Study and Strategy questions relating to the GMAT.
kongt55
Course Students
 
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 5:37 pm
 

Update on Strategy, 3 days left

by kongt55 Fri Jan 25, 2013 3:14 pm

I have learned a lot from the class and read a lot about time management. Was having trouble on both sections on my first CAT exam where I didn't complete and the score was terrible. The second, (with awa, no ir) I did not answer about the same on quant, but only a couple in verbal.

After reading time management, I decided to concentrate on weaknesses, which was PS. Now that is around where my other circles are according to OG archer. So it's all pretty even.

The problem still lurks with timing. All of the work I have done has been timed and I notice - especially with word problems, it will take a full minute to complete the Understanding phase. Computations, at least another minute. If I assembly line answer choices (via), i notice 3 minutes sunk. I do understand the concepts and can get answers in 4 minutes, but of course this is not what the GMAT is about.

Furthermore, I see copying errors and z that look like 2, s that look like 5 and labeling issues. I am trying to write out the labels and make variables cursive.

I do not have a particular score I want to attain, but the higher the better at this point since I do not have applicable work experience that I know the competition will have. But I do not want to postpone admission. From what I could find online, I am within the range of acceptable GMAT scores.

I want to continue to work toward a higher score, but would that be reviewing more OG, strategy guide, find general drill problems or go back to foundations of math? By the way, I have not touched verbal for the past week or so.

Thanks in advance!
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
Posts: 9361
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Montreal
 

Re: Update on Strategy, 3 days left

by StaceyKoprince Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:05 pm

Note for future: if you ever have a question that requires a response in just a few days, please do NOT post on the forums. Please contact the office directly (800.576.GMAT or studentservices@manhattangmat.com). The forums aren't designed for rapid-response. :)

Also just a note for anyone else who has 3 days to go and is wondering what to do. The answer is not a lot at this point. Your score is what it is, 3 days before, and you should just be doing light review and "resting" your brain.

It sounds like you were planning to take the test no matter what but then you want to continue to study. You've identified some issues with timing and also careless errors.

You mention taking a class - was that our class? If you're still within 1 month of the end of your class, you can request a Post-Course Assessment (PCA). This is a 30-minute online meeting with an instructor to go over your post-course study plan. You sign up for this in the Office Hours section of your MGMAT Student Center. (Note: you cannot sign up for this until after you have taken 3 practice exams under timed conditions.) If you have any issues with this, contact studentservices@manhattangmat.com or 800.576.GMAT.

If you took our course or one of our Guided Self-Study packages, then after you take the real test, you're also eligible for a free Post-Exam Assessment (if you haven't done it already). This is a phone call with an instructor to come up with a plan to re-take the test. If this applies to you, please send an email to studentservices@manhattangmat.com and request the Post-Exam Assessment.

If neither of those apply to you, then we can also discuss things here. I'd like to get some more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses in order to advise you. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis 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!)

For timing:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

Careless errors:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep