devpanda wrote:
Congrats on the score!!! I loved the "Ali" bit the most....
I intend to take around May end / June start....
I am noob , and this is 1st week of preparation...I am attacking my weakness Verbal - started with SC (Manhattan)....I would be obliged if you could "mentor" me with tips / tricks...
The prob is that too much of things / materials and what to choose...? If you could spare me penny's thought, it would be great....
I know any exam can be cracked if somebody is aware of the plan and has proper resources...
What say?? Looking forward for protege-mentor thing. (Just 15 mins call / check)
Hey Dev,
I am not particularly an expert on the subject matter, so do not know whether I would be able to guide you in the right direction. However, I can share the tips / strategies that I found useful, and if it makes sense, then feel free to use them. Bear in mind that what may work for some does not necessarily work for others.
Attacking the GMAT involves three key elements
1. Following a good work-plan that is well thought out
2. Understanding the concepts that the GMAT is testing you on and the style in which questions are posed
3. Determining the best approach for efficiently attacking certain questions
First, attempt a diagnostic test, to identify your current standing so that you can develop a good work plan. Once you know where you stand, chalk out a rough work plan. In my earlier post, I have briefly discussed the approach that I took. As you have indicated that Verbal is your weakness, my advice to you would be to divide your initial preparation time between verbal and quant in the ratio 60:40. Do not ignore quant completely.
My plan for verbal was quite simple
- Read
Official Guide SC, CR and RC (This is the basic document that you must read as it is prepared by GMAT)
- Read Manhattan SC (cover to cover), Manhattan CR and CR Bible by PowerPrep, and Manhattan RC
- Translate key points on each topic into a word document for ongoing reviews in between mock tests
- Follow my guidelines for practicing questions, as highlighted in my earlier post
- Try to target completing SC equations within 1:00 min and CR questions within 1:30 minutes. This is because, RC questions will end up taking up the most time as you will have to spend time reading the passage. However, don't be paranoid if it takes you a little bit longer on the tougher questions.
- Before attempting questions, write down the answer choices on paper i.e. write down A|B|C|D|E - As you go through the answers, use the technique of POE (Process Of Elimination) and actually cross out the choices on your scratch pad that are not relevant. This will help you narrow down the choices in case you are confused between 2-3 choices and need to refer back to the passage/statement. On the day of the test, you will have a 1-min window (during the introduction to the verbal section) to write down A B C D E on the paper. Try and dish out as many as you can in that time period
- Track the answers you get wrong, especially for SC, and understand the logic behind the right answer
Note:
For SC, the most important element is understanding the grammar. This may take time, but unless it doesn't become intuitive, you will end up spending a lot of time between options.
For CR, the most important element is comprehending the statement and identifying the right strategy to attack the different question types. The CR Bible is the best resource for this, by far. I would tackle the question by reading the question first (to understand what question type it is), then reading the statement and then using POE to go through the answer choices, based on the rules and guidelines in the CR Bible.
For RC, it is important to comprehend the passage, and if you feel necessary draw out a skeletal map of the passage. Here, use the approach that works best for you. Read the forums and test out a few approaches before fixating on one.
Finally, I suggest you spend a day browsing through the forum, and reading up on other success stories and approaches. Extract pointers from everyone that you may find useful.
Hope this helps!
close
02 Mar 2012, 22:59
