112 days to boost my score by 200 pts, from 485

Question

...Yeah that sounds crazy. I just finished my first mock. 485 (Q68, V81, DI73). Timing wasn't an issue. And, in my defense, I've never practiced DI. But, I'm horrible at word problems. I just finished Manhattan's Fundamentals of Math e-book. I'm also enrolled in College Algebra that starts next week (and I don't have a strong math background). My RC is good, my CR not so much.

I'm paying for 2 of my kids post-high school education (I'm 49yo) so forking over money for a program isn't ideal. But I'm counting on a high GMAT to help with scholarships (and admissions) so I'm not taking out a student loan for myself.

Suggestions?

Archit3110 · Answer

What course are you planning to enrol?

Hale1114 · Answer

I'm looking closely at TTP. However, I have books from Manhattan, GMAC, and access to questions from GMAC. I'm short on cash right now, and about to start undergrad College Algebra (which I hope helps). It's the 8 week mini-mester class. So I may do 2 months of TTP before I take the actual test in December.

Archit3110

What course are you planning to enrol?

kb26 · Answer

Good to know

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

First, a 485 to 685+ increase in 112 days is an aggressive goal, but I would not call it crazy.

Your score breakdown gives us some useful information:

Q68
V81
DI73

Quant is clearly the biggest weakness right now. And since you have not studied DI yet, there is likely meaningful room for improvement there as well.

I would be careful, though, about assuming that College Algebra will translate directly into a large GMAT Quant improvement. It may certainly help strengthen some basic math skills, which is useful given what you said about your background, but GMAT Quant is not really a college algebra test. It tests your ability to apply arithmetic and elementary algebra to unfamiliar problem-solving situations.

Since you specifically mentioned struggling with word problems, I would spend significant time learning how to translate written information into equations and mathematical relationships. You will also want a very strong command of the underlying arithmetic and algebra skills that show up throughout GMAT Quant.

Given your starting point and timeline, I think your biggest priority should be building those skills systematically rather than jumping among books and question banks.

The same applies to CR and DI. If CR is already a weakness and you have not studied DI, you probably have more to gain right now from structured learning than from simply doing large numbers of official questions.

I completely understand the cost concern, especially when you are already paying for two of your kids' educations.

If a comprehensive GMAT course is financially feasible, though, I would use it earlier in your preparation rather than saving it for only the final two months. The beginning of this process is when you need the most instruction and skill building. The final weeks should ideally be spent refining weaknesses, adding timed work, and eventually taking practice exams rather than still learning major portions of the curriculum.

Whatever resources you choose, I would structure the next 112 days roughly this way:

Spend the majority of your time building Quant, CR, and DI skills topic by topic.

Do not take frequent full mocks right now. You already know that there are significant areas to improve, and another mock is unlikely to teach you those skills.

Practice largely untimed at first, with an emphasis on understanding and accuracy.

Once your skills become stronger, gradually layer in timed practice and mixed sets.

Then use fresh official practice exams later in the process to determine whether your improvements are translating into your target score.

And do not let the 485 discourage you. It is a baseline, not a ceiling. You have identified areas in which you have done little or no preparation, so your current score is certainly not representative of what you could ultimately achieve after serious, structured preparation.

Rooting for you!

Scott
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