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angelikv
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 25 Feb 2012, 13:44
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Hello, I have been studying for 6 weeks already. I feel like I have a good understanding now of the concepts tested on the GMAT but when I do the drills I get all the info mixed up. I feel like there are so many topics, that I don't know which one to do first. For example, I think I need to improve in reading, but if I concentrate too much on it, I will forget some math tactics. I have read many posts, but I still don't know how to balance all the topics. I sometimes fee overwhelmed.

Any advice will be appreciated! Thank you!

PS. I might take the test at the end of May, I guess that's enough time to find an excellent strategy.
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nsspaz151
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:12
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Kaplan put on a free practice GMAT (non-CAT) at a nearby school and I found taking this practice exam very helpful in determining where I was weakest (and where to focus my attention). I am sure there are other options but this one was free and did not even come with a pitch from Kaplan believe it or not!
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File comment: Question Type Detail
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nsspaz151
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:15
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One more screenshot - gives an idea of how detailed the report is for the verbal section.
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GMATLA
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 27 Feb 2012, 22:29
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When I think of all the topics on the GMAT, I think of the performer in the circus that spins the plates. They have 10 sticks, each with a spinning plate on them. If they concentrate on one plate for too long, the other plates will begin to fall. Think of all the topics the same way. You need to stay fresh on all of them. For example, pic a day and work on SC and DS and work those topics for your entire studying. The next day do AWA and PS. The next CR and RC and some quant problems you missed in previous days. Then do a day of your error log and working on timing. Then do a day with a practice test and go through every right and wrong answer until you understand (will be a whole day)... And then mix and match all these topics again, and subtopics within the question types...

This really helps also b/c when you take a whole day off of a certain topic, it allows the material to really sit in. If you can come back to it a couple days later, and you still understand it, you know you have it down. If you don't, then make sure you relearn it perfectly. Don't concentrate on one plate too long, or the rest will fall. Most importantly keep them all spinning, but don't kill yourself trying to do every topic every day. It doesn't work. You can't try to spin every plate at the same time, you only have two hands.

I know it can feel overwhelming, b/c we have all been there. But rest assured that the more times you cover each topic, the better you will understand it. So follow these tips, and I think it should help you out...

Good luck!
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angelikv
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 29 Feb 2012, 12:19
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Hello! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for the tips, I will follow them!

I already sign up for the test- May 04!! I will start applying the startegies right away!

:)
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 29 Feb 2012, 15:27
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nsspaz151: That Kaplan Verbal breakdown seems awesome. Thanks for posting the info about that! I sometimes have trouble being able to tell which types of verbal questions I missed. I already know that SC will be a weak area, but being able to definitively see that sub-score is really nice. Maybe I will consider purchasing a Kaplan book for access to their practice exams...

I was a bit leery about Kaplan practice exams earlier, as in the past, it seems their CD based tests were poor indicators of actual GMAT performance. However, it seems in recent times, this problem has been resolved and addressed, according to what I have seen on these forums...
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How can I balance all the topics tested on the GMAT? 08 Mar 2012, 02:23
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great advice gmatla!!!! I've been encountering the same prob lately. Will definitly take ur suggestion into consideration.
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