gsiddj
Hello,
I've attempted both the free gmat prep exams and I've received 630 and 640. Quant scores were 47(11-12 wrong) in both exams and verbals scores were 30(12 wrong) and 31(11 wrong). I've got my exam in ten days. I need a score above 700. I'm looking for any advice on how to improve my scores in ten days. What are the important topics to focus on to improve scores?. Also I've read online about getting the first 10-20 questions right, if that's true I've got 5 questions wrong in the first 10-12 questions in both verbal tests. Is that why my scores have dipped?. Also I am not very good in my timings(end up choosing random answers for the last 4-5 questions in both sections), so does the computer detect my poor time management and scale down my score?. I've used manhattan cr and sc for verbal, worked out a lot of materials available on this site for the past 6 months, finished the
og 15' three times and etc. Usually I get questions correct during practice but I'm not able to translate this in the real exam and it's very demotivating. Also please suggest if I should postpone my exams?. I am planning to apply for fall 2017. So If I postpone it'll be too late for admissions. Would it be worth postponing?. Please help
Thanks in advance for your replies
GS
Hi GS,
There are a number of problems that you have mentioned.
Looking at your practice scores, it is very difficult to get a drastically improved score on the GMAT.
I would recommend you to postpone the GMAT if want to score higher.
If you go ahead and plan to take the GMAT, then pay special attention to the SC questions, because they can be improved upon pretty quickly.
As a general guide line, you can start solving a question by taking the following things in consideration:
1. Find out the subject and the verb
2. See that the S&V agree in number
3. Look out for the modifiers
4. Look out for parallelism
5. Look out for usage of certain words - such as vs like, few vs less etc.
Yes, the first 10 questions play a big role in your score, so you should be extra careful in those questions.
Regarding the scoring, you will get marks for a right answer and get penalized for a wrong answer. The algorithm will not penalize you for a guessed correct answer.
Here are a few things to keep in mind on the test day:
1. Do not think about the final score at any point of time
2. Once done with a section forget about it and concentrate on the next one.
3. Take both the breaks. It helps you to freshen up
4. Take a note of the time when you are out for break. Do not exceed the break
5. Do not rush through the last 5 questions in the verbal sections in a bid to see your final score
6. Make sure you complete the section. There is a high penalty for not completing the test.
All the best!