Which problems should one solve first: OG or QuestionBanks?

Question

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, but the forums and specially the resources found in them, have been very helpful.

Once one is down studying theory, what problems should one do first? OG problems, or questions banks (i.e. Bunuel's Signature package)? and why?

Also, I'm considering tackling whichver set I do first by sub-topic (i.e all number properties questions, then all combinatronics questions). I believe these sorting could be useful to master the topic. And then move on to the other set in random order.

So: which order to tacke problems sets, and if one should first tackle them by sub-topic.

Thank you all for your help!!

P.D: Tried searching the forums for a similar question but no luck.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Since you are planning to solve the questions based on the topics, solving questions from the forum should be better as you might not be able to bifurcate the questions in the OG. However, make sure that you solve questions from reliable sources only.

Also, the OG does not have many Quants questions that can test your knowledge thoroughly, so you can keep it for the end.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi avelez89,

It's unclear how you've been studying so far, but completing "all questions" of a type and then randomly moving on to another category is NOT a good idea. There are certain areas of the Quant and Verbal that are tested more often than others, so they're worth more points AND they're worth coming back to (to review periodically), so that you can keep your skills in those areas sharp.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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

avelez89 · Answer

Thank you Rich, for your help and time.

1) I´ve only been studying for 2 weeks,I have worked through all MGMAT quant books
2) I have MGMAT books that I plan to read, and then practice problems from OG and Questions banks, and then move on to CATs
3 & 4) I have not yet taken a CAT, but I´m aiming real high (750+). (multiple perfect scores on the SAT). I have not taken any CATs yet as to not waste them, and since I´m aiming so high, I figured I would be reading all the theory and doing all the problems regardless of initial score.
4) Plan to take GMAT in 3 months.

P.D: I was considering using the OG sub-topic lists from the MGMAT books

In the end, I´m not so sure what is the best next step after reading the MGMAT books.

Thanks a lot!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi avelez89,

Taking FULL-LENGTH CATs (including the Essay and IR sections) at regular intervals is a MUST during your training. If you have not taken any yet, then we have NO idea of your actual strengths and weaknesses. As such, you should plan to take a FULL CAT sometime soon (perhaps this weekend). Once you have your scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study options.

Many Test Takers who use a book-heavy study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular scoring level. While it's too early to know if that will happen to you, you might want to consider investing in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led) that will give you the consistent guidance you need to score at a high level.

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

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