switching from one prep book to another

Question

Hi GMAT Expert,

I've been using e-gmat for quite some time and i think their verbal courses were excellent. However, i'm now on the quantitative section and i've just completed number properties and word problems but if find their explanations complicated, confusing and in some cases, not detailed enough as they skip some steps without showing how they got to the solution. I have a month to my exam and i'm thinking of using another prep material so as to not keep wasting time on e-gmat. what do you suggest i switch to? I have little time to test out too many others to figure out which will be best so i just need some advice on the best course of action to take. I feel really stuck.

Should I:

- switch to using another prep material? if yes, which? what will my new strategy be like for the next 4 weeks to my exam?

- or keep using e-gmat and hope for the best?

Thanks!

globaldesi · Answer

Ig you are finding explanation for one course confusing, how sure are you not to find similar problems in another course. try to understand the solution and compare solution with official explanations. You will have something to compare to

prateekchugh · Answer

For quant, TTP or Empower GMAT is perfect. I would suggest first read manhattan quant books, they are essential. Then go for Gmatclub Tests, these tests are mandatory.

sudeshpatodiya · Answer

Try studying from here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/ultimate-gma ... 44512.html Once you are done. Try GMAT Club Tests.

Tee007 · Answer

Thank you, this is a good way to look at it.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Tee007,

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far besides the course that you mentioned?
3) On what 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:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
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

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Tee007,

Analyzing solutions forms a major part in the process of learning the right methodology.  When you analyze the solutions, it's important to compare your approach with the right one and identify at which step you faltered . This process will help you nullify the gaps if any.

As you are facing a challenge to understand the solutions and as you have just a month's time to prepare, I would recommend you to not take any risk. I would recommend you to use another source which provides you detailed solutions so that  you can understand each step clearly . If you are open to suggestions I would recommend you to check the free trial of GMATWhiz quant course. You can go through it to check if the solutions provided are good enough for you to understand.

We have designed our course in such a way that even people who are not great with Quant also can understand the concepts. Moreover as GMAT Quant tests your application skills, we designed our course to  focus more on the application part . If you wish to know more about the course or more about the study strategy, you can schedule a free consultation call using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

Tee007 · Answer

Hello Rich,

thanks for your response. Here is my feedback to your questions.
Studies
1. This is my 5th month of studying. I'm also working full time but I put in 2 hours weekdays and 4-5 hours on weekends. The days I go to my physical office, I'm unable to study as I get home late. so sometimes I miss 2 days worth of study time but I try to squeeze in 30mins a few times.

2. I have only used e-gmat as they provided me with a structure and I didn't want to get confused by deviating from the structure that was laid out. SC and CR and all the practice questions took the majority of my study time.

3. I have only taken CATS in Verbal - I did well in the SC(after many attempts and reviewing where I faltered) and RC. poor in CR. Not yet for Quant

Goals:
1. 730
2. Test facility
3. 2nd round. 
target schools: MIT, Kellogg, TexasMcCombs, John Hopkins, MSU Broad

I'd love to hear your advice and also where I got it wrong.

Thank you,
Tee

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Tee007,

To score at a high level on the GMAT, you have to have a variety of skills (more than just content knowledge) and the only way to properly assess whether you have those skills or not is to take FULL-LENGTH CATs/mocks under realistic conditions AND at regular intervals. If you have been studying for 5 months - but have not taken any CATs yet - then we have no idea what your current 'ability level' actually is. By extension, we don't know how you should adjust your studies going forward.

That initial Diagnostic CAT Test will help to define some of your current 'weak spots' that you might need to work on - including pacing, endurance, focus, note-taking, stress, ability to 'let go' of a question, etc. Thus, I suggest that you plan to take that first FULL CAT sometime soon (perhaps this weekend). Once you have that Score, you should post 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.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Tee007,

In addition to what has been said, I think you also need to determine if you’ll be ready to take the GMAT in 4 weeks. Can you take a practice exam ASAP and report back with your score breakdown? Also, since you seem to be struggling with GMAT quant, here are a few helpful articles:

How To Increase Your GMAT Quant Score

The Phases of Preparing for the GMAT

If you need anything further, feel free to reach out to me directly.

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