510 on practice exam and one week to go

Question

I scored 510 on the practice exam (V29 Q32) almost cold after lightly studying for 2 weeks. Now I have one week until the real exam and need at least 600, better 650 to not cancel my score. My practice exam (especially Quant) was full of silly mistakes so I think at least when it comes to the easy-medium questions, it's not due to a lack of knowledge. I also did a diagnostic test from TTP.

For the next week, I have planned to study ~10h a day so that in the end I'll hopefully get ~100h of preparation time for the gmat in total. But right now I don't even know where to start? Seems like both my quant as well as my verbal need some work and I don't know where my strengths and weaknesses are. How can I study most effectively and what materials should I use? I have all 3 of the 2022 OG and Manhattan prep books and also signed up for the TTP 5 day trial.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

My practice exam (especially Quant) was full of silly mistakes so I think at least when it comes to the easy-medium questions, it's not due to a lack of knowledge.

Consider creating an error log and finding shorter ways to solve questions (i.e. reverse solving quant questions using the answer choices).

How to get a V40 or higher on the GMAT? What about a V51?

Russ19 · Answer

Hi highperformer , You can use manhattan prep strategy guides for concepts and attempt OG problems. Also, explore the link to see solutions to OG questions: https://gmatquantum.com/official-guides/ Good Luck!

desertEagle · Answer

First you should try to complete all the questions in time. That will give you a boost of upto 50 points.
Then you make a list of silly mistakes you are making. keep it near your table and read it before solving a question. Try not to make any silly mistakes. That will be a great help.

Most common silly mistakes are
1) Not answering what the question asked 
2) Copying the data wrong
3) Twist at the end of the question which makes us mark the wrong answer
4) Mark wrong answer in EXCEPT/NOT questions
5) Calculation mistakes

Make sure you dont make such mistakes

What books to study. You have OGs. Thats enough. Also read Manhattan Sentence Correction book which will improve your SC.

One final piece of advice. I think you should postpone your exam date by 2-3 months. It will cost $50. But it will save you $250 and you can achieve a better score. One week is too less of time and first round starts in August. You have ample time to get better score (around 700-720) and that will give you a better college and scholarship.

Best of luck

nislam · Answer

Hi highperformer , It seems to me that if you see some lessons of gmatninja you can add some more point. https://www.gmatninja.com/videos/gmat/verbal Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi highperformer,

A 510 is a solid initial CAT score (the Average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). That having been said, many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you're going to limit your overall study timeframe to just 3 weeks, then there will likely be a limit to how much you can improve in this final week. The GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level - but a 650 is right around the 80th percentile (and the type of training needed to consistently score at the higher level takes time). If you're ultimately going to keep studying until you score 650+, then you could save some time, money and frustration by pushing back your upcoming Test Date.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how your timeline and your goals:

1) What GMAT Score would you consider a 'strong enough' Score for your applications/Schools?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) Assuming that another 2-3 months of study time was required, then how many hours do you think you could consistently study each week?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi highperformer,

Out of curiosity, is there a particular reason why you must take the GMAT in just one week from now?

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510 on practice exam and one week to go

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