How much time to spend on GMAT Error Log

Question

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while and recently started my preparation for the GMAT.

How much time do you guys spend reviewing and analyzing your errors as opposed to just straight up reading the MGMAT/Veritas books?

I took the OG12 Diagnostic and was definitely not satisfied with my score. I realize that it is not an accurate gauge on how well I would perform on the GMAT because it is not adaptive and it is not limited by time.

I am attempting to use Saruba's error log to go over my mistakes but I realize that this would take very long.

I just wanted to make sure I'm not going about my preparation the wrong way...thanks.

Xgineer

BM · Answer

Fair enough, but it does contain authentic questions and the timing issue can be solved through the use of a stopwatch or clock. But I used the OG 12 diagnostic as question practice rather than a test. As you stated, it's not a CAT.

But to answer your question, I wouldn't spend that much time on Error Logs. Sometimes people become rather extreme with the design or the content. For me, I only wrote down (with pen and paper) the question number, the question type, and the reason for the incorrect answer. I would then review the guidebooks to make sure that I understood the concepts involved in those questions.

In other words, it's probably better to keep things simple.

Xgineer · Answer

I am guessing that this is where the majority of my time should be spent. I got roughly 40% of the OG12 diagnostic wrong and it looks like a lot to review, but I will go through each question until I understand the concepts behind questions.

The real question is, should I spend the majority of my time reviewing the questions that I got wrong and are on my error log and reviewing those concepts. OR should I spend the majority of my time reading the theory from the Manhattan GMAT guides.

Thanks BMillan01

Xgineer

BM · Answer

I adopted a cautious stance and re-read the entire Manhattan math series. As you continue with question practice, you will eventually identify your weak spots. That's when you will need to become very intense, thorough, and specific. Until then, however, just focus on reading the Manhattan books; 40 percent worth of incorrect answers indicates that a general approach is better than pinpointing any problems (at least for now). Work on the specific details later. :wink:

prateekbhatt · Answer

Even i use a simple paper and pencil old classic style error log like bmillan01....

I guess the purpose of a error log is to know which ques's or topics giving you trouble.....

BM · Answer

I don't recall exactly how long I studied for math everyday, but it was very long. At its most intense, math preparation included review of the Manhattan books, practice and review Jeff Sackmann's math sets or OG (as many questions as possible), and practice and review one GMATClub test per day. Eventually, my routine included one GMATClub test and some light math reading. I would start with math and then switch to verbal when I became exhausted. And once verbal wore me out, I would switch back to math. This allowed me to go past the breaking point. I gradually built up to studying almost the whole day. Breaks included meals, gym time, and some light web surfing. But even then, most of the latter was on GMATClub. I even read (or re-read) GMAT books while in the bathroom!

Fortunately, most don't need to take such drastic measures for results. But I was desperate and knew that I had to push myself to the max to reach my potential. This is not always possible (nor advisable) for most test takers due to family obligations, work, and school. But it's important to push yourself and improve. If you make things too easy, then there's no resistance and no growth.

Fortunately, most don't need to take such drastic measures for results. But I was desperate and knew that I had to push myself to the max to reach my potential. This is not always possible (nor advisable) for most test takers due to family obligations, work, and school. But it's important to push yourself and improve. If you make things too easy, then there's no resistance and no growth.

Xgineer · Answer

Oh...yeh work will definitely play a factor for me. Thanks for your advice though! It is greatly appreciated.

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How much time to spend on GMAT Error Log

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