GMAT & GRE Prep – Error Log

What is an Error Log?

Error logs are a way to collect data about your progress by recording the mistakes in the course of your practice problems. One key component of preparing for either the GRE or GMAT is drilling a large number of problems. During this process you are sure to make a number of mistakes and maintaining an error log will allow you to put these mistakes to their best possible use.

What Information Should be in an Error Log?

I recommend creating an excel spreadsheet to manage your error log, though it is possible to keep one with pen and paper. To create your error log you must keep track of the following information as you complete practice questions.

• Question source
• Question source
• Question and answer choices
• Your answer
• The correct answer
• Personal notes (useful to include the question type here)

The Two Error Log Types:

Just the Mistakes – When you do a set of practice problems or a practice exam note the problems that you get incorrect and keep a list of the information listed above in regards to the problem you missed.
Practice Grid – Keep an excel sheet as an answer sheet for all your practice problems. Mark the answers on the excel sheet and then when you’re done solving the problems go back and mark whether you answered the problems correctly. An additional useful part of practice grids is that you can choose to mark your start time each time you do a set of practice problems. By checking the clock every 10 questions you can see if there were any parts of the exam that took you an inordinately long time. This should help you understand how to pace yourself during the actual exam.

Why Error Logs Matter:
I know that keeping a list of every practice question you answer sounds tedious. It should. It is tedious; however, keeping track of your practice questions and especially those you get wrong ensures that you will know what your strengths and weaknesses are when it comes down to just a few weeks or day before you take the exam. Doing tons of practice problems and continuously making the same mistakes doesn’t help you improve your skills. An error log gives you visibility into areas that need extra attention going into exam day.
For more about error logs visit GMAT Club’s awesome MBA Application and Business School forums. You can also download your own Error Log template.