Verbal on Magoosh

Dear nahid78,

I'm happy to respond.

Here's what I'll say, my friend. Wherever you are, in whatever situation you find yourself in life, you can commit yourself to the habits of excellence.

I think getting a job is crucial. Think about it this way. Even if you get a 750 on the GMAT, how is your business school interview going to go if you tell them that you couldn't get a job? That doesn't bode well for success in the business world. I would recommend delaying the GMAT for a year or more, until you can accumulate some valid work experience. Any high GMAT score is simply meaningless if the candidate cannot demonstrate competence in the business world.

A score of 720 between now and May is a true stretch. I don't know whether it's possible for you: a gain of 100 points would be a lot. Your math is very strong, but your Verbal needs a lot of work. As long as you are jobless, I would recommend devoting 6+ hours a day purely on English immersion: reading high quality English, watching English material on Youtube, etc. etc. You have to swim in English as a fish swims in water. Stop watching any TV, any movies, or any videos in your own language: make all your entertainment English-based, with no subtitles, so you are always working at it. Listen only to music with English lyrics. Read only English-language news. Make English your principle connection to the outside world. When you start to have dreams in English regularly, then you will be starting to get close to the kind of mastery you need for the GMAT.

I also would recommend developing some stress-management skills. Since you have four months between now and the GMAT, I would recommend starting a formal meditation practice, half an hour each day, every single day without fail. Practice mindfulness throughout the day. You will see more information under #10 in the blog linked above. This will build the focus that you need as well as the ability not to psyche yourself out when under stress.

In every area of your life, ask yourself: what is the highest standard to which I could hold myself? Ask yourself that, and then hold yourself to that high standard. You need to "buy back" your parent's respect, and you need to "buy back" your own respect in yourself. The way to do this is to challenge yourself to be the best possible person you can be, every single moment of every single day. Push yourself past your perceived limitations to be the best human being you can be. Take 100% responsibility for your life.

Here's the hardest part. If you embrace these changes, this commitment to excellence, don't talk about it much at all. Just start living the excellence, and wait until the changes are sufficient that other people notice them on their own. Make your life itself your most powerful statement.

Does all this make sense?
Mike

Thank you... Thank you very much...
Seems like you have read my very word carefully. If I were you I'd not do so.
From this very moment I am strictly following your instructions, and I am them as challenges.
I want to respect your benevolent and inspiring words with my works.
I am looking forward to the day when i'l say you that "i followed your words and they worked"
Thanks you again...

Hello, mikemcgarry sir,
How are you?
Sorry for repetitively tagging you.

I have started practicing CR and RC from LSAT, as i know almost all the answers of the official questions (whether I understand or not). I have completed 1 test, which has 28 RC questions and 50 GMAT like CR questions (I think). I made 16 correct choices on RC and 27/28 correct choices on CR. I am taking almost double time, but i am trying to understand very carefully. Is it okay to practice from LSAT? and is this the way i should study? (12-13 CR questions a day 13-14 RC questions (2 passage) a day). I am also practicing 2 passages from OG guides per day.
And one more thing I practice everything everyday (CR and RC are given, 15-20 SC, 20-25 PS and 20-25 DS practice or study theoretical). Should I follow this strategy or i should pick one or two section and practice those for whole day?

Thanks in advance.

Dear nahid78,

I'm happy to respond.

LSAT Logical Reasoning is slightly harder than GMAT Critical Reasoning, so that's particularly good practice. The Reading Comprehension is similar on the two tests, although I believe the LSAT has paired passages, something the GMAT doesn't test. That's still good practice for building verbal skills.

I am concerned with taking double time to do the questions. You need to increase your speed. In part, this will come as you practice English in general, but I would urge you to start putting time limits on yourself when you are doing the questions. Give yourself unlimited time when you are re-reading and reviewing, but in your first exposure to the questions, you should work with a sense of urgency.

In general, I think it's great to get as much variety every day, math & verbal with different problem formats. You will have to "switch gears" on test day, so it's helpful to practice switching gears now.

Finally, my friend, I will reflect to you that the tone of your comment has the feel of someone who needs the approval of another for what he is doing, even small choices. My friend, if you convey that tone to the business school admission people, it will reduce your chances of admission. Business schools look for people with initiative. They want people who boldly make choices and embrace the consequences, people who are empowered to set their own agenda. The courage and confidence involved in self-responsibility are what garner respect. A person who can't trust himself can't be of support to anyone else.

Does all this make sense?
Mike

Thank you so much. Yes, i agree with you. There are some reasons for these consequences. i was broken.... something worse... With the help of my family and friends. i am trying to make amendment of the mistakes i made in the past. The moment i realized, I was on the wrong way of my intentions I started to listen to the people who, i think, can help me. Now I am fighting every moment to do so... i know I lack confidence, as I lack knowledge. (Thanks for mentioning that point.) I am trying to improve, bu I lack the knowledge I need to do so. But i am trying to learn new things everyday.

I can't ask you more (suggestions or something else). moreover, its not GMAT related.
I want to say that you are good person (I mean it).
Thanks again.