Advice: Major Variance in GMAT Score relative to GMAT Prep

Question

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me. I began studying for my GMAT in February using the Manhattan GMAT live online course. My cat exams were as follows:

MGMAT CAT 1 (Pre-Course): 640 (Q42:V:35)
MGMAT CAT 2 (6 Weeks into the Course): 640 (Q44:V:33)
MGMAT CAT 3 (8 Weeks into the Course): 680 (Q43:V:39)
GMAT PREP 1 (1 week after course/1 month before test): 700 (Q45:V40)
MGMAT CAT 4 (2 weeks before test): 660 (Q:43:V37)
GMAT PREP 2 (1 week before test): 720 (Q:47:V42)

On my actual GMAT I received a dissappointing score of 640 (Q45:V34). Not quite why my verbal dropped so much. If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve on sentence corrections especially that would be helpful. So far I've only used MGMAT study materials. I take my next test on June 21st and was hoping to be more consistent in my scoring by then.

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear barker1128 , I'm happy to respond. :-)

I'm very sorry you had a disappointing GMAT experience. First of all, the one thing for which it is the most hard to prepare is the actual stress of knowing on the real test "this is real" --- no matter what you do in practice, you can't duplicate the "this is real" feeling, and that can generate stress. Here's a series of articles about managing stress: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/overcome-g ... y-breathe/ https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/beating-gmat-stress/ https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/the-gmat-b ... g-picture/ https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/zen-boot-c ... -the-gmat/ For GMAT SC, here are some free GMAT Idiom flashcards: https://gmat.magoosh.com/flashcards/idioms Here's a one-month study plan: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/1-month-gm ... -schedule/ I'd also like to recommend Magoosh. We have a series of video lessons that cover the GMAT SC question in detail, and every one of our GMAT practice questions has its own video explanation, so you can learn a great deal more about the GMAT SC question type in the discussions of the answers to individual questions. Here's a sample video lesson: https://gmat.magoosh.com/lessons/944-substantive-clauses Here's a sample SC practice question: https://gmat.magoosh.com/questions/3597 Also, since you just took a real GMAT, if you signed up for the full Magoosh package, math & verbal, you could qualify for our score guarantee: https://gmat.magoosh.com/score-guarantee Even if you decide not to sign up for Magoosh, I hope you get the most out of that free blog: there's a ton there that can help you! https://magoosh.com/gmat/category/verbal ... orrection/ Best of luck! Mike :-)

rajatjain14 · Answer

Hi barker1128,

For sentence correction or any of the verbal reasoning sections, E-GMAT material is one of the best.

Rgds,
Rajat

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Advice: Major Variance in GMAT Score relative to GMAT Prep

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards