{"id":6953,"date":"2011-04-22T12:24:33","date_gmt":"2011-04-22T20:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=6953"},"modified":"2011-04-18T12:28:41","modified_gmt":"2011-04-18T20:28:41","slug":"spring-cleaning-for-your-gmat-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/spring-cleaning-for-your-gmat-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Cleaning for Your GMAT Prep"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feeling overwhelmed or disorganized in regards to your GMAT prep routine? Here are a few ways to \u201cdust off\u201d your habits just in time for the warmer weather. Remember, the more targeted and efficient your study plan, the more time you\u2019ll have to spend outside in the sunshine! <\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>1. Refresh your GMAT score.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reassess yourself by taking another practice CAT if you haven\u2019t already. Be sure to take the CAT under test-like conditions in order to ensure your score is an accurate reflection of your skills. Take only official breaks, and don\u2019t cheat yourself by consulting outside study materials. Having an updated benchmark will help you evaluate how successful your prep has been thus far, and figure out what changes (if any) you should make to your study plan.<\/p>\n

2. \u201cDeep scrub\u201d in areas of weakness. <\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are getting almost every question wrong for a specific question type, go back to the basics. Review underlying question patterns and trap answer choices, then clear your head and take a break. This way, you\u2019ll return to the question type with renewed energy. Be sure to take the time to read each question carefully; you may be surprised at the extent to which mistakes can be avoided by truly understanding what each question is asking.<\/p>\n

You can certainly learn quick tricks to help increase your score, but these strategies will be most effective when combined with long-term study. To improve your verbal score, for instance, it may be helpful to start reading high-caliber publications. To improve your quantitative ability, begin by re-familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals: number properties, basic geometry, arithmetic, and algebra. You may not see results immediately, but short-cuts (which are crucial if you want to have enough time to complete the exam) often involve a familiarity with numbers that can be cultivated over a long period.<\/p>\n

3. Sweep away bad habits.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Identify and make an effort to break any unhelpful habits you\u2019ve developed during your GMAT prep. The following is a list of common tics\/anxieties\/behaviors you can certainly do without:<\/p>\n