Dear Stacey,
I have read all your posts (bookmarked as well) about preparing for GMAT. Excellent advice on analyzing each type of problem, handling time management, analyzing tests, difference between 700 and 760 etc.
But, I read all of this in the past two days. My fault entirely - I 'woke up late' because I did not do my homework, did not look for such great advice early in my preparation and now I realize I just do not have the time to do the kind of in-depth analysis you have suggested.
I was hesitant to write this post as well because you have clearly stated that it is not possible to comment on a student's performance and tell him/her how to get better without knowing a whole of other details. But you have replied to other similar posts so I thought I would take my chances.
My target is 730/740 and I am consistently at 700 (3 MGMAT CATS and 1 GMATPREP) - This is under strict test conditions. I think what I would like to know is all the analysis and time management that you have recommended - is it possible to do so on a 'crash course' basis (assuming that I have almost all time at my disposal in these last 10 days)
If so how should I go about it to elevate my score at least by 20 points?
I am also aware of most of my strengths and weaknesses. My weaknesses are extreme panic, time management and some topic related stuff in math and verbal.
I would be willing to give you all the information if you need it and if you think that will help you help me but I did not want to unnecessarily include it here and waste your time.
Please let me know. Thank you very very much,.
- Priya
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
I just wrote a bunch of the below and then came back up here to address something you said that's concerning me. You told me one of your weaknesses is "extreme panic." It's possible to try some last-minute fixes over the next 10 days (and I discuss those below), but if you're already having anxiety, then I really think you'd be better served by postponing your test date if at all possible. Possibly you have a deadline and that isn't an option - but if you have the flexibility, you might consider giving yourself a little more time, just to keep the anxiety down.
10 days left... the bad news is that our scores don't usually change that much in 10 days. The good news is that all tests have standard deviations, so for the GMAT, your target score is actually within one standard deviation of your practice test scores - just barely.
So, you have a shot, though I have to tell you what I tell all students: your realistic goal should be to aim for the score that you're scoring on practice tests a week to two weeks before the real test - in your case, 700. (This assumes that you took the practice tests under 100% official conditions, including essays. If you deviated from official test conditions, you might have an inflated score as a result. A lot of people skip the essays in practice, for example, and then have a drop on the verbal section on test day because they weren't fully prepared for the necessary stamina.)
If you have a couple of major problems to tackle, you can try some quick fixes in 10 days, though this isn't ideal. Ideally, you'd give yourself adequate time (several weeks) to fix major problems. If you're working against a deadline, you just have to do what you have to do. If you don't have a specific deadline, or if you have some flexibility, you might consider postponing for a few weeks. [Note: this is when I stopped and added that paragraph above.]
Okay, so you mention timing as a problem. Is it a problem on both quant and verbal? Or just one?
For quant, have you already tried learning about how long one minute is without looking at a watch or stopwatch? This usually takes a good 3 or more weeks to work fully, but you may be able to make at least some progress in 10 days.
If you don't have one already, buy yourself a stopwatch with lap timing capability. When you go to do a set of problems, start the stopwatch but turn it over so you can't see the time. Every time you think one minute has gone by, push the lap button. When you're done, see how good you were - and whether you tend to over or underestimate. Get yourself to the point where you're within 15 seconds either way on a regular basis (that is, you can generally predict between 45 sec and 1min 15 sec). Note: at the same time that you are using the stopwatch to time this "1-minute" thing, also use the OG Stopwatch (in your student center) to track the total time spent on each question.
On verbal, try this way of working through the answers:
1st pass through answers: place answers into 1 of 2 categories, definitely wrong or maybe. DO NOT decide whether something is right (until you have looked at each choice at least once).
2nd pass through: look only at the "maybe" answers, look more closely, choose one
When you are down to two answers on verbal, look at each answer ONCE more, then pick one and move on.
Again, the above is something that typically takes more than 10 days to master, but that doesn't mean you can't make some progress with it in 10 days.
