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GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+

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gmattryhard
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GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   22 Oct 2023, 03:10
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Hi guys,
So yesterday I took the GMAT online for the first time, after 3 weeks and half of preparation. The reason behind this short time frame is that I decided mid-September to candidate for business schools. I scored 650 (q47,v33,7ir). In 3 weeks and half, my strategy was just, head down, practice a lot and to as many CAT tests as you can, so I subscribed to gmatclub and made test after test. Also practiced with GMATNINJA youtube videos for verbal. My score was always between 650-680 so I'm not overly surprised about my performance, maybe I just hoped for a miracle.
Unfortunately 650 is not the score I hoped for. I need >= 700.

I'm doing a master in applied mathematics so quant is not the main issue, a bit more drilling might boost my score but the real problem is the verbal section.
I'm taking the test again around 20th December. Now I have more time to prepare and I'm aware of what to improve.

I need a clear strategy for each section of verbal reasoning.

I know that for SC questions for example, there are rules to know, once you know them, it gets easier to score high. Where can I find these rules ? Price of resources is not an issue for me, I just would like to loose as little time as possible going around multiple books or websites, so ideally I'd pick up one or two and live by them until December.

If anybody can suggest one or two verbal books that are top notch and/or websites (even not free) please do.

Thanks for helping me.
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GmatKnightTutor
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Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   22 Oct 2023, 05:47
Quote:
I know that for SC questions for example, there are rules to know, once you know them, it gets easier to score high.


The gmatclub study plan post mentions a variety of resources you can check out. Consider checking out Manhattan-Prep's 6th Edition for SC as well. Memorizing commonly tested idioms could also help boost your SC performance a bit.

SC Idiom list
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RetaketheGMAT
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Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   22 Oct 2023, 07:21
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There are thousands of test takers prepping for a retake of the GMAT who are spending 4 times the amount of time trying to improve their score. The reason? Not understanding exactly what their gaps are.

Test taking skills are the key to a score jump. If you're scoring 650, you don't have a major conceptual knowledge gap -- it's primarily how you're approaching each question. The wrong approach to questions put more pressure to having near perfect conceptual knowledge. The right approach to each question lowers the bar -- so you don't have to know every idiom, grammar rule or mathematical trick.

Signing up for a test taking skills assessment would be the best first step to planning your retake prep.
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pintukr
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Reviews Badge CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   22 Oct 2023, 09:50
Use Forum Quiz to solve topic-wise practice questions.

All the Best.
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   22 Oct 2023, 10:28
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Hi gmattryhard,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you studied for just 3.5 weeks, then this 650/Q47 is a really nice performance. Planning to retest in approximately 2 months is a smart choice - and a Score Goal of 700+ is realistic for that timeframe. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) Did you use any formal study materials over the last 3.5 weeks? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used besides the GMATClub Exams?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) Is your overall goal score a 700 or something else?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com
www.empowergmat.com
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AjiteshArun
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Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   24 Oct 2023, 21:13
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gmattryhard wrote:
I know that for SC questions for example, there are rules to know, once you know them, it gets easier to score high. Where can I find these rules ? Price of resources is not an issue for me, I just would like to loose as little time as possible going around multiple books or websites, so ideally I'd pick up one or two and live by them until December.

Hi gmattryhard,

You can take a look at this SC course (YouTube link).
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ScottTargetTestPrep
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Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink] New post   25 Oct 2023, 19:15
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Hi gmattryhard,

Regarding verbal prep materials, have you checked out course reviews on GMAT club? Also, here is some general advice you can follow regarding how to improve your verbal skills:

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

Feel free to reach out with any questions.
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: GMAT improvement from 650 to 700+ [#permalink]
25 Oct 2023, 19:15

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