Should I review the Foundations of Quant/Verbal?

[KarlG830]

Hello,

I read the guidelines for posting and I will try to be as specific as possible. I purchased the full 6th edition strategy guide set for self-study. I just began my studying for the GMAT meaning I have taken the first CAT and have read the first 3 chapters of the GMAT Roadmap. I took the first CAT cold and got a 590 (Q = 39 or 43% and V = 33 or 69%). I would like to score above 700 for my final GMAT score given a 4-6 month study schedule.

For all the mathematical computations that I do for my work, most of it is comprised of basic algebra and general computations with fractions, decimals, and percents, so I have forgotten quite a bit in the other areas represented on the GMAT. My score in PS was 59% correct (most incorrect in the 600-700 range) and 40% correct for DS (incorrect answers from 500-800). Most of my incorrect answers were in number properties (38% correct) and geometry (33% correct).

In addition, although my Verbal score was at the 69% percentile, most of that score comes from my 79% correct for CR (incorrect answers in the 700-800 range). My RC was 50% correct (incorrect answers in the 700-800 range) and my SC was 33% correct (incorrect answers in the 600-800 range) .

Given everything above, should I use the Manhattan Prep Foundations of Math and Verbal to supplement my study? Thank you!

Sincerely,

Karl

[StaceyKoprince]

Good analysis. You don't need it for CR, and probably not for RC. You might need some brushing up for SC, but I'd start with the main SC strategy guide and use Foundations of Verbal (FoV) as a "reference" resource. When you read something in the main strategy guide that seems confusing or hard or you just want to know more about the basics, go look up that same topic in FoV and work through that material.

You probably need FoM more. There, I'd go in order from chapter 1, but start with the problem sets at the end of each chapter. Try some of each type to see whether you already feel fine with the material tested in that chapter. If anything is wrong, takes a long time, or just "feels funny" (you don't feel comfortable with it), then dive into that chapter and learn the relevant material. If everything feels fine, move on to the next chapter.

If you don't have a tight deadline, I'd work through FoM first (all of it) and then move up to the main math strategy guides. That two-level review of topics will help you learn the material better.

Good luck with your studies!

[KarlG830]

Hey Stacey,

The plan you have outlined seems the best way to proceed. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Karl

[StaceyKoprince]

Glad to help! Let us know if you have any other questions or want to discuss anything.