Experienced GMATers: Need advice on identifying weak areas

Question

I need advice of experienced test takers (i.e., those who have already prepared and taken the GMAT) on the best source of identifying weak areas in both quant and verbal.

The question is not on using an error log but on books/courses that are most representative of the actual GMAT requirements and that are able to test your ability in these areas (at least to some extent).

In order to save OGs for the latter stages of my preparation, I plan to start with Kaplan Premier 2009. Do you think that this source is good enough to identify blind spots and weak areas in both verbal and quant?

If not, what is in your opinion the best way to identify blind spots and weak areas (what courses/books are the best for that)?

mohater · Answer

The best way to identify your weakness is through a diagnostic test and an error log.

You can see the reviews of practice tests here:
all-gmat-cat-practice-tests-links-prices-reviews-77460.html

As for best content, obviously OG is the best since it contains retired GMAT questions. Use the book review thread to determine what other books to purchase:
Overall GMAT books:
best-gmat-books-reviews-recommendations-for-your-prep-77703.html

Math books:
best-gmat-math-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-77291.html

Verbal books:
best-gmat-verbal-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-78094.html

Unless you maintain an error log and note your progress with a diagnostic test and follow up tests, you will be studying blindly (generally). Obviously, you will know some of your weaknesses without any type of practice test or error log.

nonameee · Answer

My question is not on how to determine weak areas by using an error log, but whether doing Kaplan 2009 Premiere and the accompanied tests is a good way to spot weak areas? And if it's not, which books/courses would serve the purpose?

I have already read the mentioned threads many times. Also, like I said, I do not want to use OGs (which I know is the most representative source of real GMAT questions) until the latter stages of my preparation.

nonameee · Answer

I'll rephrase my question: If I do well or not so well on certain sections of Kaplan, does it imply that my knowledge is sufficient (or not) in the corresponding areas?

Posted from my mobile device

nonameee · Answer

username123, actually I haven't started studying Kaplan so I can't comment on it. But after reading various posts, I incline to think that no source except for OG will be a good indicator of your strengths/weaknesses. Which is really a shame.

nonameee · Answer

That's exactly the problem. I've done some research and found just very few resources for various parts of the GMAT math and verbal. To combine various materials seems like the only solution but even in this case you don't get that many sample sets.

mohater · Answer

You're asking for a magic pill nonameee. If one source + practice tests is enough. It could be enough for you, but for most people who prep, that is not enough.

The point of an error log is to monitor progress over the entire prep process. If you simply look at practice exams w/o monitoring, you can have many false positives or false negatives when reviewing tests (you will not be able to identify flukes very well if you look at instances instead of treads).

nonameee · Answer

username123, thanks for your the info you provided. Sackmann's material is very unreasonably expensive. Maybe I'll consider getting the LSAT book you mentioned.

nonameee · Answer

And what do you think of this source? Is it good?

Posted from my mobile device

cebenez · Answer

You want to identify your weak areas? Take a prep test from Manhattan GMAT website. they offer one free CAT exam. Take it. they also give you an analysis sheet which give you a little picture on how you scored on different concepts of GMAT. Review each question and make honest assessment of your answers.

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Experienced GMATers: Need advice on identifying weak areas

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