Welcome to Part 2 of our series on test prep mastery. In this episode we build on the general framework discussed last week and dive deeper into how to design a study plan that is more customized for you.

We're joined this week by Vinay Narang, Founder and Chief Genius at GMAT Genius, who shares valuable insight on this topic based on his experiencing helping to create customized study plans for his own tutoring clients. While his specialty is the GMAT, the tips and practical how-to's he shares are relevant for prepping well for any standardized test.

Specifically, in this episode Vinay and I explore:

• The importance of taking full-length practice tests, and why official tests are the best;
• How to analyze your practice test results and what they say about where to focus your study efforts;
• Three (3) fundamental reasons why people get questions wrong, and how you can fix them;
• The age-old question: Should you focus on your weaknesses or strengthen your strengths?
• What target score should you even be shooting for?
• What an average study week should look like;
• How you can know when you're ready to take the real thing;
• Tips for preparing on a compressed timeframe, with a look at subtle differences in your approach if you're starting from scratch vs. if you're retaking the exam;
• Pros and cons of a comprehensive prep course vs. private tutoring;
• And more!

Also be sure to listen all the way to the end for our "From the Mailbag" segment (~44:15). This week I answer the question, "How can I overcome the drudgery of the verbal section and avoid silly mistakes?" You won't want to miss it!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

1. Pros and Cons of different prep options: https://www.gmatgenius.com/gmat-preparation/preparation-options.php
2. Contact Vinay: https://www.gmatgenius.com/contact.php
3. Contact Brett: https://www.dominatetestprep.com/pages/contact-us

WHERE TO FIND FREE PRACTICE TESTS

One of the action items for this episode is to take a full-length practice test from an official source. Here are some options for you:

GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit-practice-exams-1-and-2-free
GRE: https://ereg.ets.org/ereg/public/testPrep/viewtestPreparation?_p=GRI
LSAT: https://www.lsac.org/sites/default/files/legacy/docs/default-source/jd-docs/sampleptjune.pdf
SAT: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests
ACT: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecu

Connect with Us

• Get more free content on the DTP YouTube Channel
• Register for a comprehensive prep course (GMAT, Executive Assessment, GRE, LSAT, SAT)
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected].