310 SCORE HELP !!

Question

Hi guys

Just took the diagnostic test and got 310 ( Q 6 V23 ). I had to the last 12 questions and only got 10 questions right on maths! I took the same test yesterday and got a higher score 350 ( 13 V 23). Do you get marked down if you don't finish it?

I have been practicing on and off since September but had to interrupt for few months and scored the same score as I did 9 months ago.

I need to get at least 550 to get into business school and I have 1 month.

I am now using the OG and been reading some of the Manhattan GMAT preparation but I do feel like I am learning more by doing real GMAT exercises than reading about strategies and techniques.

What's your best advise & what books do you recommend considering my weak numerical skill . If I spend an average of 9 hours per day and practice on OG guide, Quantitative Maths Review and and Power Prep for Verbal.. would that be enough to get me 550 or above?

Thanks!

bryantmichaels · Answer

I agree that your best preparation is simulated tests-not paper test, but tests you can take on a computer, just like the real GMAT. GMAC puts out a sample test package every year and it's well worth the money (it's cheap). Second best thing you could do would be to take an instructor-led course like the ones Veritas offers. Well worth the money and guaranteed results.

good luck.

good luck.

BM · Answer

First thing to do is relax. It's nearly impossible to stay in control while in panic mode. You took a very important step just now: trying to fix the problem. So let's see what we can do.

A 310 suggests that there is an overall difficulty in the concepts, as well as timing issues. With that in mind, I strongly urge you to use a respectable math guidebook. Options include Manhattan, Veritas, Kaplan, and Princeton. The same goes for verbal; Powerscore and Manhattan products are quite popular. For reinforcing the concepts learned, practice with OG material. The OG Verbal and OG Math are easier than the OG12. All three are recommended, but if you lack time, then go for OG 12.

Time yourself when attempting the OG questions. Consider any question that takes over two minutes to complete wrong. Read every explanation completely - even for the questions that you answer correctly. Overtime, you timing will improve. OG practice will help, along with CAT practice. And yes, not answering questions on the GMAT results in a huge penalty.

Also consider postponing your test by two weeks. With six weeks, you will have more time to improve. If this is not possible, then you better start now!

l0rrie · Answer

I feel you.. I also got something in the 300 for my first mocktest.. I think im somewhere in the 400's now.. I wish I knew how to improve this.. As soon as I do, I'll let you know.. For now, all I can say is don't give up no matter how demotivating this process can get.. Good luck!

donmass31 · Answer

Thanks guys !

How many cat do you think I should do ? I have done a few already in the past few months but no improvement .

Also what do you think about the OG QUANT review?

Thanks

BM · Answer

I believe that one doesn't need many CAT sessions to improve timing or to get comfortable with the test format. The two GMATPrep software and the six Manhattan tests are enough. To truly increase speed and to feel confident about the questions, nothing beats guidebooks and question practice.

The OG Quant is recommended study material, for sure. Plus, it's relatively cheap. Use it if you have time.

The OG Quant is recommended study material, for sure. Plus, it's relatively cheap. Use it if you have time.

mohater · Answer

^^ ding ding on bmillan01.

Simply doing tests will not net any improvement IF you still have lack in content and understanding of the GMAT.

Not answering questions KILLS your score
Sequential incorrect answers KILLS your score.

You obviously have a major lacking in math concepts.

Start off with simple math concepts and work your way up. Work on approach (how to read a question and start formulating how to solve it) and timing.

donmass31 · Answer

thanks.

I am just doing some questions on the GMAT OG and going through some of the Maths concepts on Manhattan and Verbal Critical Reasoning.. on Power Prep.. however there is too much information. Especially on the GMAT Critical Reasoning BIble. Is there any sections I could skip ?