For the topic-related stuff, don't even worry about that (unless you do decide to delay your test). Know your strengths and weaknesses, and respond accordingly. Take a look at these couple of articles:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -game-plan
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -to-review
Finally, please pleae do not burn yourself out over the next ten days. If you go into the test mentally fatigued, that will just make the anxiety even worse. As discussed in the above articles, the closer you get to test day, the less you do. You aren't going to change much about your performance in the last few days - at that point, you just accept where you're at and do some review.
Good luck - let us know how it goes.
10 days left... the bad news is that our scores don't usually change that much in 10 days. The good news is that all tests have standard deviations, so for the GMAT, your target score is actually within one standard deviation of your practice test scores - just barely.
So, you have a shot, though I have to tell you what I tell all students: your realistic goal should be to aim for the score that you're scoring on practice tests a week to two weeks before the real test - in your case, 700. (This assumes that you took the practice tests under 100% official conditions, including essays. If you deviated from official test conditions, you might have an inflated score as a result. A lot of people skip the essays in practice, for example, and then have a drop on the verbal section on test day because they weren't fully prepared for the necessary stamina.)
If you have a couple of major problems to tackle, you can try some quick fixes in 10 days, though this isn't ideal. Ideally, you'd give yourself adequate time (several weeks) to fix major problems. If you're working against a deadline, you just have to do what you have to do. If you don't have a specific deadline, or if you have some flexibility, you might consider postponing for a few weeks. [Note: this is when I stopped and added that paragraph above.]
Okay, so you mention timing as a problem. Is it a problem on both quant and verbal? Or just one?
For quant, have you already tried learning about how long one minute is without looking at a watch or stopwatch? This usually takes a good 3 or more weeks to work fully, but you may be able to make at least some progress in 10 days.
If you don't have one already, buy yourself a stopwatch with lap timing capability. When you go to do a set of problems, start the stopwatch but turn it over so you can't see the time. Every time you think one minute has gone by, push the lap button. When you're done, see how good you were - and whether you tend to over or underestimate. Get yourself to the point where you're within 15 seconds either way on a regular basis (that is, you can generally predict between 45 sec and 1min 15 sec). Note: at the same time that you are using the stopwatch to time this "1-minute" thing, also use the OG Stopwatch (in your student center) to track the total time spent on each question.
On verbal, try this way of working through the answers:
1st pass through answers: place answers into 1 of 2 categories, definitely wrong or maybe. DO NOT decide whether something is right (until you have looked at each choice at least once).
2nd pass through: look only at the "maybe" answers, look more closely, choose one
When you are down to two answers on verbal, look at each answer ONCE more, then pick one and move on.
Again, the above is something that typically takes more than 10 days to master, but that doesn't mean you can't make some progress with it in 10 days.
For the topic-related stuff, don't even worry about that (unless you do decide to delay your test). Know your strengths and weaknesses, and respond accordingly. Take a look at these couple of articles:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -game-plan
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -to-review
Finally, please pleae do not burn yourself out over the next ten days. If you go into the test mentally fatigued, that will just make the anxiety even worse. As discussed in the above articles, the closer you get to test day, the less you do. You aren't going to change much about your performance in the last few days - at that point, you just accept where you're at and do some review.
Good luck - let us know how it goes.
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Hi Stacey,
Thank you for the great great advice.
I wrote all mocks in strict test conditions. Timing problem is just on quant. Verbal timing is great so far no problems.
I started taking corrective measures as soon as I saw your reply.
1. I did postpone the exam - not a few weeks (could not do it so much but definitely a few days. -> More breathing space :-))
2. Anxiety and panic does not occur during day to day prep or hangs over my head but it kicks in the second the test and timer starts. Mind goes blank, sweaty palms etc. But I have to deal this problem in my own way.
