Please help - Effective way to stay on track

Question

Hi,

I started to study for Gmat last Monday following one of the sample guideline provided in this forum. My aim is to take the test in 3 months, and I'm using MG books along with the OG.

I picked Geo first, and i just finish that portion of the MG last night - that's 10 days. At this rate I'm not sure I can finish reviewing the Quant in 1 month. My work schedule is unpredictable and long hours, but i managed to put in about 2 hrs on the weekdays and 6~8 hrs weekend.

I read the note, and then try to do all the questions after each chapter. Sometime i found myself stuck with one question for 30 minutes (this happened very often), and there are around 12 question in each chapter - some hard, some real easy. I wouldn't look at the solution 'til i tried everything but still stuck, a very unproductive way to study for the test. I was able to solved majority of them, but i don't have much time to sit around to figure them out that way.

I'm looking for a way to study more effectively and hoping that you can help.

What's the most time efficient and effective way to study?

Is it worth spending time figuring out the questions, or just skimp thru it and finish the review first?

Thanks for reading, and i appreciate any inputs from those with similar experience but were able to over come and scored well on the exam.

JT.

ThomasD · Answer

Similar to the real test, I would set myself a time limit per question. For this very early stage may be I would be more generous, let's say give yourself 4 minutes per question. If you cant figure it out, make sure you go through the official answer very carefully and understand how the problem should be tackled. Now make a note of that problem and continue studying. Because you missed this problem, you absolutely have to get back to it at a later point in your studies to make sure you now - after reviewing the answer and understanding the concept - can solve this problem without any major difficulty. May be give it ten days or so in between, you want to make sure you don't just remember the correct answer, but you can actually solve the problem.

I think it's key early on to master most (hopefully all) of the concepts needed for the GMAT and as you say not get stuck on one particular problem

I think it's key early on to master most (hopefully all) of the concepts needed for the GMAT and as you say not get stuck on one particular problem

whate · Answer

Thanks ThomasD. I think it's a every practical solution.

I'm open for other suggestions, please keep them coming.

aim-high · Answer

Have you thought about taking any classes, online or classroom ? This would definitely keep you on track and force you to spend time on GMAT everyday. I am not sure about you but for me if I miss studying for 2 or 3 days, I feel I have missed a lot of studies and the momentum is just gone. With respect to time spent on questions, check to see if your time improves doing the same set of questions after couple of weeks. Most of the time, even if you read through the explanations correctly we tend to forget some key facts so when you do the same questions at a later time, you might still get it wrong.

I also found that if I take printouts of key concepts and paste it on my walls, I constantly look at them when I am at home and revise the concepts. Also, download the MGMAT flashcards from their website (its free). Whenever I get bored of studying (mainly when I feel sleepy around 12 in the nite), I try to go through these flashcards. It helps your brain to think a little so you learn something or it is a great way to revise. I also try to do the "Gmat of the day" problem here in gmatclub and other sources. This helps me to constantly to be in touch with gmat.Here are the things that help me keep motivated for the gmat.

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Please help - Effective way to stay on track

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