GMAT score improvement/strategy: crossing the 700 mark

Question

I have had the following scores in my mocks:
1. E-GMAT Sigma X Free Mock = 630 (Q43 V33)
2. Expert's Global Free Mock = 690 (Q47 V 38)
3. Veritas Free Mock 1 = 660 (Q46 V35)
4. GMATPrep 1 = 690 (Q48 V37)
5. Veritas Free Mock 2 = 650 (Can't find the break down)
6. GMATPrep 2 = 700 (Q48 V38)
7. GMATPrep 3 = 610 (Q45 V29) --> Absolute punch in the gut outta nowhere
8. GMATPrep 4 = 690 (Q48 V37)

Can't breach the 700 mark. I still have to give GMATPrep 5 & 6, but I'd atleast want 1 if not 2 GMATPrep scores above 700, before going for the actual exam. Should I give 5&6 now or reset 1&2 or 3&4 first and re attempt them ? Or consider purchasing a test packs from Manhattan/Veritas ?

Further, could you please advise on how I should go on with my prep ? Have been studying since April and by now I just feel like I've burnt through resources and yet I can't get to that target of a 700+ score.

Would really appreciate any help.

Thanks

Posted from my mobile device

VirFortis · Answer

I am still in the journey so, I cannot really talk about the view from the top of the mountain as yet, but I can provide my two cents that seem to have helped me become more skilful and improve in the process so far -
1. Analysis of my tests, daily practice questions (@GMATClub) and in-depth analysis of OG questions. It's tedious, boring at times both frustrating and exhausting. But, when it starts to make sense, it feels good. I am still not there, but I feel I think better now.
2. Exercise - 30 mins and Meditate - 30 mins. If you feel you only have 2 hours a day to prepare for the GMAT - Study for one and invest the other in the aforementioned activities. You can try for a week and find out if it helps you.

Now, I will leave it to the real winners, to provide you with real advice.

souvik101990   bb   Bunuel   GMATNinja  - Please help this individual with your wisdom.

bb · Answer

Based on your practice scores, I see very little progress. Whatever you doing, don’t do it. It doesn’t work for you.

Also, it really does not help when you take four different flavors of practice tests. Most prep companies have a decent way of estimating the GMAT score but the fact that nobody knows the exact algorithm creates variations within all these algorithms. They’re not consistent. You can compare GMAT prep tests fairly well. You can compare Veritas Park Tests well, you can compare Manhattan and Kaplan but when you take four different flavors, it creates a lot of noise in the data. So as I said, even with all that noise there’s a pretty clear picture.

When a patient is sick, finding another thermometer it’s not going to help. Finding the remedy is what you should be looking for.

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

To be honest, at the moment, taking more practice tests is not the answer. The reason you have yet to break 700 is that you still have many unaddressed weak areas. So, spend time working on your quant and verbal skills before diving into more practice exams. If you'd like some advice on how to move forward with your prep, feel free to check out this article:

GMAT Study Plan: The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

GMAT Study Plan: The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SA1196,

The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the 'biases' involved in their respective designs. While the most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills - since you will likely see some 'repeat' questions that you have already faced. Unfortunately, seeing even a couple of repeats can 'throw off' the Scoring Algorithm and impact your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. (meaning that they would likely all appear to be better than they actually are). Thankfully, the CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas are all 'close enough' to the real thing that they will provide you with a relatively realistic score assessment (assuming that you correctly take the CAT in a realistic fashion that matches the parameters that you will face when you take the Official GMAT) - so you can use any NEW CATs from any of those sources next.

In addition, each CAT/mock is really a 'measuring device' - when used correctly, it will give you a realistic score and help define your strengths and weaknesses, but it will NOT help you to fix any of those weaknesses. To raise your scores, you have to learn the necessary Tactics and put in the proper practice and repetitions. The CAT will show you whether your studies are helping you to improve or not.

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:

1) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? 
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks?
4) 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

SA1196 · Answer

Hi Rich, 
Thanks for your advice on the test packs.

Following are my answers to the above questions:

1) How many hours do you typically study each week? -- 15 to 18 hours
2) What study materials have you used so far? -- I have used the OG21, old Manhattan guides for SC and CR (still going through this) and some old self made notes for QA, along with Youtube videos for concepts. 
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks? --- Mock 1 on 11/04/21, Mock 2 on 23/05/21, Mock 3 on 31/05/21, Mock 4 on 06/06/21, Mock 5 on 13/06/21, Mock 6 on 20/06/21, Mock 7 on 27/06/21, Mock 8 on 11/07/21.
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to? -- I wanted to apply this year for the 2022 intake, I don't know if that'll be possible anymore in the first/early deadline.
Some schools I wanted to apply to are: ISB, NUS, NYU Stern, Darden, Ross, Booth, IMD. I have 3+ years of WorkEx in Financial Services/Asset Management.

Thanks

SA1196 · Answer

Thanks for your reply bb. 
So if I consider the 4 GMATPrep and 2 Veritas mock scores, they are pretty much stagnant.
I get your analogy, but I don't really know how to go about finding the right remedy. I have an error log and I do try to revise topics upon topics, questions based on which I couldn't get right in the mock. 
Could you suggest a path toward finding the right remedy for this ailment ?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SA1196,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Might be helpful to consult a gmat scoring grid to see which "combo" score gets you to 700+ the "easiest". Perhaps getting a point or two on Quant is easier than on Verbal (or the other way around).

polinaivanchenko · Answer

Off-late i was think a lot about TOFL!

Above techniques looks very effective tips for preparation & i would love to how to inisiate this stuff!

Russ19 · Answer

Hi SA1196 , As you are going through youtube videos for concepts, you can consider seeing video lessons of gmatninja: https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-gmat-nin ... l#p2396353 Best Wishes!

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