3. I made list of gut v/s data (strengths and weaknesses) and trying to maximize the strengths.
4. Creating the game plan and doing review/revision of key concepts.
5. Saw Thursdays with Ron's lecture on time management along with your own writing on the same on BTG - so working on that.
6. I think the one word of yours that hit home was 'acceptance'. I should accept where I stand (boy! its hard to do without ego getting in the way that keeps saying that I am 'worth' more than that).
So I will keep working on getting better. Will definitely let you know how it went.
There is one thing though that bothers me. I have read hundreds of debriefs and in almost all tests that people take there is at least a 30 point rise between the first test score and the last. (Some even show a 70 - 80). I am just perplexed that my score sits at the same happy mark despite reviewing and trying to get better the next time.
If you can shed any light on the same it would be very helpful but again I know you must be very busy.
I will continue working on the above.
Thanks very much once again,
Warm regards,
Priya
Thank you for the great great advice.
I wrote all mocks in strict test conditions. Timing problem is just on quant. Verbal timing is great so far no problems.
I started taking corrective measures as soon as I saw your reply.
1. I did postpone the exam - not a few weeks (could not do it so much but definitely a few days. -> More breathing space :-))
2. Anxiety and panic does not occur during day to day prep or hangs over my head but it kicks in the second the test and timer starts. Mind goes blank, sweaty palms etc. But I have to deal this problem in my own way.
3. I made list of gut v/s data (strengths and weaknesses) and trying to maximize the strengths.
4. Creating the game plan and doing review/revision of key concepts.
5. Saw Thursdays with Ron's lecture on time management along with your own writing on the same on BTG - so working on that.
6. I think the one word of yours that hit home was 'acceptance'. I should accept where I stand (boy! its hard to do without ego getting in the way that keeps saying that I am 'worth' more than that).
So I will keep working on getting better. Will definitely let you know how it went.
There is one thing though that bothers me. I have read hundreds of debriefs and in almost all tests that people take there is at least a 30 point rise between the first test score and the last. (Some even show a 70 - 80). I am just perplexed that my score sits at the same happy mark despite reviewing and trying to get better the next time.
If you can shed any light on the same it would be very helpful but again I know you must be very busy.
I will continue working on the above.
Thanks very much once again,
Warm regards,
Priya
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Good stuff. For the test-day anxiety, you might find some techniques in these articles that can help:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/stress-tips.cfm
http://www.manhattangmat.com/strategy-series-stress.cfm
Read through and start practicing right away with anything that sounds good to you (which - I know - is kind of hard if you only feel the anxiety during the real thing!). See what actually helps and then get in the habit of using whatever does work.
Re: your concern about your score not rising much, I would need additional data from you in order to try to figure out what's going on. If you like, you can do the analysis described in the below article and then come back here to tell me what you found out. You need to think, though, about whether that's the best use of your time right now. Generally, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to make noticeable progress from a thorough test debrief, and then you also need 2 weeks to review everything before a real test. You may not want to go down that path right now, depending upon how much time you have left - up to you!
Here's the article:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/e ... -part1.cfm
And if you have any other questions, of course let us know! :)
http://www.manhattangmat.com/stress-tips.cfm
http://www.manhattangmat.com/strategy-series-stress.cfm
Read through and start practicing right away with anything that sounds good to you (which - I know - is kind of hard if you only feel the anxiety during the real thing!). See what actually helps and then get in the habit of using whatever does work.
Re: your concern about your score not rising much, I would need additional data from you in order to try to figure out what's going on. If you like, you can do the analysis described in the below article and then come back here to tell me what you found out. You need to think, though, about whether that's the best use of your time right now. Generally, it takes 2 to 3 weeks to make noticeable progress from a thorough test debrief, and then you also need 2 weeks to review everything before a real test. You may not want to go down that path right now, depending upon how much time you have left - up to you!
