Help!!!!

Question

I am really havin gtrouble to get past the 700 score consistently on the practice tests. I had been working with MGMAT CATs, GMAT PREP and the Princeton CATS.

I always land up with a 680 or a 670, no matter what the test I use (except for the Princton one - people say this is not close to the real one).

I am trying to understand what my weakness is, my verbal score never croses 36, and its really frustrating. On some tests I score pretty poor on CR sometimes on SC. RC is not so great under timed conditions, but I consistently score low.

Clearly know that one of my weak section is RC and Im working with it.

But I dont know how to proceed further?? Your valuable suggestions will help me.

Missed to mention. I am targetting at a 720+ and have some 1.5 months left.

My scores from Test
GMAT PREP 1(Q48, V 36)
MGMAT 1(Q47, V 35)
MGMAT 2(Q48, V 34)
GPREP 2(Q 48, V 34)
PR1(Q 48, V 42)
MGAMT 3(Q48, V34)

kyro · Answer

Clearly your quants need not be worked on any more. so you have to start from scratch on your verbal preparation.

Your tests are only a reflection of your grasp on basics. Hence i suggest you go back and work your way through verbal basics. If and when you think that your basics are good enough, work on test taking strategies and then you can start practice.

I would suggest practicing individual sections until you have reached a considerable level of accuracy and speed and then move on to the other sections.

Don't lose heart! i'm sure you'll come on top.

Cheers

mailnavin1 · Answer

Thanx Dude... Let me try doing this

Fijisurf · Answer

I have the same problem: verbal score is 10-12 units lower than quant.

Most forums say that it is hard to improve RC and CR within reasonable time. You need 6 months or more to get a considerable improvement.

So, what are my options?

rishiraj · Answer

Seems like your Verbal scores have hit a wall. You seem to be stuck in the 34-36 range(barring your score on the Princeton Review test,but the PR tests are very unreliable,so let's not take them into consideration)
Regarding your concern about RC, RC is an area which cannot be really improved within a short span of time.
Still, you can take up your accuracy by practicing as many quality passages and as many diverse passages as possible.
You may find  RC99  to be quite helpful. For RC strategies, use MGMAT RC Guide.

mailnavin1 · Answer

Thanx Rishi.

I hit with good accuracy when I practice RC from LSAT, the problem is when it comes to the strategy, in timed tests. My LSAT passages takes 12-18 mins, tat is way too long under timed conditions.
I would love to knowthe strategy that you follow(Oops sorry... followed). I think you must have a great strategy for RC, crossing the 40 in Verbal is really a great thing to do.

Fijisurf · Answer

What is your source for LSAT passages?

rishiraj · Answer

Well honestly speaking,I didn't have any great strategy for RC . I have been quite a voracious reader and read stuff right from Bronte to Salman Rushdie and have interests in areas ranging from all genres of music to human psychology ,and from open source technology to economics,history and what not! Haha. Why I am listing all these things is to show that RC is all about your comprehension ability.You have to be read fast and at the same time comprehend properly.

Well coming back to the RC strategy,there are only two tips which I found to be of great use
1.Read the first line of each paragraph carefully . The first line ,in most of the cases, is the key to the door.
2. Take small breaks of 5-6 seconds after reading a paragraph otherwise the more you force yourself to comprehend the lower you'll actually comprehend. 
Both the above strategies really worked for me.
I'm not sure how the passages in the LSAT RC document are but you may want to use  RC99  . Since the passages and the questions there of the standard GMAT pattern ,you may want to time yourself on those passages.

mailnavin1 · Answer

Thanx Rishi, I now regret reading Sidney Sheldon's and Jeff Archer's alone:-) Let my try what you said above.

Once again thanx mate

mailnavin1 · Answer

I googled and got it. Dont really remember the source from which I got it.

nerissa22 · Answer

i have no experience about this...but soon i will got it :lol:

supereco87 · Answer

good luck to all of you!!

AmrithS · Answer

Hi Navin,
First of all 1.5 months is a lot of time if used wisely. Have you tried using an Error Log? 
It's a great tool to find out strengths and weaknesses! 
Anyway, I will be re-taking my GMAT in Feb and I feel that you and I are on the same boat. I got to hone my Verbal skills too.
Good Luck.

businessmaster · Answer

Gmat is realy very tough examination.
If we get more information about the question it will be better for me.
Thank in advance.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Help!!!!

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards