Help Needed: That last push on Quant

Question

Longtime lurker on GmatClub, first time posting so really do appreciate anyone's feedback.

Not unlike many students, I'm targeting a 720+ on the GMAT and looking for that last push to get myself over the hump. As of the time of writing, I have two scores to work with (one online and one in person) of 680 (Q43 V40 IR 4 AWA 6) and 690 (Q42 V42 IR 8), respectively. While it's not terribly difficult to notice that I have wood to chop on the quant section, advice on how to go about addressing my underlying weaknesses and becoming more consistent would be really useful.

Timeline:

Started studying in Mid April and spent 8-10 weeks going through all of TTP. Completed the course at the required benchmarks and set about taking practice tests and (hopefully) finalizing my preparation. Through the process, I noticed that while strong in verbal, I could possibly improve 3-5 points and really help solidify a score in the low-mid 700's. I sought out a private tutor (online) who helped address some weaknesses and firm up my verbal performance. While this helped my verbal, I feel that I may have peaked a little early on Quant with my scores now in the low-mid 40's.

Practice Test History:

Test Date Total Q V IR
CAT 1 6/20/2020 680 44 38 7
CAT 2 6/27/2020 700 47 38 5
CAT 3 7/4/2020 690 43 41 7
CAT 1b 7/11/2020 660 44 36 7
CAT 2b 7/19/2020 700 42 42 8
CAT 4 7/22/2020 710 49 39 4
CAT 3b 7/27/2020 720 49 40 4
CAT 5 8/9/2020 710 47 41 7
CAT 6 8/16/2020 690 46 40 8

Where do I go from here? 
I sit here knowing that on a good day, I can likely score a 710-720. That being said, there appears to be a good amount of variability to my quant scores with my verbal shaking out anywhere from 40-42. I have scheduled another exam at the end of September to hopefully bring an end to my GMAT battle and move on to applications. However, I've exhausted all GMAT prep tests and a good amount of money on tests, tutors and other aid's. Where do I go from here? I've registered for TTP again and plan to start working through the course from scratch with an emphasis being placed on areas that I believe I have the most room for improvement. Not that this is the smartest move, I just don't know where else to go from here.

Advice, words of encouragement or stories of others who have 'come out the other side' would be most welcome!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi ForeverForward,
 
I think diving back into TTP is actually a great move. There are some additional things that I think you can do, so reach out to us on live chat and we can set you up with a plan. Let’s do this!!

Russ19 · Answer

I tried gmat quantum and it's great. If you go through the free explanation of OG from the link below, you can distinguish the difference. https://gmatquantum.com/

deepverma · Answer

I would suggest,1) Solve OG questions(you can search with "Official Guide" Tag) and read explanations from Bunnel.
2) Target weakness topic-wise. 
3)Know ur stregth/weakness so that on exam u can make quick decision to skip a question from weak-topic, incase u have less time.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ForeverForward,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Your 2 Official Scores show that you essentially performed the same each time (690 +/- a few points) - even though you took the Official GMAT in both 'formats.' You handle certain aspects of the GMAT consistently well, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. You're actually closer to a 720+ than you probably realize (and with the proper focus going forward, you could score into the mid-700s or even higher). To score at that much higher level, you're going to need to make some notable changes to how you 'see' (and respond to) the overall Exam - and from what you describe, it's not clear how you're actually going to do that.

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) What type of study routine have you been following? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

You might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

ForeverForward · Answer

@Empowergmat - Thank you for taking the time to reply. In response to your questions, please see the below:

1) What type of study routine have you been following? How many hours do you typically study each week?

I've been mostly getting up early and spending 1.5 - 2hrs in the morning before work while spending another 30 mins during the middle of the day when I have a break. Most of my prep time has been centered around Quant but I have also completed a lot of OG problems for Verbal, while also taking some LSAT tests for RC and CR. I've been taking a practice test on Saturdays and reviewing my errors thereafter.

2) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

I'd been hoping to apply R1 this cycle, but will now be going R2. As of now, I'll be applying to HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg and Booth.

3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

I think I can reasonably commit to 2 hrs every weekday morning with perhaps another hour in the evening. Weekends are open for as much studying as needed.

I'll PM you the ESR from my in-person attempt. Thanks in advance!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ForeverForward,

I've emailed you an analysis of your ESR and some additional notes and suggestions.

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

	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 Needed: That last push on Quant

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