Boosting math score in 2 weeks

Question

Hi guys, I have signed up to take the test on Sept 11th. I have taken 3 CAT tests, and while my overall scores are not too bad (690-700) and am stuck with a bad quant score. I am consistantly scoring 65-70 percentile on quant. I would like to hit that 80% on quant to show a balanced score, and I also feel if I could pull that off my overall score would be quite high, since I've done quite well on the verbal section.

I took the official GMATPrep test after a brief week of review using Kaplan Comprehensive (which is a pretty poor review book) and scored a 44 on Quant. Then I purchased, read and completed all problems from every Manhattan GMAT math book. I definately felt like I learned a lot of math concepts and tricks I did not previously know, and I also felt that I performed well on their end of chaper review problems (usually 12/15 right). I also completed the OG11 math problems and the GMATClub diagnostic problems and did fairly well on those too.

The crazy thing is that after all this additional review, I have been getting the same or worse quant scores on the Manhattan CAT tests than I got after 1 week of barely studying a lame Kaplan book! It is frustrating because I feel like I am learning things but it doesn't seem to translate to test success.

Anyway, what should my game plan be for the next 14 days? I'm planning on additional review for math concepts in the MGmat books, reviewing specific CAT problems I got wrong, and persuing some of the problems posted on here.

Thanks in advance!

BM · Answer

You're very close to a 700 score, so it shouldn't take too much more to reach that level. Review the MGMAT math books as much as you can and focus on your weak points. Also, consider Jeff Sackmann's Extreme Challenge set. If you buy this, make sure to read all of his explanations too.

But remember, don't push yourself too hard. Take a break the day before the actual test to relax.

But remember, don't push yourself too hard. Take a break the day before the actual test to relax.

noboru · Answer

Hi, I have the same problem as you, but with the verbal. I have already taken the GMAT and got a 680 (Q50, V32). I can say that in order to crack the quant section you have to learn the basics and move very quickly. The best source, according to me, are the tests of this forum. Also Manhattan CATs are good for +49 achievers, but many of their problems are actually more challenging than what you need to crack the 80%. If you have any specific question, shoot. Do you have any advice for the verbal section? (Im taking the exam again in 3 weeks :-)

BM · Answer

First time I saw a verbal question sneaked into the quant forum.

For a good score in verbal, the best things to do include: 1. Read Manhattan SC at least twice. 2. Read Powerscore CR Bible. 3. Fully read every single explanation in the OG for verbal. Understand why one answer choice is correct and why the others are wrong. For difficult questions, look into the Brutal SC document . These SC questions are very difficult, but I didn't find them too helpful. For difficult RC practice, I like LSAT questions. The verbal forum has a large supply of difficult questions too.

CFAforMe · Answer

Noboru, as far as verbal goes here is my opinion:
1) English is my native language, which I feel gives me a huge advantage on all aspects. Some people may argue otherwise, and it is true a native speaker will be tricked on SC, however there are a lot of basic grammar mistakes I see posted on this forum from ESL people that rarely are made by native speakers. 
2) Sentence correction can definitely be improved upon by learning grammar rules. 
3) I don't feel RC or CR can really be improved upon (short of dramatically improving English skills for an ESL person), since it's not really rule based, you just have to use logic and get a general feel for what you're reading. I can't see being able to improve in this area much after one practiced say 10 hours and got the basic feel of everything.
4) At my job I've probably spent about 8 hours per month for the past 3 years editing extremely crude drafts of financial publications. This has definitely sharpened my ear to mistakes and overall themes of text.

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