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.
Standard Deviation on the GMAT
Dear Rich,
I was not a business major in college, so I never took any stats classes. How well do I need to know standard deviation for the GMAT?
Golf
Dear Golf,
Standard Deviation is a subject that the GMAT barely tests. You will never have to use the Standard Deviation formula on the GMAT, but the exam will test your basic understanding of what SD is (it's essentially how "spread out" a group of numbers is). Most Test Takers see just 1 Standard Deviation question on Test Day, so it's not a big point gainer/loser. The broader category of statistics will be tested though; this includes mean, medium, mode and range, so be sure that you're clear on the definition of these terms and how to do the necessary math to solve for them.
Re-occurring Headaches during CATs
Hi Rich,
I've taken the GMAT twice now, and each time I get a dull/massive headache in the back part of my head during the middle of quant and lasts through the remainder of the exam. It severely affects my ability to think or even decipher what I'm reading. Do you have any recommendations to prevent this from happening (e.g. energy drink break? advil? chocolate?)
Hotel
Dear Hotel,
Assuming that you don't have some genetic predisposition to headaches, you're describing a physical problem with how you're taking the test (which is an area of prep that most people don't consider). The next time you take a test, whether a practice CAT or the real GMAT, think about the following:
1) How close are you to the computer screen? The closer you get, the more likely you'll experience headaches, fatigue, etc.
2) How long do you stare at the screen before you turn to take notes on your pad? The longer you're looking at the screen, the more likely you'll experience those symptoms.
3) How is your posture? Slouching negatively affects performance in a number of ways and could contribute to what you’re experiencing.
This should get you started on the road to fixing this problem. The EMPOWERgmat Course has a number of Modules devoted to the Physical and Psychological Tactics necessary to crush the GMAT, if you find that you want to learn about other ways to improve your performance.
Increasing Frequency of CATs
Hey Rich,
I have hit a point in my studies where my cat scores are all in the low 600s, but I cannot seem to make the leap up to my goal (720+). I’m planning to take 2 cats per week for extra practice. Do you have any other suggestions?
Juliet
Hi Juliet,
As a general rule, the bulk of your time should be spent doing practicing problems, review, etc. You should plan to take 1 CAT/week, but taking more than that is usually not helpful. A CAT is just a measuring device - it gives you an approximate score and points out your "weak" spots, but it DOESN'T make you a better Test Taker.
If you're stuck at a particular scoring range, then you have hit your "ceiling", meaning that you have gotten to this level doing things "your way." To raise your score, you're going to have to learn some new tactics and change the way you go about taking this test. You might consider investing in a Prep Course or a tutor.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
