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13 Dec 2021, 12:39
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What tips do you guys have for best internalization and/or memorization of material for the GMAT?
I understand we can use mnemonics, of course, like FAN BOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to refer to coordinating conjunctions. Brute force memorization, or rote memorization, is what many us do (or perhaps have done) before a final exam or cramming for an important text back in our school days. Flash cards are also popular.
Since GMAT is a test of reasoning and analytical skills which discourages such memorization on most topics, I guess I am looking for other internalization/intuitive techniques that are more appropriate for the exam (and similar types of exams like the GRE).
Memory palaces are a technique I learned from reading the book Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Josuha Foer. Yet, I don't think I can internalize such a technique for a timed exam such as the GMAT.
I understand we can use mnemonics, of course, like FAN BOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to refer to coordinating conjunctions. Brute force memorization, or rote memorization, is what many us do (or perhaps have done) before a final exam or cramming for an important text back in our school days. Flash cards are also popular.
Since GMAT is a test of reasoning and analytical skills which discourages such memorization on most topics, I guess I am looking for other internalization/intuitive techniques that are more appropriate for the exam (and similar types of exams like the GRE).
Memory palaces are a technique I learned from reading the book Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Josuha Foer. Yet, I don't think I can internalize such a technique for a timed exam such as the GMAT.
13 Dec 2021, 14:43
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Bookmarks
rightasday1121
Memorizing certain "go-to" methods to solve Quant questions can be helpful. For example, I quickly think of a certain short cut when seeing a compound interest question. Memorizing certain formulas and ratios can come in handy, though. Try to put your own "spin" on such formulas to make them your own and easier to memorize.
If you want to learn the rules regarding exponents, for example, consider playing around with some small numbers and powers and seeing what happens when you change stuff here and there. You might find memorizing the "understanding" of how exponents work better than memorizing the rules of exponents.
For Verbal, I teach a lot of solving approach. Sure, there are things to pattern recognize through memory, but working on an efficient approach to a section that keeps you fresher for longer can also be helpful.
Memorizing certain "go-to" methods to solve Quant questions can be helpful. For example, I quickly think of a certain short cut when seeing a compound interest question. Memorizing certain formulas and ratios can come in handy, though. Try to put your own "spin" on such formulas to make them your own and easier to memorize.
If you want to learn the rules regarding exponents, for example, consider playing around with some small numbers and powers and seeing what happens when you change stuff here and there. You might find memorizing the "understanding" of how exponents work better than memorizing the rules of exponents.
For Verbal, I teach a lot of solving approach. Sure, there are things to pattern recognize through memory, but working on an efficient approach to a section that keeps you fresher for longer can also be helpful.
13 Dec 2021, 23:29
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi rightasday1121,
A certain amount of content knowledge (math formulas, grammar rules, etc.) is necessary to perform at a high level on the GMAT - but you are correct that the GMAT is a big 'critical thinking test' (and NOT some type of 'memorization test', 'IQ Test', 'Math Test' or 'Vocabulary Test'). Some of that necessary knowledge can be learned/reviewed using memorization tools (such as flash cards), but in the broader sense, your training/practice is what will help you to build the necessary skills (and knowledge) needed to score at a high level. In that way, it's ultimately the methods that matter. For example, in a PS question, if you have to find the Median of a group of disorganized numbers, then you will take some type of approach to place those numbers in order from least to greatest. You'll be able to do that work not because you have memorized every possible combination of numbers (in order) - but because you're drawing on your understanding of the method of how to do that work. Much of the GMAT is written so that if you can recognize the built-in patterns, then you can approach each prompt in an efficient way (and even if you don't immediately recognize that the patterns are there, you can still take advantage of them through the use of various Quant and Verbal Tactics). Again though, that all comes down to how you train for the Exam.
Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:
Studies:
1) You have a score listed in your profile (700/Q45/V40). Is that an Official GMAT Score?
2) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at: [email protected]
A certain amount of content knowledge (math formulas, grammar rules, etc.) is necessary to perform at a high level on the GMAT - but you are correct that the GMAT is a big 'critical thinking test' (and NOT some type of 'memorization test', 'IQ Test', 'Math Test' or 'Vocabulary Test'). Some of that necessary knowledge can be learned/reviewed using memorization tools (such as flash cards), but in the broader sense, your training/practice is what will help you to build the necessary skills (and knowledge) needed to score at a high level. In that way, it's ultimately the methods that matter. For example, in a PS question, if you have to find the Median of a group of disorganized numbers, then you will take some type of approach to place those numbers in order from least to greatest. You'll be able to do that work not because you have memorized every possible combination of numbers (in order) - but because you're drawing on your understanding of the method of how to do that work. Much of the GMAT is written so that if you can recognize the built-in patterns, then you can approach each prompt in an efficient way (and even if you don't immediately recognize that the patterns are there, you can still take advantage of them through the use of various Quant and Verbal Tactics). Again though, that all comes down to how you train for the Exam.
Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:
Studies:
1) You have a score listed in your profile (700/Q45/V40). Is that an Official GMAT Score?
2) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at: [email protected]
