Need a Gameplan

[robert]

I am writing this because I have come to a point in my studies where I am kind of stuck. I have a few questions that, given my analysis of my CATs, should help me towards my goal (700+). I also want to mention that I am scheduled to take the test on April 6th, although, after my latest CAT, I am considering pushing it back to late April or early May. I will give a very detailed analysis on my last 2 CATS (both taken in the last 3 weeks and under normal exam conditions (although I did not do the essay on the first 1)).
The latest CAT I took (IR 3, Q40, V36, 630) dropped 30 points from 1 I had taken just 2 weeks earlier. The drop was completely on the Quant side. On my earlier Quant, I spent nearly the whole time on 700-800 level questions and, as a result, ran into timing issues (had to guess on some questions to catch up, which resulted in me missing 3 or 4 in a row). On my latest Quant, I missed multiple 500-600 and 600-700 level questions. I think this may be due to the fact that I was trying to ensure that I would have no timing issues and as a result, rushed through some questions and missed a few I shouldn't have. Content wise, my greatest weakness in Quant is FDP questions (36% correct with an average time of 2:26 on questions I got wrong). More generally, I have a very difficult time answering tough questions (700-800 level). I am a collective 6 for 24 on 700-800 level (25%) but 21 for 33 on 600-700 level (64%).
On the verbal side, I am essentially stuck at 79 percentile. After some analysis, sentence correction seems to be my weakest area (53%), although it’s also the area I’ve gotten the toughest questions on. Timing does not seem to be an issue at all on verbal. The one thing that sticks out to me is that I have roughly the same success rate on 600-700 level questions that I do on 700-800 level questions (around 57 or 58 percent). I am not really sure why this is the case. Perhaps it’s a stamina or fatigue issue.
Finally, integrated reasoning is tearing me apart. Not only am I scoring terribly on it (just over a 3), but it is taking too much of my energy and increasing my test anxiety. I realize that it is not a crucial section as of yet, but I do not plan on going to business school for a few years and who knows if it will prove to be important by that time. I REALLY need help on this section.
To date, I have taken the Manhattan 9 week online course (starting last July). I have been through all the strategy guides and have done every OG problem in the book and flash-carded every problem I did not know how to do. I have been through the article on how to analyze a practice question and now realize that I must put more effort into learning how to recognize more problems on the test. As for my what I can improve on, I know how to address my timing (been through the articles, have a 1 minute sense, etc..) but my stamina must improve. Any advice on how to improve stamina (besides being able to recognize more problems on the test) would be very helpful. Also, any advice on how to get to the 90th percentile in verbal would go a long way towards getting me over the 700 mark. And, finally, any advice on how I can get though IR with at least an average score and some brain cells remaining for the remainder of the test?
Thanks in advance.

[StaceyKoprince]

Good questions and good analysis so far - though I want more. :) (Questions for you below.)

Whatever you're scoring right now is what you should expect to score in about a week... so postponing sounds like a good call. Note: as long as you change the date >7 days in advance, you only have to pay a $50 change fee, not the whole $250 again.

under normal exam conditions (although I did not do the essay on the first 1)).

Skipping the essay = NOT normal conditions. There can be good reasons to skip, but know the consequences: you've just potentially given yourself more mental stamina to get through the later test sections, which might artificially inflate your score.

Note for example that you skipped the essay on the 660 test (if I'm following correctly). Maybe part of the reason for the drop to 630 was that you really did take that one under official conditions.

I think this may be due to the fact that I was trying to ensure that I would have no timing issues and as a result, rushed through some questions and missed a few I shouldn't have.

Glad you noticed that data. This is a good lesson to learn on a practice test (as opposed to the real one!). Don't save time / try to fix timing issues by rushing on things that you do know how to do. Save time on things that you do not know how to do - cut yourself off on those earlier.

You're going for a 700 score overall, right? Then you don't need to worry about not being able to answer many/ most 700+ questions - you don't have to get those right in order to hit 700 overall. If you miss too many lower-level questions, though, then you won't hit 700 - so you do need to worry about not losing a bunch of time on those questions that are too hard for you anyway. :)

Read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
and this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -to-do-it/

Let's dive into FDP. Are you "low and slow" across all of the sub-categories? Primarily only some? Which? Are you better when the problems are more "pure math" problems or when they are more "story" type problems? Are you better when the problem gives you real numbers to do computation or when you're given variables or you could just pick your own numbers?

sentence correction seems to be my weakest area (53%), although it’s also the area I’ve gotten the toughest questions on.

Take a look at that data again (and use the article I linked a couple of paragraphs down). Judge your ability by combining 3 pieces of data: % correct AND timing AND difficulty level. If, say, you get 53% correct but you're avg diff level correct is 700 and you're spending normal time... that's not a weakness at your overall scoring level. :)

I'm skeptical about your comment that timing doesn't seem to be an issue at all - simply because I think I've seen maybe one set of tests results in the past 5 years in which timing wasn't actually an issue at all. If you're going too fast on certain things, that's also a problem. If you're choosing to spend extra time on certain things but the "payoff" (right answer) isn't there, and/or if you rush on other things to make up for that time, then timing's a problem. etc. Might not be a big problem, but there's still some potential tweaking to be done.

