Best path to take from here?

Question

I had to take out all links because I don't have enough posts. My apologies. Hey guys, Firstly, I love the community that has been built here. Great job to bb and all of the users and moderators! A few days ago, I knew very little about the GMAT, other than that I had to take it to get into a good MBA program.

I've learned a lot reading topics on this forum and I thank you guys for that. I downloaded v2 of the GMATPrep software from here (because the link for the latest version was not working). I wanted to see what type of score I would get without having any GMAT-specific prep. Literally, I didn't even know about the types of questions on the GMAT when I went to take the practice test. I wanted to see my "natural" score. Based on my own evaluation and the chart on this forum, I predicted I would get a 45Q, 31V -> 630 total. To my surprise, I got a 48Q, 38V for a score of 710 ! This score is probably inflated because I had to split up the Q and V into two different days. Based on the calculators and accounting for other errors, I'd say my real score would be in the range of 660-720. My question is, where do I go from here to maximize efficiency? I've read a ton of the posts (such as this one and this one), but I'd like your specific suggestions. I bought an LSAT book so I can get a better score on the verbal by tackling tough questions (a strategy I saw recommended by someone - gmatninja? - in some post). My goal: At least 750 total score. Where I'll be applying: Harvard Business School, Stanford University, UPenn Wharton, and MIT Sloan. Are solutions to the GMATPrep questions published somewhere? The software only allowed me to see the correct answer; seeing the solutions would be far more useful. I don't want to have to type out each question online to see the solution... Also, I didn't get stumped at all by any of the vocabulary... Does the GMAT not really test vocabulary? I've seen a bunch of sites offering GMAT flashcards with words I definitely don't know, so I was curious. When I took the SATs, vocab was one of the biggest reasons for my sub-700 score on the critical reading section (680). Since this was the first time I've ever taken a GMAT practice test, I didn't know much about the timing... I just went quickly throughout the whole thing. I ended up with 15 minutes extra in the quant section and 22 minutes extra in the verbal section... I might've been able to do better if I knew I'd have so much time left. More detailed breakdown so you could perhaps guide me in the right direction... GMATPrep v2.0 48Q 37 questions 12 incorrect - 8 of which were data sufficiency questions (this was the first time I saw a question of this type) 38V 41 questions 10 incorrect --> 6 Sentence Correction (SC) --> 3 Reading Comprehension (RC) --> 1 Critical Reasoning (CR) Time to prepare: At least six months or so. I'll take it sooner if I'm ready. Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you for reading! I hope to be able to help out other test takers one of these days... P.S. I know there's a new section on the GMAT now. These current sections aren't affected by it though, right?

jumsumtak · Answer

you have started out strong and I wish you good luck for the test !

Best

Mentalist · Answer

Hey jumsumtak,

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions and provide good feedback! I've started with the MGMAT SC book since I feel that'll be the easiest place to improve which will also have the greatest impact on my score if I can get those mistakes down to 0 or 1. I was looking at the charts and noticed that trying to get 51Q might not be worth the effort. I enjoy the Q section though, so I might fit some of those in there for fun.

Is OG 13 different enough from OG 12? I usually only see the links for OG 12. (Maybe the forum does this automatically?) I ordered OG 11 because Khan Academy has solutions for all the math answers of that edition and from the looks of it, people said there weren't significant differences between OG 11 and OG 12. However, if OG 13 is worth the upgrade, I might consider purchasing that too.

Moderator Note: Nevermind, just saw this in a review: "4. There is an 83% overlap with the previous edition (12th edition). Compared to 66% overlap between OG 12 and OG 11"

Do you know if this guide includes additional CAT exams? I remember reading somewhere that OGs included 6 CAT exams, but the description on Amazon makes no mention of this for OG 13.

What order should I go through the prep books? I want to make sure I get in enough 700+ questions so I can get closer to my 750 goals. Kaplan doesn't seem to be good for 700+ questions according to the forums. I was thinking maybe this:
MGMAT SC -> MGMAT Verbal -> Quick review of some problem areas in Quant/DS -> Learn overall strategies for IR and AWA -> Go through OG 11 -> Do LSAT material -> Take some CAT exams available online (not sure which order yet) -> Review incorrect answers and learn from the mistakes -> Take Exam 2 from the GMATPrep to get a fairly accurate representation of my possible GMAT score -> Take the actual GMAT exam

Thoughts? Suggestions? Improvements?

Thanks again!

