Please Share Your Advice

Question

Hi everyone,

I hope this message finds you all well.

For the last 3.5 months, I have been studying and simultaneously solving some questions for GMAT. Now, I believe I am in a good position to focus solving questions only. Here is what I try to do:

I try to solve 10 CR, 10 SC, 3 RC questions everyday from OG 2019. I've completed the first half of Verbal questions with a 78% correct rate. Considering, I've made solving questions my primary focus 1 week ago, I believe I am not in a bad position.  But, I would appreciate any comments!

In addition, I solve 20 Quant questions from GmatClub Tests everyday in Practice Mode, and I complete around 50-55 mins. I am consistently scoring around 80% and my incorrects are 95% 700 level ones. Among these 4 incorrect ones everyday I make 1-2 silly mistakes.

The next day, I review all the questions, and repeat the process. At the same time, in every 2-3 days, I review my notes to combine studying with solving questions. I plan to take GMAT in 1.5-2 months because I want to feel "quite" comfortable with the concepts as I aim for 720+.

In this point, what would you guys recommend me in terms of:
1) When I complete OG, what should I do? I mean for Verbal? (as many people say GMATClub Tests are more than enough for Quant).
2) I am planning to take 1 CAT every weekend. I saw MGMAT, GMATPrep, Kaplan & Veritas are the most used ones. How should I proceed?
3) Do you think completing GMATClub Tests in Practice Mode, and then attempting ALL Qs again in Exam Mode would be enough for quant?
4) Any other advice would be really appreciated!!!

Many thanks in advance and have a great day!!!!

bb · Answer

Hi. I would say that solving questions and studying should go together. Kind of like eating a meal and having a dessert after it (not sure if you can call solving questions a dessert but that's how the analogy works). You probably would not eat 10 meals and then have 10 desserts separately saved up ... or maybe people do that. I am not sure but I recommend working on questions as you progress through the material. Anyway, I guess we are a bit past that point so you can definitely use the questions to identify weaknesses and pursue those. I would say 80% accuracy puts you around 700 (a very broad strokes estimate) and 90% is around 750 and 70% is likely around 650.

P.S. Moreover, the word advice is always singular, kind of like meat or milk or candy. You would say share your advice or better to say recommendations or trips. Finally, to make it a multiple, you could say "Bunuel gave me 2 pieces of advice" with the word avice acting as a non-countable singular noun.
Also, the word advice (noun) is spelled with a "c" The word Advise is a verb (it is an act of giving advice)

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Hi bb, Thank you very much for your "advice"

I've actually spotted the mistake and changed it just before you wrote your reply. I think you misunderstood some parts from my initial post. By "study" I meant going through the materials, GMAT Club uploaded notes etc. I've been studying and solving questions simultaneously already, I've solved around 500-600 Qs, but I consider them part of studying/understanding the concepts. Now I am more of a getting into the exam mode, reviewing both the Qs and material, etc. I hope you understand what I mean here. It's like I tasted all the 10 meals and desserts, I know how they taste, and can enjoy eating. Also, from what I read, GMAT Club Tests are a little bit harder than Official Qs. Is this correct? Let's say if I consistently score around 80% may I expect around 90%? Another reason could be the fact that when I attempt 20 questions I am given at least 6 700 level everyday. This makes around 9 700 level questions. Is this a realistic number for the real test??? Can you and other people please share some advice based on what I shared as my current strategy as well as the #-ed questions? Please, I would really appreciate some help / insights / advice...

bb · Answer

The best way to estimate your score is to take a practice test. There is no replacement for a cat when you need to know a score. My very rudimentary system is extremely imprecise and there was simply based on my personal observations.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi higuyi,

I see that you have many questions; however, I agree with  bb  that your next course of action should be to take a full-length official practice exam. That will be the best way to see exactly where you are at. Once complete feel free to report back here with your score breakdown, and we can take things from there.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi higuyi,

From what you describe, it is not clear whether you have taken any practice CATs/mocks yet or not. If you have, then on what dates did you take them and how did you score on each (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

If you have not taken any CATs yet, then you should plan to take one soon (perhaps this weekend). Until we have that Score, we have no way of assessing your current 'ability level' of what you should be focused on at this point. You can access 2 CATs for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). That score will give us a good sense of your current strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have that Score, you should report back here (or you can feel free to PM me directly) and we can discuss the results and how you might best proceed with your studies.

In addition, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to? If you are planning to apply sometime soon, then what specific application deadlines are you facing?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi higuyi,

I think it would be better if you can take an official mock to assess your current level. You have been studying all these days and I assume you are done with your preparation of concepts. So, it makes sense to give a mock. The mock can help you identify your weak areas and determine what should be your next plan. Once you get a score, you can reach out to me and I will help you with the study plan you need to follow. You can use the below link to get in touch with me.

