How can I reach the 700s

Question

Hello everyone,

first of all i want to shortly thank everyone for contributing to this incredible forum! I am one of the silent users and I have developed a deep appreciation and thankfulness for all the awesome guidances and expert replies.

I have recently taken the Online GMAT and scored a 670 (Q48 V34). I intend to take the exam again in approximately 4 weeks and am currently not sure about how to proceed.

Maybe some background, I have read all the MGMAT books some months ago and re-read the MGMAT Quant books two weeks ago. I also have studied with the OG and Quant/Verbal Review. I think that in order to get into the aimed 700s (a dream score would be 720), I really need to improve my Verbal skills. I am starting to read the Economist and the book Fahrenheit 451 every day.

I am now thinking about how to move forward. Should I revise the MGAMT Verbal books and then do 50 questions each day? Or should I use a course offer? I have informed myself a little bit and took Magoosh, Economist Tutor and egmat into consideration. I like about Magoosh and the Economist Tutor that they give a score improvement guarantee, but I read many times that egmat is the best if Verbal improvements are desired. However, I do not like long videos too much as I easily distract myself, I definitely prefer texts or short videos.

What would be your advice for me?

Thank you everyone for your time and responses in advance!

Best,

Skill

mc93 · Answer

Hi! Your goal is absolutely realistic. Assuming you get another 48 in Quant, you're looking for a 40 in Verbal for a 720. I would suggest you complete several hundred verbal questions.

Kaplan's GMAT Prep - Self-Paced PLUS has an adapative question bank, which means that the difficult adjusts to your level, like the GMAT does. Of course, it doesn't have to be Kaplan--that's just what I used. Any adaptive question bank should suffice. Also, I would not bother reading actual books and periodicals. They will not help you with this section.

Best of luck!

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Skilldude,

The first step in the process of improving your score is to identify your weak areas. Unless you identify what went wrong or what's holding your score back, the process is not complete. So, I suggest you to first identify your weak areas and then start working on them.

As the information you provided is very vague, I cannot completely help you with this information. I would need a little more information about the way you approach questions currently to guide you in a better way. It would be great if we can connect over a call as it would give me a chance to analyze your way of solving questions, identify the flaw if any and suggest you the proper study plan. You can use the below link to get in touch with me.

Click here to schedule a call

Skilldude · Answer

Thank you for the answers so far!

I have used gmatclub's error log for the questions on this platform and noted all questions I answered incorrectly in the Official Guide. I also perceived that besides my relatively poor understanding of complicated texts I should improve my performance on rate, triangle and circle, and probability problems. That is why I think that I should focus primarily on Verbal instead of Quant.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Skilldude,

First off, a 670/Q48 is a strong Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

If you do choose to retest though, then we have to examine how you were studying over the last few months and your goals:

1) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) 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)?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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 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

Skilldude · Answer

Dear Rich,

thank you for your response, let me go through your questions one-by-one.

1) I have been preparing for the GMAT since July/August. I had an online semester with relatively work-heavy projects as well as mid-term and final exams, so I could not focus on GMAT only. In fact, I had some weeks in which I barely studied for the GMAT. I would have preferred to study for a shorter period of time, but now I have 4 weeks to focus on the GMAT only.

2) My CATs were fluctuating a little bit. The following were my CATs:
MGMAT
20 November 650 Q45 V34
27 November 610 Q40 V34
05 December 670 Q45 V36
12 December 630 Q45 V32

GMAT Official Starter Kit Test 1
14 December 690 Q49 V35

During my two weakest MGMAT tests I struggled a bit with concentration at the end. I also took the free GMAT of Princeton Review 670 Q51 V32, but that was some more time ago. I have always felt that the MGMAT Quant part was harder than official questions as I never exceed Q45. But my scoring in the Verbal part was quite consistent, so I am wondering how I can improve it. I feel that better reading skills will get me to a better score, and I am now starting to learn how to take notes as beforehand I neglected this approach right away.

3) I am planning to apply to several universities in round 2 (deadline end of January), but my favourite university has a GMAT average of 730. In general, my profile is relatively strong, but with a 670 I have strong doubts that I stand a chance to get in.

Unfortunately the ESR is not available for the GMAT Online, so I cannot purchase it.

Thank you for your guidance and stay safe.

Best,

Skilldude

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Skilldude,

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

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Skill,

Since you are looking to improve your verbal skills, I have some helpful articles for you.

GMAT Critical Reasoning: 8 Essential Tips

GMAT Sentence Correction: 8 Essential Tips

GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips: Top 8 DOs and DON’Ts

If after reading these articles you have any questions feel free to reach out.

Skilldude · Answer

Thank you Scott, I will have a look at it!

Also thank you everyone for your contributions! I hope you all can spend quality time over the holidays!

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