Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some guidance (want to get a tutor) as I'm
completely lost with my preparation.
BackgroundI'm an engineer based in Montreal (8-10hr/day job during weekdays) and I've been preparing for GMAT since June 2020. From June to October, I followed an online course (Wizako) that helped me review all the basics that I forgot in Quant (regular formulas and strategies) and Verbal (SC basics and CR strategies). I also practiced questions using OG15 (untimed...horrible mistake).
I took my first GMAT official practice test on 26th October and got a score of 570 (Q45, V25). During that test, I was really struggling with time and strategy in both sections.
I then decided to change my study method to focus more on timed practicing. I took
GMATClub tests every few days from 3rd Nov to 18th Dec (took about 16 tests). My Quant scores (all timed tests) crazily fluctuated during this time (Q37, Q33, Q39, Q24, Q48, Q49, Q36, Q35, Q47...). One thing to note is that my 500 level accuracy consistently improved from 60% to 90-100%. However, my 600 level accuracy kept fluctuating (50% to 90%) and 700 level accuracy barely moved (20-33%).
For Verbal, I practiced GMATClub questions in the form of short quizzes. During each quiz, I tried to attempt 18 questions (500, 600, 700 level) in 36-40 minutes. My accuracy here again improved from 55% to 78-80% during the months of November and December.
On 19th Dec, I took the
same GMAT official practice test and was horrified to see a lower score of 550 (Q44, V22).
Some obvious blunders1. I maintained an
error log for Quant that was somewhat effective. However, my Verbal
error log was extremely poor. I can do better here.
2. Every time I reviewed mistakes, I went through the solution and took some shoddy notes in
error log.
3. In Nov and Dec, I focused too much on quantity (timed questions) rather than quality.
4. As a result of 3 above, I forgot most of the strategies that I learnt in both Q and V.
5. I've been studying on average 2-2.5 hrs/day, but I'm not efficiently using this time (
aimless and unstructured practice).
6. Worst one...I wasted hours and days reading several posts on GMATClub of people's struggles and study plans to score 700+. By doing so, I was just chasing my own tail...I really need to stop this.
Current situation1. I'm flustered and all over the place with my strategy, skills, time management, and accuracy.
2. I'm looking for a 1-1 guidance during which someone can help me identify my core weaknesses and help me develop a proper study plan over the next few months.
3. I'm currently on a 3 week holiday till 9th Jan so I'm looking to
undo all my poor skills that I recently developed and
start rebuilding a strong foundation (willing to put 8-10 hours a day).
4. To rebuild my foundation, I may need to take a proper online course (need guidance as to which one would best suit my needs and weaknesses).
Goals1) My aim is to score 730+.
2) I was initially supposed to take the GMAT exam on 9th Jan, but I'm postponing it to April to give myself 4 months of dedicated prep time.
2) I'm planning to apply to B schools in UK in Sept 2021.
I thank you for taking out the time for reading this...I really appreciate it.