Here's the article:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/e ... -part1.cfm
And if you have any other questions, of course let us know! :)
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
- pmmalkan+gmat
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Hi Stacey,
Thank you. I have started working on breathing techniques for panic control. Am trying to relax and laugh as much as I can as well :)
Per your mail I realize the futility of analyzing tests. However, I am not worried about the quant part. Although timing is an issue for me in quant I realize I am performing consistently fine in that with an average score of 46 and highest of 48(quite a few times). I know this is the best I can get and here on I am just revising and revising math concepts so that I maintain the same in the final test. That should be fine right ?
However, I feel verbal is where I should really concentrate and that is where I did the analysis that you have suggested. Again, timing is not a problem for me in verbal. I have taken 3.5 mins+ on some CRs etc. but I realize I have always smoothly made that up without ever rushing on any topic. Additionally I have not randomly guessed ever to make up time; I have just guessed where I dont know.(Around 1 question - CR mainly)
The link below shows my performance over 5 Manhattan GMAT CAT's. I understand that the forum rules state that I should not upload documents. However, I figured that attaching the excel will speed up the process for you. In case you are not comfortable, do let me know how else you would like to see the information.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmErUQqh3T9ndDE3MTZ5X1RYN2RNZFQzX2tGQ1Z4Q1E&hl=en&authkey=CPyo8OwD#gid=0]Analysis of my performance
Thank you once again for all the help.
- Priya
Thank you. I have started working on breathing techniques for panic control. Am trying to relax and laugh as much as I can as well :)
Per your mail I realize the futility of analyzing tests. However, I am not worried about the quant part. Although timing is an issue for me in quant I realize I am performing consistently fine in that with an average score of 46 and highest of 48(quite a few times). I know this is the best I can get and here on I am just revising and revising math concepts so that I maintain the same in the final test. That should be fine right ?
However, I feel verbal is where I should really concentrate and that is where I did the analysis that you have suggested. Again, timing is not a problem for me in verbal. I have taken 3.5 mins+ on some CRs etc. but I realize I have always smoothly made that up without ever rushing on any topic. Additionally I have not randomly guessed ever to make up time; I have just guessed where I dont know.(Around 1 question - CR mainly)
The link below shows my performance over 5 Manhattan GMAT CAT's. I understand that the forum rules state that I should not upload documents. However, I figured that attaching the excel will speed up the process for you. In case you are not comfortable, do let me know how else you would like to see the information.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmErUQqh3T9ndDE3MTZ5X1RYN2RNZFQzX2tGQ1Z4Q1E&hl=en&authkey=CPyo8OwD#gid=0]Analysis of my performance
Thank you once again for all the help.
- Priya
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- Students
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Hi Stacey,
I did not include any analysis above because I just wanted the data to get to you asap.
However, this is my view from the data; Please correct me if I am wrong -
1. RCs -> My performance on RCs in MGMAT Tests is VASTLY different from that on OG 11, OG 12, Verbal Supplement 1 and 2, and GMATPREP.
My performance on MGMAT is not good at all but my RC performance on all the OG and GMATPREP questions is really really good (honestly!). In fact my gut is also very strong that I am good at RCs. (I have done OG questions under timing constraints as well so its not like I took ample time to get them right)
However, you know best so what would you recommend given that I have such a huge difference? Should I continue attacking RCs the way I have been doing them or tweak my strategy a bit?
2. CRs -> I realize my Weaken the conclusion is terrible. Any tips? Another imp. point in CR is that I feel 70% of the questions that I got wrong I feel I could have gotten them right and in lesser time as well. (I am sure this is the case with a lot of people). What I mean is that I do not feel that my thinking or ability is deficient or that I just did not 'get the question'. After I finish the test when I go through it again I know what is the right answer, right away without looking at the explanation at all. So I am always like "What were you thinking during the test?" Any reason why this is happening?
I feel if I can just focus on all the wrong problems and see how I can get them correct DURING THE TEST a huge battle would be won. Am I right ?
