score result will give us a better idea of how realistic your first score result was and how your studies are going. If adjustments are needed, then you'll still have plenty of time before your Exam to make them.

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

Thanks Rich. I will write the result as soon as I take the second FULL CAT.

A few tips for Data Sufficiency:

1) Make sure you are comfortable with the answer choices and don't really have to think about them when solving problems. For instance, students will often ask "We got B, but couldn't it be C?" This indicates a misunderstanding of the answer choices, as we'd only get to C if we ruled out both statements as insufficient.

2) Try to rephrase the question. Sometimes the question is already pretty simple ("What is x?"), but if it's more complicated, you can greatly increase your accuracy by simplifying or reworking the question to reflect any initial information you have. Sometimes one of the statements will directly answer your rephrased question.

3) Don't confuse the question with the statements. Always keep in mind that the question is just that: a question. If it asks "Is x a prime number greater than 10?" don't assume that x is prime. With that in mind, if you rephrase the question, keep the question mark at the end. Many people miss DS problems because they unconsciously slip on this, thinking something like "Ah, if the question is true, statement 1 could be true. These are consistent." That's not the task!

4) Have a consistent process. Try to prove each statement insufficient, and don't move on until you've considered the cases in which you might get a different answer to the question. If the statement is insufficient, take a moment to consider what it *does* tell you, so you'll be better prepared when it comes time to consider combining.

I have completed the second full CAT in GMATPREP software today. It is weird that I got 730 (Q49, V41). It seems that studying for a while took me back from where I was before. Actual gmat in 2 weeks, do not know what to do.

That's within the range of normal variation on practice CATs - I wouldn't worry about it at all. If you do everything the same way on test day, you're in a good position to get a solid score. The last two weeks prior to the test isn't the right time to study content, either - focus on revisiting things you've already learned. If you're still not feeling great about DS, for instance, go back and redo all of the DS problems you missed on that previous practice test, and reflect on what you can learn from them. Can you condense your typical DS mistakes into a couple of 'bullet points' to remember on test day?

I have finally took the official exam and scored a 730 (Q50, V39). Kinda happy with it, still was expecting something more like 750. The gap between quant and verbal is irritating, too.
Nevertheless, doesnt worth retaking. I just wanted to thank all of you in this thread for your advice and help.
You guys are awesome

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Congratulations with a very descent score! Good luck with application process!

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