Retaking the test after 610 (Q39, V36)

Question

Hey guys, 

I am planning on taking the GMAT for a second time in 6-8 weeks and I was looking for some advice and/or feedback. I took the GMAT for the first time about a week ago and just did so-so. I scored a 610 (Q39, V36, AWA 5.0) overall but I feel like I can do much better if I practice more. 

Initially, I wasn't aware that you could prepare much for the GMAT, so I didn't do too much practice beforehand. All I did was download the GMATPrep software from MBA.com, skimmed over the Quant review section, and took one practice exam (I scored a 590). Afterwards, I was doing some reading on the internet and discovered this website, along with many others, where people were discussing various prep books and study strategies. 

I have now realized that I should have prepared much better than I did initially, and I am looking forward to taking the test again. However, I am not exactly sure how much I can realistically expect to increase my score and what study methods I should use. By looking at my previous score, it's obvious that I need the most help on the Quant section. The funny thing about my score is that I did all my practice with a calculator and had no idea I couldn't use one on the test until I walked in the testing center. 

My tentative plans are to study for the next 6-8 weeks with Kaplan GMAT 2007 edition, Kaplan 800 2005-2006 edition, and Offical Guide for GMAT Review 11th edition. Which order should I study these books? How realistic is it for me to reach 700 in this amount of time? Do these books provide thorough solutions to the Quant questions (I learn best by seeing examples)?

Thanks for the help!

likar · Answer

It's definitely possible. Since you've already taken the test, you know the format and that's why I would recommend you to work with OG only. After you finish OG, you could focus on Kaplan 800 (but it's more important to make sure that you know all the concepts from OG, Kaplan is something extra and it's not necessary to reach 700). Also don't forget about the Q section of this forum, since it provides solutions to most concepts.

eazyb81 · Answer

Thanks likar!

I am definitely going to start with OG (that's the Offical GMAT Guide, right? I don't know all the abbreviations yet), but I wasn't sure if I should get both Kaplan GMAT and Kaplan 800 or just one of them. What do you think? 

My initial strategy is to go through most of the OG to start off, then switch over to a Kaplan for harder questions. Finally, I will finish off the harder sections in OG (I heard that the last 1/3 of each section is the hard questions.....is this true?). I will also do practice tests throughout the 8 week period and keep track of how my scores are progressing.

eazyb81 · Answer

Well I have ordered the OG 11th edition, Kaplan Premier 2007 edition, and Kaplan 800. I am thinking about starting with the OG, then switching over to Kaplan 2007, and finishing up with Kaplan 800. Is this a sound strategy?

Any other thoughts?

eazyb81 · Answer

Anyone? Please, I would love some feedback! 

I'm not sure if we my current strategy is sound or not.

likar · Answer

In this case (if you're planning to finish all three), you should start with Kaplan Premier. It provides some useful techniques and teaches you how to deal with usual types of questions. After you finish Kaplan move on to OG. As far as I know the most difficult questions in OG are the last ones in each section. However, I think that OG doesn't include the hardest test questions (=700+). Kaplan 800 is also a good practice, but I feel that most 700+ questions have changed recently since Pearson Vue took over the administration of the test. In Kaplan 800 I would focus especially on Verbal. Also don't forget to keep ERROR LOG! It doesn't matter how many questions you do when you don't see your weak points. Try to understand each concept and always study the reasoning behind it.

eazyb81 · Answer

When you say keep an Error Log, what exactly do you mean? Should I keep a log of what type of questions I am missing (RC, DS, etc.) or the entire questions themselves? 

Also, based on my scores should I even mess with Verbal at this point? I scored in the 81st percentile initially, which isn't outstanding but is certainly okay. However, my 58th percentile Quant score was fairly poor. Do you think I should just focus on the Quant section or should I go ahead and focus on both during the next 6 weeks?

likar · Answer

There are several types of error logs. Just try to search this forum for "error log" and you'll see what approach is the most useful for you.

Your Verbal score is fine, but you should still focus on both sections. This will give you confidence. I would dedicate 1/3 of your time to Verbal and the rest to Quant. Always make sure that you work in timed environment (e.g. 2 min. per question, 10 min. per 5 questions etc.)

u2lover · Answer

Error Log is very ambiguous in many respects... do search the most useful approach for yourself, but here is my idea of error log:

You should not only look at the hit rates in each section as you mentioned (RC, DS, PS... etc), but also subdivide those in categories:

For instance
SC: 1)SVA 2)Pronouns 3)Modifiers 4)Idioms 5)||sm etc etc

CR: 1)Strengthen 2)Weaken 3)Assumption 4)Inference 5)Explain/Resolve etc

RC: 1)Main idea 2)Detail 3)Inference etc

PS: 1)Number properties 2)Algebra 3)Word Problems etc

DS: 1)Number Properties 2) Inequalities etc etc

Now, many people make excel spreadsheets for this, but personally I find this time-consuming... and if you want to go the same route, use the Official error log of this site
https://www.gmatclub.com/content/courses/mistakes.php

I go differently about this... I have MGMAT books as well as GMAX material that lists problems by type in each section (similar to the list above)... these questions come from OG 10 or 11, whichever you have... you can see the patterns after you finish with those and can calculate your hit rate based on that

For most difficult problems I write flash cards with the solution on the back... and sometimes draw a question to see if I can solve it WITHOUT the answers given (no ABCDE choices, so can't backsolve, which takes longer anyway)

also I would stay away from KAPLAN 800 Verbal and Kaplan verbal overall because it isn't really representative of the test. (I have both books)... Nothing beats OG for the verbal part, so make sure you know how to answer each and EVERY question in OG!!! Kaplan math is harder, but OK for practice, as long as your ego can swallow the practice scores.

good luck

eazyb81 · Answer

Took the Kaplan Diagnostic Test last night to see what areas are giving me the most trouble. I'm not sure if it is a good or bad thing, but I definitely found out which area i'm having the most trouble with.

The test was a total of 38 questions and was divided between the different types of questions (DS, RC, SC, etc). I ended up getting 75% of the questions correctly, which isn't too bad I guess. However, I went an astounding 0 for 8 on the DS questions, and then 28 for 30 on the rest of the test....talk about lopsided.

As I said earlier, i'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing. On one hand, I have one area I really need to focus on, so theoretically it will save me time knowing where my weakness is. On the other hand, I am obviously terrible at DS questions and improving much in that area may be easier said than done. 

I feel lost working on DS questions, as i'm not sure how to start working on them. Is additional practice the best way to tackle my weakness, or could I be making fundamental errors on how I go about solving them?

willget800 · Answer

Search for DS questions on this board.. That will give you ample practice..

Also DS questions can be easily improved I believe..

there are a few techniques like
AD vs BCE
Picking the easier of the statement to work of
Not worrying too much about solving the question
Rewriting the question stem in mathematical terminology
finally, not to remember your previous statement.

I think both Princteon and Kaplan have good strategies to improve DS. Just follow them! If that is the only problem you are facing, you are doing good!

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Retaking the test after 610 (Q39, V36)

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