Disgruntled Princeton Review Student

[Meggieski]

Hello All.

I found this site the other day. I wish I had found it a few months back! My name is Meghan and I am 27. I take my first pass at the GMAT this saturday. Needless to say I do not feel prepared.

I started this process two months ago with a PR class. I was confident I wouldnt need much to score in the 700s, however with my first CAT I scored a dismal 520. I have always been an academic with great grades, SAT scores etc. I have been out of the academic world for about five years but am so eager to get to B school. I have a very unique resume, background etc, so I know I have a great chance at a top school.

The only problem is my GMAT. I have take four practice tests and my top score is only a 570!!! My instructor says that "You are still above 60% of test takers" but that is not flying with me. Thanks for the pep talk Mom but it is just not good enough.

This is why I am turning to you guys. Everyone here is probably just as crazy as me and obsesses over perfection! The scores on this site are all wonderful and I would love to learn whatever I can from everyone here.

I need help with a plan! Applications for first rounds go in this fall around October. I have roughly another two months to ship up.

My current study materials are:

OG 11th Edition (Orange) and PR Manual and Online Student Center.
I go through test questions over and over and try to figure out what I did wrong.

I am confident I can get a good score. I am so crazy over this that it has to happen (mind over matter). I think I can score in mid to upper 600s and still get into a top school. The other parts of my ap will tell a much better story.

However I still need another 100 points. Does anyone have any advice? I am at your mercy. I will do whatever it takes!!!

Sincerely,

Desperate in Denver!

[ig23]

Have you given any GMAT Prep?

If not, try those. They are much more accurate indicator.

Regards,
IG

[texas2904]

Hey Meg,

Have you taken any of the CATs from GMAC? There are two of them and they're free. I'm saving them for right before the test, but the consensus around here is that usually people score significantly higher on those than on tests from the prep companies. You may find that you're actually much better prepared than you think. Take one and see where you really stand.

Also, you need to identify where you are struggling and practice those areas. Certain sections, like SC have very specific rules on the GMAT. If you learn the rules, you will get a good score. Another suggestion is to call Manhattan GMAT and buy access to their 6 CATs, and buy the guides if you are struggling. Personally I think they're good practice and they have good explanations when you miss a problem. Most important in your case, is the assessment reports which will tell you where you need practice, where you spend too much time etc...

Since the test is so close, you may want to pay the fee and move it back a few weeks.

[Meggieski]

Thanks!

I think I will take it and get a feel for the test center. Yes I may do poorly but I can improve and schools usually take your highest. I'm not too worried about it. I'd rather just get the nervousness out of the way. Next time I will know what to expect.

I am a whiz at SC. I always score 100% on it. RC is my big one and DS.. I think that is where I lose the most points. I am scoring roughly 60th percentile in both M and V. I use the AD/BCE approach to DS but for some reason get tripped up when the problems get hard.

Good news though. I just did an advanced PR online math quiz and scored 100%! Going to hopefully ride that high until saturday

I WILL rock this test.. it just may take more prep time. I really want to take it Saturday though. I have built it up in my mind so much that another two weeks may not change anything.

Its funny b/c I know this stuff. I know geometry tricks, assumption/conclusion/premesis approach for Arguments.. its just my head goes nuts sometimes. I will land this.. just need to be overprepared.. if there is such a thing. Thanks for the reply

[Meggieski]

I quickly ran through the math on one of them and got a 39 without putting my all into it (I did it at work while people were running around me etc).

I have one PR test left. Will do that tomorrow probably or take the GMAT Prep. Ive take four tests.

I am a financial analyst for God's sake!! I should be nailing this stuff. Ugh

[Meggieski]

Oh I've also heard through the grapevine (on this site) that PR is too easy. If that is the case I'm screwed

[ig23]

My advice, while taking GMAT Prep, do it most sincerely, including the AWA Section. and proper breaks..

[larbgai]

PR tests do tend to be on the easier side. They don't push you as much as Manhattan or Kaplan tests.

However, my bigger concern with PR is that they emphasize "hacking" at problems instead of fundamentals. They are heavy on plugging in and backsolving techniques, and very light on core concepts.

The result is that you will miss most of the hard questions, because these tend to have exceptions that are very difficult to crack with the techniques that PR and Kaplan give you. It is not surprising that most people who take these courses get around a 500-600. That is really all they are preparing you to be able to do. It is very difficult to get a high score on the GMAT using simplistic math techniques like those taught in PR and Kaplan.

Also, if your instructor is telling you that "you are better than 60% of students", then that is disingenuous and sad. They shouldn't be enabling mediocrity, but helping you achieve your desired score. Unfortunately, a lot of the instructors for these courses don't have that high of GMAT score themselves (some companies will take a 680 in order to be an instructor).

Anyway, don't settle for anything less than your desired score. Keep pushing at the test, and you can crack 700 without a problem. It is all about learning the fundamentals. I would suggest getting the Manhattan GMAT books and reviewing these thoroughly - they were a revelation for me after having initially gone through Kaplan materials.

[Meggieski]

Thanks Larbgai,

I am taking my exam tomorrow morning. After doing some thinking last night I realized I really am not ready. I have been studying for two months (hard) and am topping out at a 570. You are right. I will refocus my test prep and learn the math. Right now I am at a 41Q and 31V (combined top scores).

I know I can get a 700. You guys have been so inspiring and I will push on for another two months.

I have an amazing application and if I can nail this.. I will sail into a top school next year. I am pretty confident I will.

Whatever I need to do let me know. I have the OG 11th edition and the Kaplan Premier 2008 book w/ CD (which I havent used that much). After tomorrow (which I will consider my test run even though its the real thing), I will refocus. I will take a week off then start again harder and stronger.


Let me know EXACTLY what materials I need to buy. Even if I hit in the 500s tomorrow I will not get myself down. I will use it as a learning experience and move on.

I know there are a lot of genius types on this site who I can learn a lot from. Everyone on here seems to be working so hard and it is really admirable. Harvard, Stanford and Wharton would be lucky to have you!

[ssky]

I did the 2 PR online CATs and I can verify that they are darn easy..All their question revolve around back solving and plugging hence majority of their questions are single step. you cannot trick a tough question involving several steps using their methods. I would say get Manhatten gmat stuff. That what PRO uses.

I am not aiming for 700 + so I won't spend my precious green on that but you go ahead. It wil be money well spent.