Empowergmat vs. Crackverbal ?

Hi Rich,

My verbal score has plateaued after taking the test three times.

I generally do well on RC i.e. in first two tests the scores were greater than 90th percentile on enhanced score report, however the scores dropped in third test.

On my second test my SC scores (around 80th percentile) were better than CR, but CR scores pulled the score down.

On my third test, I did well on CR but my SC and RC scores dropped.

On last two test, I have scored V38 and I don't know what further do I need to improve the scores.

Regards

M

Hi mjt,

You seem focused on your Verbal performances, but it sounds like you're already scoring at a high level in the Verbal. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you're looking for, I'd like to know more about your studies, your Official GMAT results and your goals:

1) What were your scores on each of your Official GMATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) How long have you studied? How long did you study before each of your Official GMATs?
3) What materials have you used?

4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to next take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

Hi Rich,

Many thanks for your response.

1) What were your scores on each of your Official GMATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

GMAT Test 1: Q43 V36 - 640
GMAT Test 2: Q44 V38 - 660
GMAT Test 3: Q44 V38 - 670

2) How long have you studied? How long did you study before each of your Official GMATs?

I studied a year for test 1 and then 3-4 months for test 2 and 3.


3) What materials have you used?

Variety of sources but mainly focused on official material.



4) What is your goal score?

720
5) When are you planning to next take the GMAT?

End of May/16; already signed up for Empower course

6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Accepted at Judge but need to improve scores for consulting interviews.

Any advice on Quant will also be very helpful

Hi mjt,

Given everything that you've described, you're going to have to make some adjustments to how you 'see' (and respond to) the Quant section of the GMAT. With your Quant Scaled Scores on these 3 Exams, you're likely treating the Quant section as if it were a "math test" - and it's really NOT that. While you will do lots of little calculations as you work through that section, you have to focus on thinking strategically (with an emphasis on Tactics and pattern-matching) to score at a higher level. Thus, my immediate advice is to really focus on the Stage 1 Lessons in the EMPOWERgmat Course. You should answer EVERY question in that section using the Tactics that we teach you. You'll be amazed how quickly you can pick up points in the Quant section (especially in Data Sufficiency), but you have to make the necessary changes to how you handle all of those individual questions.

Your Verbal Scaled Scores are all fantastic, which means that you don't really have a big 'weak area' in that section of the Test. The missing points that you can pick up there will come down to some of the rarer question types and grammar rules. You'll likely find Verbal Triage to be really helpful - learning how to spot (and avoid) the common wrong answer choices can make it far easier to choose the correct answer on 'medium' and 'hard' level Verbal prompts.

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

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your reply. I take your comment on board about approaching Quant on the test. However, Empower GMAT plan suggest students to take MGMAT tests, which are normally calculation heavy - compared to the real test.

On Verbal, how can one improve speed? I am always rushing on last 5-6 questions. Also, in my last test I was not too sure about picking right answers in SC. Any suggestions for that?

Hi mjt,

To start, the EMPOWERgmat Course now suggests a couple of different options when it comes to taking CATs. While the MGMAT CATs are generally regarded as being a bit tougher (and more calculation-heavy) than the Official GMAT, those CATs are still close enough to the real thing to provide a reasonably accurate score result (when used correctly). The advice that I offered (to focus on Quant Tactics) would apply regardless of whether you were using the GMAC CATs or any of the 'blocks' of CATs that you might purchase from MGMAT, Kaplan or Veritas.

Your pacing on the Overall Exam (not just in the Verbal section) is based heavily on your 'precision.' By reading 'actively', engaging with the prompt, taking notes, looking for the various 'clues' that can help you to figure out the most efficient way to answer the question, etc. will all play a role in how quickly you answer questions. If you're having to rush through (and guess on) 5-6 Verbal questions at the end of the section, my guess is that you're not taking the proper notes AND you're having to reread the prompt (and answer choices) more than you should.

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

Thanks Rich

If you haven't already started with one, I would suggest you go for Empowergmat. It's clear, concise, and some strategies are worth adopting that aren't found in any other sources.

It depends on what you are looking from a GMAT course. The learning needs of every individual is different.

Would recommend you to attend a live GMAT classroom session for free before enrolling with any institute. This will help you figure out if the teaching methodology meets your learning demands.

At CrackVerbal, we have designed our GMAT course keeping the busy professionals in mind. We try to keep our classes highly interactive and engaging.

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A student today is confused not by WHAT to study but by HOW to study!

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Our GMAT course is designed to keep you motivated to study for the GMAT and to simplify the complex GMAT concepts to help you crack the GMAT in your first attempt. It will also provide you with a structured approach to prepare for the GMAT. You will also be taught by experts who are widely regarded as some of the best GMAT instructors in the country.

Most of the instructors are alumns from top B-schools like ISB and teach purely because of their passion to mentor MBA aspirants.

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In Bangalore, we have GMAT coaching centers in Koramangala, Malleshwaram, and Marathahalli.

The comprehensive GMAT course takes a minimum of 36 Classroom hours to finish the verbal coaching and 35 Classroom hours to finish the Quant coaching.

You can finish the comprehensive GMAT Classroom course either in 6 weeks or 12 weeks based on your preference.

You could come and attend a live GMAT class at a CrackVerbal center near you!

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You will also receive unparalleled support from our team until you get your target GMAT score.

Watch what our students had to say about our GMAT course:

Hi,
I have taken the Crackverbal course recently and also checked with other courses including of Empower.
I personally like Crackverbal because of their service and human touch. No other online course gives you this. Service is just a call away and they helped me with strategies till my GMAT.
Specially Arun's classes are so good that you are glued to the screen.

Hey hi,

I have really struggled with the GMAT over the past 3 months. I come from an engineering background and I am not used to failing. I have tried Magoosh, and Empower,Crackverbal. Crackverbal is by far the best. Why? Because of learning useless stuff you focus on what matters and really focus on that. That's why it has worked for me. If you are serious about the Crackverbal is 100% worth every penny. Go for it without any second thought:) Best luck for your prep mate