What approach would you use to get at least a score between 550- 600?
I think I need to focus more. I think you're right regarding exam technique. Most of the times I do not know how to approach the questions and get a bit lost not only in maths but also in verbal where you got a long text to read. Don't know if it's best to read the question first and then select the relevant information in the text.

donmass31 · Answer

I have three weeks now left till my test and can't postpone it to a later date.
I am thinking of dividing my study plan as such:

Week 1 :
Numerical 
- Revise topics in which I am weak ( i.e. functions, inequalities, geometry, statistics and probability) 
- Practice OG Maths

Week 2:
- Focus on reading comprehension and critical reasoning strategies ( however there is too much to learn it's over 600 pages Manhattan and Power Prep) Which sections do I skip?

Week 3:
- Practice CAT exams. 
- Review Mistakes
- Time Management

I do not know if this plan is going to work. Maybe I could just do a bit of each every day.

positiveoutlook · Answer

Don't feel bad, everyone has to start somewhere! I am in the same boat as you, I started prepping a few weeks ago and it is not looking good. Don't give up!

donmass31 · Answer

Hey guys just took my third Manhattan CAT and scored 400 (Q20 ;V22)
Had to guess the last 6 questions on the quant as I run out of time.

My exam is on the 27th of June & can't change it!

Need to get 550 at least!

Maths: 
I have been going through the Manhattan Quant Strategy books for the last 2 weeks
 & covered number propeties & equations( except inequalitoes & vics)

Still need to cover FDP ( fractions decimals,percents) ,word translatipms ( statiistics, probability,rates & work,combinotrics)
& geometry. Which sections shall I concentrate on ? I have difgiculty undrstanding word problems & statistics ..also geometry I don't know the rules half by heart.

Verbal:

I have been doing sentence correction on Manhattan but still get 40% of questions wrong!
 Regarding reading comprehension &critical reasoning my rate of succes is about ( 50% & 48 % respectly).

My highest verbal score so far is V27.

Plan:
a)Focus on weak areas and practice questions by topics every day!
b) learn theories quickly & do a CAT every other day & review it with a Maths tutor!

Which plan you think will be most effective in a week?

Is it mentally posdible to jump from 400 to 550 in this short span considering I have 8-10 hours free eveeyday?
Also does guessing the last 6-7 quesrions on quant make a huge difference to my score? Is the quant section relatively weighted higher thann verbal?

PS : I have mainly been revusing Maths since my score was Q13 on my first attempt ,however, I do feel the need to leaen new crtical thinking & reading
techniques since I concentrate too hard on every detaims and get half of verbal wrong anyways!

Posted from my mobile device

FutureWorks · Answer

Hello

There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. It could be combination of online classes, coaching institutes, practise books and even smart phone applications. Having this combination will be giving you access to different styles and it won’t be monotonous for you.

Dedicate some time to study daily through these different methods. Probably practising the tests will help you gauge your performance and you would know if you are satisfied with your score or not.

OldMinolta · Answer

You state that you have to take the test right away, but that you also have to get at least a 550. What's your rush? If your diagnostics are much lower... then what is going to change in a week or two? Also, since you are stressed out.... it seems unlikely that you will get the score you want. Why not relax, rethink your strategy, take some courses and plan on taking the test in six months to a year when you have absorbed more of the concepts. Why put a 400 score on your record if you are convinced you have to score so much higher? I assume your application will have to address a 300's 400's score directly, even if you get your score up by several hundred points later. Learning the material is the key issue. Getting into a program will be of limited benefit if you are not prepared to take advantage of it. Your diagnostics are suggesting you need to get some fundamentals under control.

rjkaufman21 · Answer

Firstly, why do you have to take it so soon? If possible, set it back at least another couple months so that you can get the fundamentals down.

I started out around a 600. My verbal was high, but my math was very low. I've been studying now for about 2 months and my math has improved significantly, and I am scoring around a 700.

Judging by your horrible math scores, you are like I was when I started - I didn't remember even basic number properties, order of operations, much less geometry/exponents etc. Get your hands on "foundations of math" by manhattan gmat. It covers all of the basic math concepts. I worked through that entire book and from cover to cover and it helped me tremendously.

Once you understand the fundamentals, then you can focus on working through more advanced concepts, as well as timing.

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