Strategy for MGMAT CATs

[garylyon]

1st 3 CAT scores:

640
700
640

I'm not discouraged by the last; I know exactly what happened and I was aware while it was going on. I was trying to apply what I've learned but couldn't do it fast enough (which I've read in your articles is typical for students). So the question is, while I take the last 3, what should be the focus? Trying to get the highest score by doing whatever I can to get through problems quickly (even if it means not using the techniques sometimes), or trying to use the techniques as much as possible, with some give on time. The latter strategy helps to work on using the techniques under a stressful testing environment, but at the same time, I don't want to build bad habits. It's tempting to think, "I've learned this...I'll feel so good if I just spend 1 extra miinute and get this problem the way I've been taught...)". Also, as I've experienced and read in your articles, timing takes a long time to work on. Doing 10-20 questins drills certainly helps developing the sense, but it's also about enslaving your pride on the actual test, which takes active concentration that must be built up. What's a body to do?

[StaceyKoprince]

You're not actually using the tests to get better - that's not how it works. :) You're using the tests periodically to check whether you have gotten better since the last time you took a test, and to figure out what strengths and weaknesses you need to attack before you take another test - several weeks later.

Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

That tells you what to study / how to prioritize your study for the next few weeks. You can also come back here and tell us the results of your analysis. (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!)

Note: ALWAYS take practice tests under 100% official conditions - timing, essay, IR, breaks, everything. If you need to work on timing, you do that BEFORE you get into the test-simulation situation / between CATs. :)

Re: timing, read this.
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/

Afterwards, you'll understand: it's not about enslaving anything - that implies that you're having to go against what you "should" be doing. It's about learning to play *this* game in the way that it is meant to be played, rather than the way you played a *different* game in school.

It sounds like you've already read this timing article, but if not (this one's updated to include IR):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/