What after the Diagnostic Test Analysis?

Question

I just took the diagnostic test from Veritas. I scored 660 in the test with 5 on 8 in IR, 45 on 60 in Quants and 36 on 60 in Verbals. I clearly need more focus in Quants which was expected since I have lost my touch with quants after my 12th (about 6 years ago). I realised I would need some work specifically in Geometry and Permutations / Probability questions. Verbals is comparatively strong however, I could make it stronger.
My target score is 750 or above and I am a dedicated and hardworking learner so I think this could be achievable with practice. I have the Manhattan Prep course from the 2014 and Kaplan edition of 2013.
Please suggest an appropriate study plan and test series for attaining my target.

PS: I plan to take the GMAT around June 1st/2nd week. Also I am working so would not be able to give more than 2 hours on a weekday. Weekends and holidays I plan to dedicate 4 hours. Also I have another exam coming in April end so I will not be able to study for GMAT in between for 2 weeks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sankrutimehta,

First off, your Diagnostic score is well above-average (the national average on the Official GMAT is around 540-550 most years), so that's a good sign.

You've given yourself about 3 months of study, which is good. The 'interruption" that you'll face in April might be an issue, but we'll have to see how much (if any) disruption is really causes to your studies. A 750 represents a score that 99% of Test Takers cannot achieve, so you're aiming at a high level goal. You'll need to make some significant improvements to BOTH your Quant and Verbal scores to get to that level.

You mentioned a list of resources that you have access to. Are they all books?

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

sankrutimehta · Answer

rich : The resources I have are old books from friends and collegues. I am yet to figure out the practice material to spend on.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sankrutimehta,

I asked if all of those resources were books because many Test Takers who self-study with books gets "stuck" at a particular scoring level. If you want to approach your studies in an efficient fashion, then you'll want to invest in some additional computer-based resources. With a goal in the 750+ range, you might also want to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Instructor-Led). As I mentioned earlier, you'll need to improve in BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections, so trying to teach yourself all of the content, tactics and 'secrets' of the Test might be too difficult of a task - having consistent, expert guidance (from a Course) will make the entire process a lot easier.

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

sankrutimehta · Answer

rich : I do understand that the benefits for instructor led course would be helpful. At the moment I have started practicing from Manhattan Prep course. I plan to buy the CAT test series from IMS which is a good Indian provider of study matter, GMAT guidance and problem solving assistance along with the CAT tests.
My only apprehension for instructor led program is the cost benefit. Such programs are extremely expensive after local currency conversion.
Let me know your thoughts.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sankrutimehta,

While certain Courses can be quite expensive, there are LOTS of different options (and they're not all quite so expensive), so you should plan on doing a bit of research into the various options. You might find that you don't need a live class at all, but the important part is still in the expertise and guidance that you'll receive. Most GMAT companies offer some type of free resources (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.), so that you can 'test out' a product before you buy it. I suggest that you take advantage of all of them, then choose the one(s) that best match your personality, timeline and budget.

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

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

Hello Sankruti,

This is what I think must be your study plan till you take your test.

When it comes to material, remember that anything that is NOT official is NOT reliable and hence the GMAT Prep tests must be the backbone of your preparation. This is how you can space the 4 tests that GMAT gives you.

GMAT Prep test 1

Cover all the basics. This can be from the OG, VR and QR.

GMAT Prep test 2

Now practice using questions. You will solve questions from OG, VR, QR and the Test prep pack that GMAC has to give.

GMAT Prep Test 3

Analyse all these three tests and come up with top 3 problem areas each in SC, CR, RC and Quant. WOrk on them.

GMAT Prep test 4

Now just start refining your weakness areas and keep working on them.

Some other things that you might want to note in addition to the above.

1. You can use any other test series if you have already taken the GMAT Prep tests ( Nothing can beat them though)

2. Between every test make sure that there is atleast one thing that you have learnt.

3. Make sure you fix on time - 8 questions and 15 minutes.

4. Ensure that you analyse your tests well. Analysis should include the reason why you got that question wrong - You must also be confident enough that you will NOT repeat the same error again.

Hope that helps.

All the best

Saikiran Dudyala

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