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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.
Difficulty With Word Problems in Quant
Hi Rich,
I have brushed up on my basics in the math section and have learned and made notes of all the new concepts I learned, but my main problem has always been with word problems. No matter how well my concepts are I just keep having difficulty with word problems. Any advice would be appreciated.
Chi
Hi Chi,
Most Quant questions are based on math rules, formulas and basic steps that you know how to do. The GMAT tests your ability to stay organized, pay attention to details and sometimes deal with information that shows up "out of order." There are usually tactics that you can use and patterns that you can spot to make the questions easier and quicker to solve, but that takes practice.
If word problems are an issue, then you have to get comfortable with taking a question apart, piece by piece. Most Quant questions have 4-5 "steps" to them and the GMAT does NOT expect you to do all 5 steps at once. So, train yourself to do them 1 at a time. Expertise and pacing skills will improve with time, but you have to put in the practice.
LSAT Practice For GMAT Verbal???
RICH,
Do you think LSAT tests are a good practice source for practice material for GMAT CR and RC sections?
Psi
Hi Psi,
While LSAT Logical Reasoning is very similar to GMAT CR, it includes material that is NOT on the GMAT as well as variations on CR-types that aren't on the GMAT either. LSAT Reading Comp likewise has some similar aspects as GMAT RC, but too many differences (including length, among other things) that make the LSAT an impractical source for practice problems (assuming your goal is to improve your GMAT Verbal).
You'd be far better served researching the myriad GMAT sources available and purchasing/practicing with those.
Taking a CAT Right Before Test Day???
Dear Rich,
I haven’t taken many practice CATs during my studies. Is it worth the extra stress of taking a practice CAT the day before my real one for the benefit of getting in one more CAT?
Omega
Hi Omega,
Taking a full-length CAT in the final few days before your real GMAT is NOT a good idea. (and taking a CAT the day before your GMAT is a really BAD idea). The process of going through a realistic CAT is a draining experience and you certainly don't want to burn all that energy so close to your real GMAT Test Date. You'd be better served doing some light review and taking it easy.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
