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Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score

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Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   25 Apr 2015, 23:53
I am a non-native applicant. The first time I gave my GMAT (18 Nov 2014 710, Q49, V38, IR5, AWA 6) I used the following books: OG, Kaplan GMAT Premier, Manhattan SC, Manhattan CR and GMAT 800. I practiced quant through gmatclub (thanks Bunuel!). I gave many mock tests - Kaplan free test, Economist free test, Veritas Free Test, Princeton free test, MGMAT (all 6 tests), GMATPrep (2 free tests + 2 paid tests). I practiced for ~2.5 months in parallel with my job. I found the quant in the actual GMAT tough, was drained out reading the RC passages, and not 100% sure of my SC and CR answers.

The 2nd time, with an aim to improve my verbal score I bought Manhattan RC and Powerscore CR bible and practiced many SC, CR and RC questions. I gave only 1 mock test - gmatpill and got the exact same score as the previous actual gmat. Gave the GMAT with ~2 months of prep (19 Mar 2015 700, Q49, V34, IR6, AWA 6) and was a lot more confident on the RC and CR in the verbal section (obviously did not reflect in the score so was a big disappointment).

My acads are not great (GPA ~3.0), I am a 2nd MBA candidate and I'm vying for scholarships. So a 750+ is a must. I don't think I can improve verbal just by reading books and trying to improve my concepts. I'm targeting R1 so the latest I want to retake the GMAT is mid-August. Any suggestions on what I could do to improve my verbal score to a V42 (quant I think I can manage a Q50-51 with self-prep) now that I've exhausted most books/tests/online material?
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   26 Apr 2015, 11:45
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Hi 3274K,

Based on what you've described, you've certainly used a lot of BOOKs and FREE CATs, but there are still plenty of varied GMAT resources that you can use during your studies.

The challenge now is to find a way to get you past your "biases." You're clearly a smart person and a strong Test Taker, but making the jump from 700 to 750+ requires a higher level of flexibility, thoroughness and precision. To pick up those missing points, you have to 'squeeze' as many of the remaining correct answers out of each section that you can. With your 2 GMAT scores, you may have peaked doing things "your way."

This ultimately means that you probably need to learn some new tactics AND commit to practicing them. If you get into your next GMAT and "default" back to the way that you've been performing over the last 6 months then you'll likely score right around 700 again.

When are you planning to apply to School?
Will you still apply if you don't score 750+?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   27 Apr 2015, 00:20
Hi Rich,

Thanks a lot for your inputs, as you suggested I definitely need to change my approach towards answering questions, and get a lot more confident about my answers. I'm thinking of applying to a few 1Y programs in R1 (deadlines between mid-Sep and mid-Oct 2015). I think I'll keep my cut-off at 740 and apply only if I have a 740+. My target schools include the 1Y programs - Kellogg Cornell Emory etc. I'm also thinking of applying to a couple of specialized masters programs which require a higher quant score (90+ percentile, mine is currently only 79).
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   27 Apr 2015, 14:17
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Hi 3274K,

At your current scoring level, your missing points will likely involve a lot of 'little things', so it would probably be beneficial to see the types of questions that you're currently getting wrong. As such, I recommend that you post ALL the questions that you got wrong from your last CAT (post them in the respective Forums here), even if you already know WHY you got them wrong. The Experts (and other Users) will likely be able to offer you some advice/suggestions/etc. about how you might better approach those questions. That extra perspective might be exactly what you need to raise your scores to the next level.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   28 Apr 2015, 06:41
Our GMAT Verbal BOOSTER is the perfect course for you.

It was designed for non-natives struggling in the verbal test part. You will have video lessons, practice questions, analytics and adaptive software to guarantee the optimal preparation.

Visit the following link to learn more: https://optimus-prep.com/shop/gmat/gmat-verbal-booster/

Please write me a PM if you are interested in a free trial account (without providing your credit card, of course) ;-)
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink] New post   28 Apr 2015, 23:27
Thanks a lot Rich and Artem! I'll start with my error log, identify my weak areas and work on improving them. I'll also check the specific courses available online for verbal improvement.
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Re: Stuck in the 700-710 range with a low verbal score [#permalink]
28 Apr 2015, 23:27

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