Re: the 6-7 vs. 7-8 thing on verbal, that's fairly common actually - I wouldn't worry about it. Worry instead about how to get better overall. :)

In terms of verbal, I don't have a lot of data yet with which I can advise you. Have you seen this? Use it to analyze in more depth:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us anything else you figured out and what you think you should do based on that analysis. We'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)

Okay, IR. If you're not going to school for a few years, then you should be aiming for a 6. (It's unlikely that it'll be as important as Q and V, even in a few years - just because they've got decades of data on Q and V but a few years from now they'll still have only a few years' worth of IR data.)

Also note: if you've been taking our tests, note that most people do a bit better on the real IR than on our IR - ours is a bit too hard. :)

You're totally right that you need to be "prepared enough" for IR that it doesn't blow up your Q and V performance later on. You need to:
a) study the 4 question types enough that you know how to handle each, and
b) you also know which you like the least so that you know how to choose which questions you're going to skip (since you're going for a 6+, you can skip 2 questions)

Have you gone through our book yet? Have you watched the IR workshop tape that's in your student center? Those are the places to start. Once you've done those, go onto our blog and search for IR articles to get even more instruction.

Re: stamina, several things:
- all practice tests under 100% official conditions from now on
- study sessions several times a week in which you (a) figure out everything you're going to do for a full 2 hours, (b) sit down and GO without stopping for an hour, (c) take a 15-min break, (d) GO for a second hour without stopping, and (e) then take a substantial break.
Note that you're not going to do this for 3-4 hours straight because it's actually MORE mentally fatiguing to study (you're trying to create new memories, which you're not doing while taking a test)
- eat brain food before and during tests and longer study sessions. Complex carbs, proteins, and fat beforehand and during the first break (on a test). Glucose in liquid form (with zero high-fructose anything) on the second break (during a test) or as you're getting mentally fatigued while studying.

Fresh fruit juice and coconut water can be good sources; both do also contain fructose, but usually the glucose is in higher concentrations. You can also check out a specialty or healthfood store to see whether they've got anything special that is high in glucose but lower in fructose (and with zero high-fructose sugar).

[robert]

Whatever you're scoring right now is what you should expect to score in about a week... so postponing sounds like a good call

I'm hoping that you think postponing the test a little over a month will be sufficient if I put in the 2 hours a day you suggested for stamina (May 9th Test Date). I also spend some down time at work reviewing flash cards (but don't tell anyone) if that gives you a better idea.

Skipping the essay = NOT normal conditions.

I knew you would bust me on that. The only reason I skipped the essay was that I had started the CAT weeks before but had to stop after I completed the essay. In retrospect, I probably should have found another essay question to do so the test would be 100% legit. Lesson. Learned.

Let's dive into FDP. Are you "low and slow" across all of the sub-categories? Primarily only some? Which? Are you better when the problems are more "pure math" problems or when they are more "story" type problems? Are you better when the problem gives you real numbers to do computation or when you're given variables or you could just pick your own numbers?

Ok FDP. There are some standout subcategories. Fractions: I'm getting wrong but getting them wrong rather quickly (they were 700-800 level). Ratios: Getting them wrong and taking forever (and that's funny because I always thought I knew how to do those problems; maybe this is a chapter I can review in the strategy guide). FDP's, missing them but not taking too much time.

When I think about it, where I really get into trouble is with these long, complicated, word problems that give you info on rates, percentages, fractions, etc...The ones that often give you multiple variables with variables in the answer choices. I typically try to set the problem up and then solve either with algebra or picking numbers (depending on what looks easier). The problem is, it takes me forever just to understand the problem and set it up (and I never really seem to get the algebra right when I try that route). I can do it when given the time, just not on the spot quickly. I can get these problems right but they take me a long time (over 2:45 sometimes). I have a very difficult time grasping all the information quickly. Perhaps just practicing with more of them and noticing patters will help with this. Or, make a firm decision to always plug numbers whenever I see a VIC problem.

Finally, the central theme with my Quant analysis (and this is across all content areas) is that when I face a 700-800 level problem, I take far too long solving it and often get it wrong. I have not been IN IT TO WIN IT!!! Also, in my last CAT, some content flaws were exposed (some exponent and geometry rules). I knew them at some point but blanked on the test (I’d say this issue cost me some lower level problems). The flashcards should take care of that.

