Need some general advice - need to raise 510 score

[eartzi]

Hi,

So I've taken the GMAT (Real GMAT) twice-

1st time around- 510 (66% V, 20% Quant)

2nd time (a month later) - 500 (65% Verbal, 19% Quant)

So my situation is this - I'm applying to MS Accountancy programs. The school I want to go to is actually holding on to my application for me to take the GMAT a 3rd time. If I score above 50% on Quant. Im in. If not, my application gets declined.
Theyve agreed to hold my application until I complete the 9 week Manhattan GMAT prep course and then retake the GMAT in mid June for a 3rd and final time.

I've signed up for Manhattan's 9 week prep course which I start on Wednesday. I took the first MGMAT practice exam online and (at least im consistent!) I scored a 500 (67% Verbal, 19% Quant). I actually plan on spending very little time on verbal this time around.

I started with the Number Properties Manhattan guide - chapter 1 - and this stuff seriously looks like greek to me. I was an accounting major in college and I did take 2 semesters of Calculus but I've just struggled and struggled with the GMAT math. I have no idea why. It could be that Ive been out of school for about 7 years but it seems like even the most basic stuff is very difficult.

Should I wait until the class begins? Any advice - even general advice - would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

It looks like you've got a good plan overall.

So, first, a warning: the very first chapter of the very first book (Divisibility and Primes in the Number Properties book) is really hard. Some of the later chapters are easier. Don't feel too discouraged if that first chapter seems like greek to you - you're not alone.

Your task is to learn two different but interrelated things:

First, the actual content tested on the exam. For the most part, this will be re-learning stuff you learned a long time ago. Call this "Content."

Second, the way in which the test asks about this content. For the most part, this will be *very* different from the way in which your school(s) asked you about this material when you were studying it a long time ago. Call this "Process."

Given that you have a math-related background, I'm guessing that your struggle is more with Process than Content (though there are probably still areas in which you do need content review). The homework you do before each course is more about Content - refamiliarizing yourself with that material before you get into class (though the books also introduce some processes). The work we do in class is more about Process.

So do, by all means, get going on re-learning the content in the books. It will be to your advantage to make sure that you are very solid on the content ahead of time, because that will allow you to pay a lot more attention to process during class.

Don't do the OG question sets, but do read through the chapters and try some of the problems at the end of each chapter. On the first read-through, ignore the stuff labeled "advanced" - just get the basics down. On a second read-through, you can add in "advanced" stuff if you want, but only do this if you feel really comfortable with the non-advanced stuff. If you already aren't totally comfortable with the non-advanced stuff, then ignore the advanced stuff entirely.

Also, mention your situation to your teacher and ask him/her for advice about the best way to study. Check in periodically (every 2-3 classes) to give your teacher an update and ask for any additional advice.

Make sure to sign up for office hours (your teacher will explain during the first class). Finally, do *some* verbal work; you don't want your verbal to decline. Just keep your skills up - maybe 20% of your time on verbal.

Good luck - let us know how it goes!

[eartzi]

Stacey,

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it!

[StaceyKoprince]

You're welcome! :)