P.S. Just gave you kudos for your help

jumsumtak · Answer

First things first, official questions are 'always' worth your time, money and effort. I can't lay more stress on being thorough with the OGs and the concepts it tests. IMO, you should purchase the $25 question pack from mba.com. (the pack has around 400 questions) The 6 CATs you are talking about come with any of the MGMAT books. If you have purchased a new book, you would have got the access. If not, I recommend purchasing an MGMAT book from Amazon (read the description; some of them don't have access to the 6 CATs). In my experience MGMAT CATs are the next best thing to the GMAT prep tests. So you will definitely need them during your preparation. for AWA - just use this how-to-get-6-0-awa-my-guide-64327.html and you will be good to go for IR - don't fret too much over it, but do understand the type of questions asked. OG and the pack from mba.com are enough for IR. Quant and verbal prep is very subjective and has to be tailored according to your needs. for SC: Manhattan SC would do and I'm sure you will improve once you get a hold of the pattern of GMAT questions. Similarly for DS questions as well. for quant: OG should be the start. But if you are aiming for a Q50/51, I will recommend to solve questions from the forums as well. I'm not sure why you say Q51 is not worth the effort. Did you mean it does not add to your overall score significantly or it would be difficult to reach there? You will need to switch back and forth between quant and verbal, and also between taking tests and studying concepts. Most of us took tests at regular intervals (weekly) and spent a day to review the test. Make sure you do this; it adds a lot of value and that is how you make the most out of your mistakes. Try to squeeze a process, trick, trap, concept - as much as you can from each question you attempt. and you may PM any one of us if you require help with the specifics. Best

jdough · Answer

Dude, GMAT prep is strange. I took a test and only missed 8 in quant and I got a 45. My misses were very spread out too! How can you miss 12 and get a 48?

jumsumtak · Answer

you can't really track the algorithm with number of rights and wrongs. I've seen people getting a Q51 with 4-5 wrong answers. 
It really depends on what is the level of the questions that are attempted incorrectly.

But, yes, it can get weird at times if you consider that statistic alone.

Mentalist · Answer

Okay, will do, thanks!

Oh, you are right. I must've confused this with OG. Thanks for the clarification.

Good recommendation! I have bookmarked and saved it for the time when I will review the AWA.

Thanks. From looking at a lot of different people's scores and efforts, along with the scaling chart, it seems like the jump from Q48 to Q51 requires a tremendous amount of effort that doesn't necessarily reflect in the final score. I enjoy the Q section so I might try to improve it significantly anyway, but I think it would be better to try to get my verbal to 45 before really fine tuning my quant. Maybe this isn't proper thinking?

Good tips. I remember seeing a post that showed where to get lots of different tests from many sources. I will try to compile those first and build them into a regular test taking interval (weekly sounds good).

Thank you again!!! Kudos given.

Mentalist · Answer

I was also really skeptical of this at first. Then I started reading the forum posts and saw multiple reports of similarly strange scores. I took screenshots for my own reference in case you're interested. They are attached.

jumsumtak · Answer

It is actually about how you design your game plan. If you feel you are strong in verbal and want to hit the ceiling there first - absolutely go ahead. You can always come back and improve your quant. Obviously, once you take a few tests, you will know what areas you should focus on.

Q48 to Q51: effort - yes, does not reflect - no.
Let me take my example. I knew a score below Q51 would not be reflective of my capabilities and it is the 'only' way for me to get a good score. I'm not trying to suggest anything here. I'm just saying, that I somehow developed a notion that if I don't get Q51 I will not do justice to myself and that is in fact, the only way to get a good score. Needless to say, I saw a huge final score difference between Q50 and Q51 with similar verbal splits. 
It was a pretty nerdy (and not very holistic) approach, but I think it paid off in the end.

Its about how you treat your mind and how well you execute your strategy.

Mentalist · Answer

I know exactly what you're saying. I also feel the same way, but the posts/chart I went through convinced me otherwise. I actually have plenty of time to prepare, so I guess there's no harm in adding more prep to the mix

I got an 80 in the PSAT math, a 790 on SAT math, and an 800 on SAT II Math II, so I definitely feel like I could also hit Q51 if I put in the time. Thanks for your boost. I am now a follower

Revised plan (implied review of all exams and questions/answers/solutions if available)... MGMAT SC strategy ->GMATPrep SC problems Slingfox Quant Notes Forum Quant Questions (have to figure out where/how to use this) ->GMAT Pill eBook Quant Section (Ch. 6) --->MGMAT CAT Test 1 By jumsumtak's suggestion, I should add the problems from gmatclub . com/forum/members/member-73391.html here. MGMAT Verbal ->GMATPrep CR and RC questions chineseburned's 6.0 AWA strategy reading ->Review possible essay prompts and try writing answers IR review from official MBA question pack --->MGMAT CAT Test 2 (Identify core weaknesses and revise strategy/approach) Following is tentative at this point... OG 11 Quant or Verbal Limited LSAT material (The Official LSAT SuperPrep) --->MGMAT CAT Test 3 GMAT Pill eBook other sections --->MGMAT CAT Test 4 (After that, really depends on how much I have to improve... The following may change order.) OG 13 (not full read) More LSAT prep ->GMAT Club 700+ quant questions Specific MGMAT for quant (Fractions? Geometry? We'll know later.) Slingfox Verbal Notes --->One more MGMAT CAT Test (5) Relax... --->Practice Exam 2 from GMATPrep -------->REAL EXAM!

Anything else you would add in there or change up? Thanks again jumsumtak!

jumsumtak · Answer

sounds good. hate to say this, but this will obviously change in coming weeks, as you explore more. Good to plan out none the less

Mentalist · Answer

You are absolutely right. I just wanted to have an overall plan together so that I have measurable goals and a sort of mini checklist. It'll definitely help me during my prep and if I have any other questions, I will post or PM! Thanks again jumsumtak! You certainly deserve the member of the month award! :D

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Best path to take from here?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards