Tackling hard co-ordinate geometry qs : Target Q51 + Overall 750

Question

Hi Forum,
I am finding co-ordinate geometry difficult- especially the DS qs- Based on my evaluation, I am able to correctly solve the sub-600 and 600-700 level questions, but fumbling in the 700 level questions. I am not able to imagine the graphs or the techniques being used for these questions though my formulae are on point.
I scored q48 in a recent OG prep test and wish to improve it to Q51.
I seek your advice as to how to go about the hard co-ordinate geometry qs. Can I skip preparing for the hard level questions and just focus on the easy and medium ones? Would that be a good idea?
My worry is that I may not be able to assess whether a qs is truly a 700 level qs in the exam and skip an easy qs and in case I skip the hard co-ord geometry qs and answer the next qs incorrectly, GMAT may show lower range qs after these 2 incorrect qs in a row which may affect my score. thus I am not sure if I should skip any topic even for the 700 level qs.
I have been studying for around 4 months and have studied the co-ord geometry qs and concepts quite a few times but somehow I am still not able to crack 700 level qs which is honestly quite frustrating.
Looking forward to your suggestions.
Thank you.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi RenB.

When you do 700 level Coordinate Geometry questions, do you do them untimed? If not, by doing them untimed, you could give yourself more time to learn to consider what's going on in the questions and develop your skills.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider checking out the coordinate geometry section in the gmatclub math guide. You can download the guide for free as a pdf.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi RenB,

Co-ordinate/graphing questions on the GMAT are rather rare (you'll likely see just one in the Quant section on Test Day), so if you are now scoring around a Q48 on your CATs/mocks, then the additional points that you are after will NOT be based on that specific Quant subject. That having been said, most graphing questions are made considerably easier to deal with if you physically draw the graph on your pad (you refer to trying to "imagine" what a graph would look like - and trying to think in those terms is probably costing you points across the entire Exam). With a Score Goal of 750, your time would be better spent honing other skills (in BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections).

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:

1) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) 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)?
4) 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]

RenB · Answer

Hi Rich, Thank you for your reply

I am practicing drawing graphs for questions now- but yes it is a new process for me so it will take some time. The imagining/thinking bit is - what is the logic that has to be applied to solve it using the graph. I understand that I would require to strengthen my skills for q48-q51 but do not have much idea how to. As of now I am practicing the hard questions for the topics I am weak at and doing mix of questions across difficulty range for remaining themes. I would love to hear more from you how I can improve my skills and what approach I should take for both quant and verbal 1. I study around 18 hours every week and read books that I like for 2-3 hours weekly to improve my RC skills (has helped me a lot across the verbal section) 2. I have used the OG, eGMAT and manhattan strategy guides (manhattan in the initial 3-4 weeks) 3. Latest one was on 4th April- OG prep test 3- 710- q48 v40 (retake but I dont think I encountered any repeat qs/ did not remember the answer) Gave the GMAT on 24th February- was anxious and burnt out. Had started scoring lower in mocks - Scored 540 in the exam 12th Feb- OG prep test 4- 660- q43 v38 22nd Jan- OG prep test 3- 630- q44 v32 4. Planning for round 1 in September 2023- HBS, Stanford GSB and Wharton Considering the anxiety, I am planning to take the GMAT online. Let me know your guidance on this as well. Looking forward to hearing from you

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi RenB,

To start, since you are interested in some highly-competitive Schools, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to act on that advice, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

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

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi RenB,

I have an important question. When you scored Q48 on your latest practice exam, how many "hard level" CG questions did you encounter?

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Tackling hard co-ordinate geometry qs : Target Q51 + Overall 750

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