3. SCs -> ok performance. Will continue to maintain.
If you saw anything else in the data besides what I have written above please do let me know. Thanks very much again - This itself has helped me focus a lot.
Best Regards,
Priya
I did not include any analysis above because I just wanted the data to get to you asap.
However, this is my view from the data; Please correct me if I am wrong -
1. RCs -> My performance on RCs in MGMAT Tests is VASTLY different from that on OG 11, OG 12, Verbal Supplement 1 and 2, and GMATPREP.
My performance on MGMAT is not good at all but my RC performance on all the OG and GMATPREP questions is really really good (honestly!). In fact my gut is also very strong that I am good at RCs. (I have done OG questions under timing constraints as well so its not like I took ample time to get them right)
However, you know best so what would you recommend given that I have such a huge difference? Should I continue attacking RCs the way I have been doing them or tweak my strategy a bit?
2. CRs -> I realize my Weaken the conclusion is terrible. Any tips? Another imp. point in CR is that I feel 70% of the questions that I got wrong I feel I could have gotten them right and in lesser time as well. (I am sure this is the case with a lot of people). What I mean is that I do not feel that my thinking or ability is deficient or that I just did not 'get the question'. After I finish the test when I go through it again I know what is the right answer, right away without looking at the explanation at all. So I am always like "What were you thinking during the test?" Any reason why this is happening?
I feel if I can just focus on all the wrong problems and see how I can get them correct DURING THE TEST a huge battle would be won. Am I right ?
3. SCs -> ok performance. Will continue to maintain.
If you saw anything else in the data besides what I have written above please do let me know. Thanks very much again - This itself has helped me focus a lot.
Best Regards,
Priya
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Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Hi Stacey,
I am sorry for heavy multi-posting but I just took my latest GMATPREP and I just HAD TO tell you - I scored a 720. Q50 (Am so proud of me :D ) and V37.
I did this test in stricter conditions(shorter breaks and lesser sustenance taken).
I know my final test score can vary between 680 - 720 so I am not getting over excited but this score is such a huge boost in confidence :)
The best thing is I did not get a single RC question wrong although I thought the last two RCs were too "icky". So I guess I can continue tackling RCs the way I do instead of changing strategy right?
Just wanted to let you know that I tweaked my mindset quite a bit for this exam (it could help some others too)
1. I did not panic at all. I gave it calmly especially the math part.
2. In previous tests I was all about the score (subconsciously I used to think that oh! this qs. is easy and this one is tough etc. etc. ) This time I did not bother. For example I was handed a tough probability and the very next qs. was (3^-2)^-3 = ? I stared to believe what I was seeing and normally I would have psyched out thinking I had done terribly but I realized thats what the GMAT expected so I just sailed along normally and it worked well.
3. During verbal I did get tensed because I felt the questions were quite tough but I did the breathing technique suggested in your post and those 5-10 seconds helped me go a really long way.
4. The CR part again was as I explained in the above post - knew how to solve it but did not in the exam. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on that and how I can get better at doing the right thing at the right time.
In my last few days I will just play to my strengths, review and take it easy :)
Please let me know if you think there is something I am missing.
Thanks a lot lot lot for everything - you are really a marvel :)
Regards,
Priya
I am sorry for heavy multi-posting but I just took my latest GMATPREP and I just HAD TO tell you - I scored a 720. Q50 (Am so proud of me :D ) and V37.
I did this test in stricter conditions(shorter breaks and lesser sustenance taken).
I know my final test score can vary between 680 - 720 so I am not getting over excited but this score is such a huge boost in confidence :)
The best thing is I did not get a single RC question wrong although I thought the last two RCs were too "icky". So I guess I can continue tackling RCs the way I do instead of changing strategy right?
