Error Patterns and Retake Strategy Help!

Question

I have taken the GMAT thrice so far. (580,530,640). I come from a completely non quant background and am not a native english speaker. My Q score has been averaging around 44 and verbal around 34. Initially I took the MGMAT course and used their strategy guides to understand the basic concepts that are tested. After my first two attempts, I religiously maintained an error log and made note of my timings. I identified a few topics in Quants where I made most of my mistakes and identified CR as my weakness in verbal. Overall I need to work on my timings as well, as I noticed that I tend to stress more on the finer details during the actual test and end up losing time.

As I'm only planning to apply for the 2016 intake, I have decided to retake the GMAT again, before considering the GRE. I am aiming for 680-700. My third GMAT attempt was in the first week of December. Now after a two month break I've decided to start my GMAT prep again. I was wondering where I should start and any tips or strategies I could use to enhance and make of the most my time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mars27,

I'd like to know a bit more about your studies and each of your GMAT scores:

1) When did you take each of your Official GMATs?
2) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on each?
3) How much time did you spend studying before each of your exams?
4) What resources have you used during your studies?

If you've never taken a GRE before, then you can download 2 for free from www.gre.org. Before you shift gears to study for that Test though, we should see if we can make the necessary adjustments to how you deal with the GMAT.

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

JTuquero · Answer

Hi mars, Just wanted to share a few tips as you prepare to retake the exam: As you begin to prep for your retake, note the following items that our Academic Director often tells students who are about to retake the GMAT: "1.. Close knowledge gaps. If you were scattered in your studies and used multiple sources without a proper pedagogic line to follow, find a prep plan that works for you. This will streamline your learning and boost confidence. 2. Practice all parts of the exam. Focus on your weaknesses, but don't forget to hone your strengths too. 3. Take several simulation tests in real conditions and at roughly the same hour of day. On exam day, do exactly what brought you success on sim tests. Improve your time management. This is a key factor on the GMAT." If you would like extra help as you prepare for the exam, consider taking some courses. Feel free to sign up for a free trial of the Economist GMAT Tutor to see if the adaptive course works for you: https://econgm.at/freetrialoffer. Best of luck! Jessica

mars27 · Answer

Thanks for quick reply guys.

rich ,

1. My first attempt was in May'14, 2nd in October and 3rd early Jan'15. (I don't remember my exact split but my score went from approx V25 Q35 to V28 Q44 in my third attempt.
2. I spent about 4 months studying on my own from the MGMAT Strat Guides before my 1st attempt. I took the MGMAT complete course before my second attempt. But I was under immense pressure at work for over a month before I gave my second attempt which partly explains my tip in score. After that I took two months off work and took the e-gmat verbal course and prepared on my own for quant before giving it again in Jan.

To be honest I'm not sure taking more classes will help me. But let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

GMATPill · Answer

For practice purposes, we recommend the Practice Pill Platform www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/ You can upgrade for video explanations that show you how to think on the test.

And yes, review your mistakes from prior study sessions.

mars27 · Answer

Hi  rich

So I signed up for the Empower Score booster. I have just about completed stage 1 for quant. Was wondering if you had an tips on how I can maximise my usage of the Empower Score Booster course. This is probably the last time I'll give the GMAT so hoping that Empower Gmat works its magic for me!

Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mars27,

When learning new tactics, you really have to put your efforts into practicing those tactics. With a Q44, you're probably really good at using "math approaches" to solving questions, but right now you really need more of a tactical series of approaches. So when you see a practice question, you should be practicing tactics (and NOT just answering the question as you normally would). You'll be amazed how easily you can pick up points on this Test, but you have to be comfortable enough to change how you "see", and respond to, to GMAT.

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

mars27 · Answer

Noted!

Thanks  rich

Incidentally that was the first thing i realised i wasn't doing right when i started the EmpowerGMAT course. Will keep that in mind and write to you if i have any more queries.

Thanks again.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hello mars27,

The first thing I would suggest is to make sure your studies well-rounded. It's good to keep the error logs and to keep track of weakness. But you should also leave enough time to practice other areas. This will prevent you from improving in one area and declining in another (due to neglect). Secondly, schedule in enough time for full length practice. At this point you are perhaps familiar enough with the content and the question types. Now you can focus on building and sustaining endurance (lower verbal scores are also normal due to fatigue). Finally, minimize your stress. Stress can play a big role in your performance as well. Hopefully you'll have practiced enough under testing conditions that by the time test day comes around you're more than used to it.

Best of luck!

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