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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

How to analyze your GMAT math errors


Tracking GMAT math errors during practice tests is absolutely critical to your final score in the actual GMAT. There is high probability that the errors you will commit in the final GMAT math test will be the same type and form as your practice errors. Here’s how you beat those GMAT math quirks.

Identify error types

There are three main error types that mistakes are categorized under. You have to know which type of error you habitually get. With this, you will be able to devise a way to avoid doing the same mistakes over and over again.

1. Careless errors

This happens to the best test-takers and it can certainly happen to you. You were familiar with the problem concept, knew how to solve it, and were sure of your answer, but gave the wrong answer anyway. It’s a careless error. The problem with that is that it’s not isolated. If you begin tracking your errors, you will find a pattern and realize how those “isolated” instances are in fact habitual in nature. Your goal will be to minimize, if not totally avoid them.

2. Content errors

When you commit errors because you forgot the math formula for solving the circumference of a circle, this is a content error type. This happens when you forget something which you actually know, or when the problem introduces a concept which you do not know or do not know adequately. Your goal will be to do a math review, familiarize about the concept and possibly provide mnemonics to aid in remembering the concept.

3. Technique errors

Techniques are shortcuts you employ when solving math questions. They are necessary because of time constraints. During practice tests, you discover several approaches to a problem. You choose the one that comes easiest to you and which provides the quickest correct answer. When you analyze your errors and you discover that a particular technique is flawed, correct or discard it as early as possible. Techniques become your default approach to a problem and it becomes a habit. Your goal must be to ensure that your techniques are essentially correct.

Keep an error log

All these error analyses are unfeasible and useless if you do not have an error log. An error log is a tool which will help you to systematically record and analyze the errors that you tend to commit. It will help determine your weaknesses. The most important thing is that the log will help you devise a plan to avoid the same mistakes in the final GMAT math test. It is actually a way to learn from your mistakes. Here is how you go about it.

1. Create an error log file


The error log file can be manually recorded in a notebook or it can be an electronic file. An electronic file will be easier to keep and monitor. The important thing is that your errors are documented for you to pore over later. Use Excel to format the log. You may also download the GMAT Error Log which can be used with the GMAT Practice Grid to analyze errors. The error log will help you keep track of your answers and errors. Input personal notes and comments. The system provides an answer key and a report on your performance.

2. Keep track of the following data

If you decide to do the log manually or through an Excel file, make sure you keep columns for all the data you will need. This will include information about the problem: what page of which review material, the type of the question, the date and time used up in solving it. Also record information about the error: the type of error, the reason for the error (e.g., forgot the formula for circumference of a circle, or got mixed up in the rules.

3. Analyze the data

Evaluate the data: what errors were common, what concepts do you need to learn more of, what habits contributed to frequent errors.

4. Address the problem

Figure out the solution for each recurrent or major error. Write flashcards for your weak areas. Write formulas, best practices, most workable techniques to the particular type of Quant problem you often messed up with. Solve several problems of the same type until you feel confident about your ability. Mind your time because this is as important as arriving at the correct answer.

5. Review your log

Regularly review your log and analyze progress. Are you making less of those errors? If you do, it means that you have addressed problem areas effectively. If not, then go back to steps 3 and 4. Practice more or use another method to solve the problem. GMAT math teaches you that there are many approaches to a problem and it is your task to find the best and quickest way.

Analyzing your GMAT math errors means recognizing your mistakes and finding ways to stop doing them before they become habitual mistakes that will damage your GMAT math score.


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