Just wanted to let you know that I tweaked my mindset quite a bit for this exam (it could help some others too)
1. I did not panic at all. I gave it calmly especially the math part.
2. In previous tests I was all about the score (subconsciously I used to think that oh! this qs. is easy and this one is tough etc. etc. ) This time I did not bother. For example I was handed a tough probability and the very next qs. was (3^-2)^-3 = ? I stared to believe what I was seeing and normally I would have psyched out thinking I had done terribly but I realized thats what the GMAT expected so I just sailed along normally and it worked well.
3. During verbal I did get tensed because I felt the questions were quite tough but I did the breathing technique suggested in your post and those 5-10 seconds helped me go a really long way.
4. The CR part again was as I explained in the above post - knew how to solve it but did not in the exam. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on that and how I can get better at doing the right thing at the right time.
In my last few days I will just play to my strengths, review and take it easy :)
Please let me know if you think there is something I am missing.
Thanks a lot lot lot for everything - you are really a marvel :)
Regards,
Priya
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 9361
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
- Location: Montreal
Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
That's awesome! (responding to your last post first) As you said, yes, it isn't the real test yet, so you've got to keep up the hard work, but still - this is good news!
If your goal on quant is to maintain, then yes, just keep doing what you're doing.
Your analysis looks good. I don't disagree with anything. (You submitted it as a google doc - good idea - so I didn't actually have to download anything. We're not allowed to actually download things in case they have viruses!)
For RC: as long as you have been doing the OG and GMATPrep stuff under official conditions including timing, then go with that data. (Note: when you did OG, did you answer all 5 to 9 questions? Look at your performance only for the first three or four, because you have an advantage as you answer additional questions for the same passage - and that advantage will never exist on the real test!) Oh, and now I just saw in your last post that you did really well with RC, so yes, keep doing what you're doing.
For CR: don't automatically skip weaken Qs (unless you're already behind on time) but certainly never spend any extra time on these. Give it your best shot - maybe just try to narrow down answers - and move on.
I do have this article on CR weaken that might help:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/01/ ... cr-problem
Also, this article about how to work through CR problems in general might be useful:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/05/ ... -reasoning
Re: questions on which, after, you think, "I should have had that," the most important remedy is trying to figure out why you think you should had gotten it and why you actually didn't. This "error analysis" article can help you think through that:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/error-log.cfm
(Don't create a whole error log at this point - but just use some of the principles to analyze recent problems.)
Good luck - let us know how it goes!
If your goal on quant is to maintain, then yes, just keep doing what you're doing.
Your analysis looks good. I don't disagree with anything. (You submitted it as a google doc - good idea - so I didn't actually have to download anything. We're not allowed to actually download things in case they have viruses!)
For RC: as long as you have been doing the OG and GMATPrep stuff under official conditions including timing, then go with that data. (Note: when you did OG, did you answer all 5 to 9 questions? Look at your performance only for the first three or four, because you have an advantage as you answer additional questions for the same passage - and that advantage will never exist on the real test!) Oh, and now I just saw in your last post that you did really well with RC, so yes, keep doing what you're doing.
For CR: don't automatically skip weaken Qs (unless you're already behind on time) but certainly never spend any extra time on these. Give it your best shot - maybe just try to narrow down answers - and move on.
I do have this article on CR weaken that might help:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/01/ ... cr-problem
Also, this article about how to work through CR problems in general might be useful:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/05/ ... -reasoning
Re: questions on which, after, you think, "I should have had that," the most important remedy is trying to figure out why you think you should had gotten it and why you actually didn't. This "error analysis" article can help you think through that:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/error-log.cfm
(Don't create a whole error log at this point - but just use some of the principles to analyze recent problems.)
Good luck - let us know how it goes!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
- pmmalkan+gmat
- Students
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:37 am
Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Hi Staceeeeeeeey :)
Wrote GMAT today - 720 (Q48, V41). Just got back and rushed to login and let you know.
[Edit: got a 6.0 in AWA :) ]
Its not an over-the-top score but I am happy - and I am glad not just about the score but that I managed to pull it together and not panic - all thanks to you.
