Need Advice on Study Plan

Question

All,

I hope you're doing well. I have been studying since February and have seen little to no score improvement. I took a MGMAT class and went through all of the materials, but I hover around the Q40 and V32 area. My scores have been 580, 610, and 600 on all of my practice tests. I'm not certain on how to proceed on studying as I feel like previous efforts or self-developed study plans are not working. I originally planned on taking the test at the end of June, but I'm consider delaying as my top schools are far out of reach. Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Millis79

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Hi Millis,

I hope you are doing well! Sorry to hear that your score hasn't improved thus far. A few questions about your prep so far:

1. What was the general framework of your self-study plan? Have you kept an error log?

2. Besides MGMAT, what materials have you used so far in your GMAT prep?

3. Have you taken any official GMAT practice tests?

In terms of general studying this is a helpful post by BB:  https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-plan-how-to-start-your-gmat-prep-80727.html  If you'd like an example of a day by day GMAT study schedule you can take a look a this  GMAT Study Schedule .

If you give me a little more info about your situation I'll try to provide some specific insight.

Happy Studies,

A.

Millis79 · Answer

A.,

Thank you very much for the response.

1. I am keeping an error log, but not sure at what time intervals I should review the log. I have used pretty much only MGMAT materials and have also used the GMATClub Verbal book.

2. I've got the OG books and have used those as part of my study plan.

3. I have only taken one GMATPrep before I started my studies and scored a 540 (ouch!).

Also, if you have any thoughts on timing, I would be greatly appreciative to hear them. I was planning on taking the test in late June and again in late July. I want to break the coveted 700 mark, but I think I'm cutting it too close.

Thanks,
Millis79

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

Hi Millis,

Hope you are well. I should able to take a closer look when I am done teaching today. In the meanwhile here is an article that is about the CAT and  GMAT Timing . Maybe you'll find it helpful.

Have great day,

A.

AtlanticGMAT · Answer

1. I am keeping an error log, but not sure at what time intervals I should review the log. I have used pretty much only MGMAT materials and have also used the GMATClub Verbal book. 
 I would review your error log before every study session. If your error log gets too big you can review half of it before each session. Also, be OK skipping 5% of the questions in your review if you find them too difficult. Let's focus on the important 95%.

2. I've got the OG books and have used those as part of my study plan. 
 OG 13 should be the center of your studying. You can also use the Question Pack 1. Between those two you have a lot of material to work through.
 
3. I have only taken one GMATPrep before I started my studies and scored a 540 (ouch!). 
 Before your next exam I would consider taking GMAT Prep 1 and 2 twice each and the Exam Pack 3 + 4. These are excellent resources.
 
Also, if you have any thoughts on timing, I would be greatly appreciative to hear them. I was planning on taking the test in late June and again in late July. I want to break the coveted 700 mark, but I think I'm cutting it too close. 
 I think that a lot of improvement is possible in this amount of time. Making a study schedule will help you get the most of it. Really try to break down your studying by the day. For your timing, practice as you would take a test. Treat every question as a test question. Get into good GMAT habits starting now. Be organized. Be consequential. Studying can be very tiring so give yourself a break when you need it - it's better to rest and re-charge than to study when you are exhausted.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Happy Studies,

A.

PS: This article on  GMAT Study Habits  might be helpful. There are a few points about error log and your timing during practice.

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