550 - How do I break 600?

Question

Hi everyone,

Need some advice. Just took the GMAT and got a 550. I need to break 600. I'm taking the test again in mid December but need advice on a study game plan. I have a little over 4 weeks to prepare. I haven't done the PR or Kaplan books but have taken a private GMAT class. Any help would be greatly apprecaited. 

Thanks!
HT

Hjort · Answer

How were you scoring on PowerPrep before you took the exam?

Hjort

tanh4479 · Answer

I took the test twice. The first time I got a 560 and the second I got a 620. But at that point a lot of the questions were already familiar to me.

Hjort · Answer

What were your subscores on the GMAT?

Hjort · Answer

What did you learn in the private course?
What would you say are your weakest areas on the test?

Hjort

tanh4479 · Answer

The class was similar to any GMAT course except it was longer than they typical 4 weeks. My weakness is definatly math although my math scores have consistanly gone up. Very bad with algebra. In terms of my verbal, I'm probably weaker in teading comp and critical reasoning.

EddieCruiser · Answer

I would suggest trying a better GMAT course, actually. If you're still struggling that much the no-name course probably didn't help, and I would disagree that it's like any other class. Companies like Princeton Review are big for a reason - they have great strategies for beating the GMAT which are very effective.

If you can't do another class, then definitely use your PR book. Mine was a huge help on the GMAT.

tanh4479 · Answer

Unfortunately I can't take another class because a) I can't afford to drop another grand on a class and b) I'm taking the test again in mid December. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between the Kaplan book and the PR book. I'm just trying to figure out a studying game plan for then next 4 weeks.

Thanks so much for the advice!

Hjort · Answer

Since you are near the center of the distribution, I would focus on mastering the OG. With due respect for other posters on this forum, I find PR of limited utility- it is little more than a combination of test-taking cliches.

Even the Ford Pinto was a big seller . . . 

Hjort

tanh4479 · Answer

I have the OG and can probably still use it for the math and sentence correction portions but for the CR and RC, I've pretty much gone thru them enough times to memorize the correct answer. What would you recommend for those two areas?

Hjort · Answer

Take a look at the old versions of the GRE since they feature both reading and logic questions. Some students use the LSAT for these sections but I advise students to do so with caution. The GRE math would also be useful, especially if you are near the middle of the GMAT distribution. 

You are in no danger of running out of well-validated reading comprehension questions.

Hjort

tanh4479 · Answer

OK so study OG book for math and get a GRE book for verbal?

Hjort · Answer

If you want to use the GRE for both the Logic/Reasoning and the Reading portions make sure to get the GRE OG for the old form of the test. The contemporary GRE OG is still very useful for the Reading portion.

Hjort

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