Thank you .. Thank you.. Thank you.. so so soooo muuch.. If I were where u are right now - San Francisco or Montreal wherever (u have two diff. locations on MGMAT and BTG) I would have given you a biiig hug and taken you out to dinner at your favorite place - you and Ron and Chris and Emily and everyone else because I can safely say that a majority of the contributions for this score is from you guys :) :) :)
I have a few things to say -
1. My first attempt was 610 so this is a huge jump in score. Although this is not in the 99 th percentile I feel that I have a few things to say that will help others also jump their scores. It will also help blow the myth that one can raise their scores only by 40 - 50 points You think it will help ? I am asking you because there is already such amazing advice there that one more might not make any difference - but if you think it will help I will go ahead.
2. When I was creating my spreadsheet for evaluating the practice tests I realized that its such a pain! So I thought if I could build a generic excel template that would help people just input their scores and see the results (%, weak areas, strengths etc.) it would really be beneficial? Do you think so too? If so, I will start working on it asap and you could give me your inputs. I am bit of a programmer so can make it fancy ;)
Let me know.
Thank you once again very very very much
with love,
Priya
Wrote GMAT today - 720 (Q48, V41). Just got back and rushed to login and let you know.
[Edit: got a 6.0 in AWA :) ]
Its not an over-the-top score but I am happy - and I am glad not just about the score but that I managed to pull it together and not panic - all thanks to you.
Thank you .. Thank you.. Thank you.. so so soooo muuch.. If I were where u are right now - San Francisco or Montreal wherever (u have two diff. locations on MGMAT and BTG) I would have given you a biiig hug and taken you out to dinner at your favorite place - you and Ron and Chris and Emily and everyone else because I can safely say that a majority of the contributions for this score is from you guys :) :) :)
I have a few things to say -
1. My first attempt was 610 so this is a huge jump in score. Although this is not in the 99 th percentile I feel that I have a few things to say that will help others also jump their scores. It will also help blow the myth that one can raise their scores only by 40 - 50 points You think it will help ? I am asking you because there is already such amazing advice there that one more might not make any difference - but if you think it will help I will go ahead.
2. When I was creating my spreadsheet for evaluating the practice tests I realized that its such a pain! So I thought if I could build a generic excel template that would help people just input their scores and see the results (%, weak areas, strengths etc.) it would really be beneficial? Do you think so too? If so, I will start working on it asap and you could give me your inputs. I am bit of a programmer so can make it fancy ;)
Let me know.
Thank you once again very very very much
with love,
Priya
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 9361
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
- Location: Montreal
Re: Stuck at 700 (4 tests); Guidance for last 10 days please.
Yay!! Congratulations!! I'm very happy for you. And I'm glad we were able to help, but YOU were the most important factor in getting that score!
Yes, I totally think you should post about your experience. There is a lot of advice out there, but your perspective is unique, and you should share it. Give some background about where you were before and what your biggest struggles were - that will help others reading it to "recognize" you if they're in a similar position, and then your advice will be particularly valuable for them.
We are actually already working in-house on adapting our score reports to give the data that we want it to give. It's taking time because they're putting in other stuff beyond just the stuff that I discuss in my article - I'm only one teacher! - but we will actually have it eventually. But thank you for offering!!
Yay! Okay, I hope you celebrated very well, and now good luck with applications!!
Yes, I totally think you should post about your experience. There is a lot of advice out there, but your perspective is unique, and you should share it. Give some background about where you were before and what your biggest struggles were - that will help others reading it to "recognize" you if they're in a similar position, and then your advice will be particularly valuable for them.
We are actually already working in-house on adapting our score reports to give the data that we want it to give. It's taking time because they're putting in other stuff beyond just the stuff that I discuss in my article - I'm only one teacher! - but we will actually have it eventually. But thank you for offering!!
Yay! Okay, I hope you celebrated very well, and now good luck with applications!!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
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