2 Weeks Until Test Day - Major Score Improvements Possible?

Question

Taking on Dec. 22nd (Planning to apply in R1 of next year so I have plenty of time). I want to score a 740 + on this test, but that is looking highly unlikely. Does anybody know of any cases where test takers made a 100 point jump in 2 weeks?

These are my practice test results so far:

MGMAT CAT 1 (9/14/11) - 590 (Q43 V29)
MGMAT CAT 2 (10/23/11) - 620 (Q43 V32)
MGMAT CAT 3 (11/10/11) - 640 (Q43 V34)
MGMAT CAT 4 (11/21/11) - 640 (Q43 V34)
MGMAT CAT 5 (12/5/11) - 630 (Q42 V34)

Quant Weak Areas:
 - PS worse than DS overall
 - Comb. and Probability, Exponents, Divisibility & Primes, Ratios, and Variables in the Choices

Verbal Weak Areas:
 - CR - strengthen & weaken
 - SC (My best verbal area) - Idioms and comparisons 
 - RC - weak overall. I perform solid in practice, but perform poorly when the official test clock is running.

Currently going through advanced sections of MGMAT guides and working through problems in OG 12th Ed.

I began studying around 9/14 so it's been about 3 months now and although I feel major improvements in daily practice, it's like I'm another person when I'm taking the practice exam. I was hoping to have this behind me after 3 to 4 months of studying very diligently, but it looks like I'll have to keep on going into 2012 with the studies. Really not sure what I would use to study assuming I will have to go back to the books. I only have the following untouched resources and I am planning on getting through them by test day:

CATS:
 - MGMAT CAT 6
 - GMAT PREP 1
 - GMAT PREP 2

Official GMAC Review Questions:
 - Verbal Review
 - Quant Review

So firstly, is it possible to improve that drastically given how much I have already been studying?

Secondly, do you recommend I push the exam? Or should I take it hoping for the best and maybe retake a month or two later?

I have heard some say that studying longer than 4 months can have a negative impact on studies. Assuming I don't hit my target though, I'm not prepared to quit and take a score below my target schools' average scores. I am going on family vacation from Dec. 28th to Jan 4th where I will have little to no study time, but can pick back up after that.

Finally, what would I use to keep studying? Would I recycle old material?

As always, any other suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks

calreg11 · Answer

I am in the same boat as you. I thought I wasn't ready and I guess I wasn't since my actual GMAT score wasn't as high as I wanted it to be. 
However, I now have a better understanding of what I should be studying. 
Look for new materials to study such as different practice exams. Go over all of the OG questions. You can look over past MGMAT cat exams and look where you made your mistake. 
Go over the advanced sections in MGMAT. 
I just go the GMAT CR bible hopefully it will boost my cr score.

Good luck to you.

ebonn101 · Answer

Given that you've been studying already for nearly 4 months, I think a 100 point gain extremely unlikely. Some people have those gains in 2 weeks at the very beginning of their study regime, but you've probably reached the plateau point where gains come bit by bit rather than by leaps and bounds.

I would recommend rescheduling a month or two later if you want 740+.

I would recommend rescheduling a month or two later if you want 740+.

IJR · Answer

I doubt that it's possible to have that big of a score gain in two weeks. You should just continue you studying hard and then focus on being in the best possible state of mind on test day. If you are relaxed, focused, and well-rested on test day, you will maximize your chances of doing well.

hookemhorns612 · Answer

For right now I'll just plan on taking it as is and doing the best I possibly can. I imagine a retake though early next yr.

I hope that this 4 month plateau that so many refer to can be overcome. I can't imagine that if I keep trying I won't get there eventually...

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Just took my last MGMAT CAT and scored a 700 (Q 44 V40). While pleased, based on what posters here said, I am almost skeptical! (not to say I don't believe I am capable!) ...I'll take the score though and keep studying...we'll see what happens though come test day next Thursday

bb · Answer

It is what it is. Remember to take it one question at a time and don't worry about the big picture. Just you and one question. It is easy

Don't waste time, just solve or move on (however hard it may be). Make sure you do a quick check if you can of course before submitting each answer (I found 2 mistakes that way)

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Thank you for the encouragement. Will keep at it! I'll keep the community posted on what comes out.

sewcrafty · Answer

I tested much higher than the CATs were indicating a week prior to my test. I don't remember all of my CAT scores, but a little over a week prior I got a 690 on an MGMAT (the highest I had on MGMAT) and a 660 on the GMATPrep2 (710 a few weeks prior on GMATPrep1). The last week I just did a TON of OG Quant practice questions and I feel like that made the difference. I ended up with a 750. I agree with bb's response - just take it one question at a time and try hard not to think about the score while you are testing. Good luck to you!

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Will do. I wouldn't have a complaint or question if I left the test center with that experience!

Thanks for the input. I'm taking GMAT Prep I this Sat or Sunday. Not sure if I will do the second one or not. Do you all recommend I knock out both before next Thurs or just drill through the questions I have left (haven't touched the OG verbal review and quant review books yet).

Thanks

sewcrafty · Answer

Personally, I felt like doing questions instead of practices tests were much more beneficial the last week. Taking that GMATPrep (knowing it was supposed to be very accurate) and seeing a 660 really messed with my confidence. You really don't need that right before the big day. I decided after that to just do practice questions, since you will actually be learning the material, rather than just practicing your timing/endurance. If you have timing issues, maybe just hold yourself to complete questions in 2 or 3 minutes while doing practice problems.

hookemhorns612 · Answer

Just tested on GMAT prep b/c I felt like I should at least take one of them

GMAT Prep I - 690 (Q44 V40)

Not quite sure what to think. I was really hoping to score in the 700+ on this one. I have heard that GMAT Prep score is generally higher than MGMAT (granted, I have only scored in this range on one MGMAT test).

Really hoping for a stronger score next Thurs. I have on more GMAT Prep exam, but not sure if I want to take it. Also have a ton of V.R. and Q.R. questions I have yet to touch that I can work through. Thoughts?

Thanks again,

Neil

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