In terms of verbal, I don't have a lot of data yet with which I can advise you. Have you seen this? Use it to analyze in more depth:

It is difficult for me to analyze verbal. I want, desperately, to find some timing issues so I can pinpoint a place where I can get better. I looked at 1 issue that can kill a GMAT score: missing more than 2 questions in a row. I did that 5 times between the 2 tests on Verbal but for each 1, I couldn't pinpoint a specific timing issue (rushing to get them done or taking forever to answer the questions). I would go over the 2:30 every now and again throughout these tests (particularly on a CR question) but I would easily balance it out with SC. I typically ran about 2 or 3 minutes ahead of the cumulative target time. So, if anything, I work a little too fast. However, I know that before the verbal session on both tests, I was extremely fatigued and frustrated after completing the quant and IR sections. I would have the "I just want this to be over feeling" and I think that may be responsible for some lapses in concentration and quick timing. This points back to a larger "stamina" issue. Fatigue leads to all sorts of destructive habits on the test. Concentration lapses, breaking established good habits (like taking notes during RC), and rushing through some questions are all a result of this state.

Content wise on verbal, I would say my greatest weaknesses are in CR "Weaken" questions (2 for 6 correct), CR "Draw a Conclusion questions (2 for 5 correct with a few questions taking over 3 minutes to answer), SC "Concision," "Modifiers," "SV agreement," and "Quantity." Although, for SC, the timing was ok and most of these were 700-800 level questions.

You're totally right that you need to be "prepared enough" for IR that it doesn't blow up your Q and V performance later on. You need to:
a) study the 4 question types enough that you know how to handle each, and
b) you also know which you like the least so that you know how to choose which questions you're going to skip (since you're going for a 6+, you can skip 2 questions)

IR is definitely frustrating me and draining my energy. I have been through the lab and the book. I will take your advice and familiarize myself with all the question types. I will also determine which ones I struggle with so I can give myself a pass or 2 on the test. This should help my timing problems with this section. It's nice to hear that Manhattan's IR is tougher because some of them nearly made my head explode (along with some Quant). Getting through this section is KEY to success on this test, for reasons other than the score.

Re: stamina, several things:
- all practice tests under 100% official conditions from now on
- study sessions several times a week in which you (a) figure out everything you're going to do for a full 2 hours, (b) sit down and GO without stopping for an hour, (c) take a 15-min break, (d) GO for a second hour without stopping, and (e) then take a substantial break.

I really think that my single greatest issue is stamina. The study habits I’ve developed (from doing flashcards at work to doing and reviewing 1 OG problem at a time) have caused me to be very weak when I have to work for an extended period of time. I've been "Burst studying." I even have the same issue at work (maintaining focus and attention on 1 task for a significant period of time). I will have to train my brain to fix this. I will take all my tests on authentic conditions from now on and will force myself to study without stopping for at least an hour at a time. I know this will mean everything when it comes time for the real thing.

I will also take your advice on nutrition. Come test day, I will eat a good pre-test breakfast and keep a Gatorade handy for the breaks.

I hope this was the kind of analysis you were looking for. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated.

[StaceyKoprince]

On your first Q, I don't know whether 1 month will be enough time. It varies pretty widely for people. Ideally, unless you're working on a deadline, just tell yourself it's gonna take what it takes. :) (Though obviously you don't want to keep studying forever - so if you start to get impatient or feel you've hit a wall, then you seek outside help. Like you're doing right now.)

Your OG13 book has an entire chapter of essay topics. Just FYI. :)

Ratios: Getting them wrong and taking forever (and that's funny because I always thought I knew

So the immediate response is: wow I don't know how to do these AND they're hurting me right now, so I'm going to get them wrong faster in future. (Then you can go study to try to make them better, of course. But do NOT spend extra time on these any longer.)

The others that you were missing but in not-much-time. Why were they fast? Did you know that you didn't know, so you cut yourself off? Did you sometimes think you were getting them right but you made mistakes? Were they showing up closer to the end of the section, when you were running out of time and rushing? Or did they show up right after a question or two where you knew you took too much time, so you were rushing to compensate?

The "why" means everything.

Re: word problems, look here:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... into-Math/

Pay particular attention to the discussion about making the story "real" and putting yourself into the story. This'll take some practice, but if you can make some of these into a real scenario (like you're trying to figure out how much you need to raise Joe's wages so that they match Mary's after she takes a pay cut - because you're the manager), then you'll eventually find it easier to set up some of these. And the ones that are still too hard - well, now you'll know to guess and move on.

I'm not concerned that you're getting 700+ questions wrong, but I AM concerned that you're spending too much time to do so. But now you know what to do, right?

Re: the missing multiple Qs in a row thing, it doesn't start to really hurt your score till you get up to about 4+ in a row. 2 in a row is nothing - so don't stress about that.

Stamina. Yeah. So now you know even more that you've gotta take the practice CATs under full conditions. As you said, lesson learned. Ditto the "prepared enough for IR" bit.

CR:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... g-problem/

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... e-Problem/

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... n-problem/

For SC, look here:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... orrection/

I know it's already a strength, but even your strengths can get better. And the test tends to have more SCs than CRs or RCs.

Good stuff. Keep in touch and let us know how everything goes!

(Oh, and check the Gatorade label - they used to use high-fructose corn syrup. They may have stopped; they were getting flack for it.)