Last visit was: 25 Apr 2026, 08:34 It is currently 25 Apr 2026, 08:34
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
avatar
angelikv
avatar
Joined: 25 Feb 2012
Last visit: 09 Aug 2014
Posts: 5
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 25 Feb 2012, 13:44
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello, I have been studying for 6 weeks already. I feel like I have a good understanding now of the concepts tested on the GMAT but when I do the drills I get all the info mixed up. I feel like there are so many topics, that I don't know which one to do first. For example, I think I need to improve in reading, but if I concentrate too much on it, I will forget some math tactics. I have read many posts, but I still don't know how to balance all the topics. I sometimes fee overwhelmed.

Any advice will be appreciated! Thank you!

PS. I might take the test at the end of May, I guess that's enough time to find an excellent strategy.
User avatar
nsspaz151
User avatar
Joined: 03 Feb 2012
Last visit: 12 Jan 2016
Posts: 44
Own Kudos:
59
 [1]
Given Kudos: 12
Location: United States (WI)
Concentration: Other
Schools: University of Wisconsin (Madison) - Class of 2014
GMAT 1: 680 Q46 V38
GMAT 2: 760 Q48 V46
GPA: 3.66
WE:Marketing (Manufacturing)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: University of Wisconsin (Madison) - Class of 2014
GMAT 2: 760 Q48 V46
Posts: 44
Kudos: 59
 [1]
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:12
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kaplan put on a free practice GMAT (non-CAT) at a nearby school and I found taking this practice exam very helpful in determining where I was weakest (and where to focus my attention). I am sure there are other options but this one was free and did not even come with a pitch from Kaplan believe it or not!
Attachments

File comment: Quant Detail
ScreenShot_002.jpg
ScreenShot_002.jpg [ 92.72 KiB | Viewed 1333 times ]

File comment: Question Type Detail
ScreenShot_001.jpg
ScreenShot_001.jpg [ 103.73 KiB | Viewed 1351 times ]

User avatar
nsspaz151
User avatar
Joined: 03 Feb 2012
Last visit: 12 Jan 2016
Posts: 44
Own Kudos:
59
Given Kudos: 12
Location: United States (WI)
Concentration: Other
Schools: University of Wisconsin (Madison) - Class of 2014
GMAT 1: 680 Q46 V38
GMAT 2: 760 Q48 V46
GPA: 3.66
WE:Marketing (Manufacturing)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: University of Wisconsin (Madison) - Class of 2014
GMAT 2: 760 Q48 V46
Posts: 44
Kudos: 59
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:15
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
One more screenshot - gives an idea of how detailed the report is for the verbal section.
Attachments

File comment: Verbal Detail
ScreenShot_003.jpg
ScreenShot_003.jpg [ 157.56 KiB | Viewed 1332 times ]

User avatar
GMATLA
User avatar
Joined: 12 Sep 2011
Last visit: 24 Apr 2017
Posts: 892
Own Kudos:
1,210
Given Kudos: 114
Concentration: Finance, Finance
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V40
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V40
Posts: 892
Kudos: 1,210
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
When I think of all the topics on the GMAT, I think of the performer in the circus that spins the plates. They have 10 sticks, each with a spinning plate on them. If they concentrate on one plate for too long, the other plates will begin to fall. Think of all the topics the same way. You need to stay fresh on all of them. For example, pic a day and work on SC and DS and work those topics for your entire studying. The next day do AWA and PS. The next CR and RC and some quant problems you missed in previous days. Then do a day of your error log and working on timing. Then do a day with a practice test and go through every right and wrong answer until you understand (will be a whole day)... And then mix and match all these topics again, and subtopics within the question types...

This really helps also b/c when you take a whole day off of a certain topic, it allows the material to really sit in. If you can come back to it a couple days later, and you still understand it, you know you have it down. If you don't, then make sure you relearn it perfectly. Don't concentrate on one plate too long, or the rest will fall. Most importantly keep them all spinning, but don't kill yourself trying to do every topic every day. It doesn't work. You can't try to spin every plate at the same time, you only have two hands.

I know it can feel overwhelming, b/c we have all been there. But rest assured that the more times you cover each topic, the better you will understand it. So follow these tips, and I think it should help you out...

Good luck!
avatar
angelikv
avatar
Joined: 25 Feb 2012
Last visit: 09 Aug 2014
Posts: 5
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 5
Kudos: 0
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 29 Feb 2012, 12:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the tips, I will follow them!

I already sign up for the test- May 04!! I will start applying the startegies right away!

:)
User avatar
cecilpaladin32
User avatar
Joined: 06 Jan 2012
Last visit: 14 Oct 2019
Posts: 100
Own Kudos:
16
Given Kudos: 28
Posts: 100
Kudos: 16
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 29 Feb 2012, 15:27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nsspaz151: That Kaplan Verbal breakdown seems awesome. Thanks for posting the info about that! I sometimes have trouble being able to tell which types of verbal questions I missed. I already know that SC will be a weak area, but being able to definitively see that sub-score is really nice. Maybe I will consider purchasing a Kaplan book for access to their practice exams...

I was a bit leery about Kaplan practice exams earlier, as in the past, it seems their CD based tests were poor indicators of actual GMAT performance. However, it seems in recent times, this problem has been resolved and addressed, according to what I have seen on these forums...
avatar
aisha12
avatar
Joined: 09 Aug 2011
Last visit: 07 May 2012
Posts: 123
Own Kudos:
9
Given Kudos: 38
Location: United States
Concentration: General Management
GMAT Date: 11-15-2011
GPA: 3.33
Posts: 123
Kudos: 9
How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 08 Mar 2012, 02:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
great advice gmatla!!!! I've been encountering the same prob lately. Will definitly take ur suggestion into consideration.
Moderators:
gchandana
193 posts
MBAACCOUNT2025
General GMAT Forum Moderator
473 posts