Click here to schedule a call

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Hi everyone,

4 months ago, before I started my preparation and with absolutely zero study for GMAT, I have taken the Princeton Review free test and scored 630 with a breakdown (I do not know how to assess this results though):

34 Verbal (over 60)  => 22 Correct, 14 Wrong
 43 Quant (over 60)  => 26 Correct, 3 Wrong
 IR 2

Today I've completed my first ever CAT (Official Exam 1) after 4 months of study and scored 660.  Here is the breakdown:

Verbal 37 =>  34 Questions, 10 Incorrect (Started guessing every second question after question 27 - excluding 27)
=> 1-6 Correct / 7 Wrong / 8-13 Correct / 14 Wrong / 15-20 Correct / 21 Wrong / 22 Correct / 23 Wrong / 24 Correct / 25-26 Wrong / 27 Correct / 28-29 Wrong / 30 Correct / 31 Wrong / 32 Correct / 33 Wrong / 34 Correct / 35-36 Unattempted
 Quant 44 =>  27 Questions, 10 Incorrect (Started guessing randomly after question 15 - excluding 15)
=> 1-14 Correct, 15-17 Wrong, 18-19 Correct, 20-23 Wrong, 24 Correct, 25-27 Wrong, 28-31 Unattempted
 IR 3

I am planning to apply in 2021 First Rounds for the 2022 intake.
I have been studying for around 3 hours every weekday and 6-7 hours weekends.
In terms of Quant, I have completed GMAT Club math book, and solving around 20-25 questions everyday from GMAT Club tests (WITHOUT TIMING) for the past 15-20 days.
In terms of Verbal, I have completed MGMAT SC, CR Bible and Ron's RC videos and Gin's strategy. Also completed only the Verbal questions in OG 2019 and scored around 70% (inc. all three sections).

I am totally devastated with the result, because I was expecting to score close to 690-700 as my target score is 720. You cannot believe how much disappointed I am with the result...

It's clear that I have a timing issue. From today on, I will solve Quant questions under timed conditions.
I also think that I need to solve much more questions.
Lastly, I take around 3 mins average for each RC question. The reason is I read very slowly, to fully grasp the passage. And yes, I've tried skimming the details, it does not work. This is maybe due to the fact that I've started solving RC only 15-20 days ago. Before that, I've done nothing. Maybe with practice I can improve my reading speed.

Please please please please please please shed some light, and give me some advice...

VitalyBA · Answer

Hi there. I have prepared from September. And my 1st attempt was much worst (verbal is very weak, I read slowly) 
So, I am in a kind of similar situation. But to my perspective — it is not a reason to give up. 
For now, I am looking for a path to improve my speed of reading.
I guess you can analyze your points of weakness and improve them. 
Just don't give up : )

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Hey! Thank you very much for your support. I wish you the best for your journey. Seems like we are both in need of some expert advice...

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Anyone? Please?

bb   Bunuel   GMATNinja   generis   VeritasKarishma   Sajjad1994   BrentGMATPrepNow   souvik101990   egmat   EMPOWERgmatRichC   chetansharma   CrackVerbalGMAT   ScottTargetTestPrep   nightblade354   MathRevolution   ChiranjeevSingh   walker   AjiteshArun   VeritasPrepBrian

KarishmaB · Answer

Based on the result of your practice test, I would say you seem to have a good grasp of fundamentals. Your problem is time management. Best way to deal with that is 'practice under timed pressure, and thorough review at leisure'. 
Also, look for better methods of solving the same question, irrespective of whether you got it right or wrong the first time. Try to look for logical approaches in Quant. Increasing reading speed takes time but still, try to get in at least 1-2 hrs of intense reading every day.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Keeping an error log and using the Official Mocks (1-6) according to when you intend to give your test is something to consider.

Taking an Official Mock 1 early on would not be a bad idea since it'll give you an idea of where you stand and what you might need to focus on going forward. Later on, if your scoring ability improves, you could probably retake OM 1 since the algorithm will more likely throw different questions at you.

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Thank you very much  VeritasKarishma   OnlineTutorKnight

Yes, it seems like I have a time management issue. Will definetely address your invaluable advice.

I believe my biggest problem in Verbal is the fact that I spend tooooo much time while reading the RC passages. I need to adapt my reading to not trying to fully grasp the details.

In terms of Quant, I need to start solving under time pressure. Maybe, though, I need to start making educated guess even though I can solve questions but not within 2-3 mins.

Any member or expert wants to give his/her two cents =>  Additional tips hints tricks always appreciated

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi higuyi,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

vamshikaithi · Answer

Hi higuyi, Don't practice too many questions to improve your timing. That doesn't help. Instead, focus on learning the right methods which can help you solve the question under 2 minutes. GMAT is mostly about using the right methods to solve questions. I'm sure you must have learnt the concepts by now. So, try to focus on the right methods and then practice a few questions to get used to them. You might find my debriefs helpful. I have made a detailed post about how I improved my timing and how I approached questions in my retakes. Debrief of my journey from 570 to 680 to 720 https://gmatclub.com/forum/my-journey-f ... l#p2648110 Scoring a perfect CR 51 ( 97 percentile ) from being an amateur in CR https://gmatclub.com/forum/scoring-a-pe ... l#p2526853 I suggest you to get in touch with a mentor, take his suggestions, identify your weak areas and then work on them. Focusing on the process is the key. I hope it helped. All the best

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello,

Best of luck with your preparations. Currently, you are doing good in terms of practicing a wide area of questions for Math and verbal. Once, you take a full-length practice test, then it shall be possible for any experts to guide you in detail about your forthcoming plans.

To keep a consistent score of Q47+ in Quant, you should see some unique tips and approaches that will bring more accuracy and will save time.

For more discussion and planning, connect with our experts. You can schedule a Free counseling session for 20 mins with one of our experts:https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session?month=2020-12

Thanks
Math Revolution

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi higuyi,

I actually have two perfect articles for you. If after reading them you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips: Top 8 DOs and DON’Ts

Improving Your Accuracy on the GMAT

donaldmcdonald · Answer

Dear  ScottTargetTestPrep

This has made my day! Thank you very much!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

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