How could I improve my score?

Question

I would very appreciate if someone could give me any sort of advice, how to improve my score. My GMAT appointment is in 2 weeks and I have taken the following tests so far: 
GMAT PowerPrep - 690 (Q 50, V 33) 
GMAT Prep1 - 680 (Q 46, V 38) 
GMAT Prep2 - 680 (Q 48, V 35) 

My target score is 680, so it seems that I'm ready to go. However, I can't score below 680. That's why I would rather prefer to see my score from prep tests to be in 700+ range (just to be sure). I think I can still improve in the Quant section, because I always have problems with DS questions, especially when it comes to number properties. My Verbal score is also nothing superb, but improvements in this area are quite tough, since I'm not a native speaker. What would you recommend me to focus on?

lackeym77 · Answer

I would suggest that you continue to work on both quant and verbal evenly.... if you neglect one for too long, then it will come back to haunt you on the real test. What materials have you used to prep with thus far? Manhattan GMAT has some great materials if you have not yet used those. Also, don't be complacent with your current scores... work HARD to get practice test scores above 700. I got well above 700 on a number of tests and ended up with a 710 (lower than the practice tests). Some people have the opposite experience where they do better on the real deal, but you can't risk it.... bottom line is keep working hard. Pretend you're at 650 level right now and you're trying to get to 700. Also, take at least 3-4 more practice tests between now and real deal to refine your TIMING (Manhattan GMAT tests come free if you buy at least one of their books on their website... that's 3 tests right there and they are good).

Good luck.

Marcus

Dilshod · Answer

according to most forum users, GMATPrep is the closest and most precise indicator of your real test.
If you received 680 2 times, that is you didn't receive them accidentaly, you have all the chances to receive something between 670-720. 

but again, it all depends on your menthal condition, e.g. if you begin panicking or loose concentration while on the test,you may ruin your score even if you have 700+ potential. 

anyway god luck with your test

likar · Answer

Thanks for reply. I've already finished reading 4 books from Manhattan (RC+CR, SC, Number Properties and Word Translations), Kaplan 2006, Kaplan 800, PR 2006 and of course the OG11. However, I feel that most of these books don't reflect the latest version of the test (from Pearson), especially concerning the Verbal. 

I'm planning to take two more GMATPreps (after reinstall), but I haven't thought of taking MGMAT, thanks for tip.

Do you think it makes sense to focus mostly on review of GMATPrep problems (e.g. search the forum for GMATPrep questions)? Are these problems so similar to the real thing as people say?

Dilshod · Answer

I haven't taken the Pearson Vue test yet. 
When I took the gmat, it was administered by ETS. And you know, the questions seemed very similar to those of PowerPrep. Hint: powerprep was developed by ETS, GmatPrep by Pearson Vue.

likar · Answer

Ok, so I took the MGMAT CAT1 today and scored horrible 620 (Q39, V36). The Verbal score is within my usual range (35-38), but the Quant score is terrible. What were your MGMAT scores? Lower than GMATPrep?

Dilshod · Answer

Don't worry,
MGMAT's scores greatly fluctuates. Besides, it is not an indicator of the real thing, since its scoring algorithm differs from that of pearson's. if you are having your test soon, I will advice you to stick to GMATprep, try to take its cats, solve them, re-install and solve again. Search for other questions here on gmatclub.

likar · Answer

Ok, so I took three more tests since the first post and my scores were:
Manhattan GMAT CAT1 -  620 (Q39, V36) 
Manhattan GMAT CAT3 -  740 (Q48, V43) 
GMAT PowerPrep2 -  730 (Q48, V42)  - few silly mistakes in Q and repeated questions in CR

I have approximately 8 days left, so I am planning to do the following:
 Take MGMAT CAT2
Take tests in the review section of GMATPrep - Is it worth it?
Take 3-4 more GMATPrep exams
Do some LSAT CRs (I'm sometimes having problems with CR, although my hit rate in OG CR was more than 80%, would this practice help?)
Study from my error log
Do Q and V problems from this forum 

Can you give me any advice on this? What did you do during the last week of your preparation? I'd be grateful for any reply.

rhyme · Answer

This seems like a bit too much... 5 exams in 8 days? I'd suggest skipping the MGMAT CAT2, and just doing 2 or 3 (max) extra GMATPreps - but with the essays (dont make the mistake of ignoring how much of a difference that extra hour of concentration takes). Error log is a good choice. I would avoid Q and V from this forum at this point - you are going to see too many one-off problems, usually of similar concepts (especially in quant) - I'd say you are better off opening up the OG guide, jumping to somewhere in the middle of the quant and just practice those problems. They are the closest (other than GMATPrep) that you will see. Problems on this site might come from there or from Kaplan or Princeton or anywhere else. With 8 days left, stick with the official guide. 

I never tried the review sections of GMATPrep, nor any LSAT stuff, so I cant speak to that.

Good luck, and be sure to let us know how it goes when you get back!

likar · Answer

Rhyme, thanks for reply!

1) Q and V in this forum - I was rather thinking that I'll search for GMATPrep problems and solve those that I haven't seen before. Someone has suggested this in the review of his GMAT experience. I guess I'll just do it, if I find some extra time.

2) Essays - In fact I have never taken the test with both essays, but I'm definitely planning to do this in all the remaining tests. To be honest, the school I'm planning to apply for doesn't care about your AWA score and I know that I need 680 for early admission - nothing more, nothing less. That's why I'm seriously considering skipping either both essays or just one them. Do you think it would be a good idea?

3) Review sections of GMATPrep - I took PS and SC earlier today and they were both really easy. Some questions are repeated from OG, some are new, but I think the only effect of the section is higher self-confidence (since it's very unlikely that someone would make a mistake in these questions)

alimad · Answer

Hi, i'm planning to purchase the SC, for MGMT and wasn't sure if it's worth the investment. Can you provide feedback on this book... I know it comes with 3 tests...

likar · Answer

I have 4 out of 7 MGMAT books and all of them are very good study material. Concerning SC, I think this book can really help you to improve in this area. It's definitely worth it. The online resources provided by MGMAT are also very useful and all those three tests are quite representative. If you have problems with SC, this is the best choice. You'll probably find much more information about MGMAT in the section of this forum called "Reviews".

rhyme · Answer

This is your call. Personally, I'd be weary of skipping them. I dont know where you are applying, but any school that expects a 680, I would imagine, would also expect you to complete the AWA's and do reasonably well on them. I've heard of schools saying 'don't stress about the AWA' but I've never heard of a school saying 'We dont care at all what you get'. 

You say the school "doesn't care about your AWA" - how do you know this? Were you told this by an admissions commitee member or did you just "hear it"? 

Again, my suggestion, unless you have it in writing from teh school that you need not complete the AWA or that your AWA score is completely irrelevant, I would urge against skipping it.

I've never met anyone who skipped the AWA's.

likar · Answer

I mean I have heard this from people who are studying at this school, but of course I don't have it officially confirmed from the school. The school is Universitaet St. Gallen in Switzerland and I'd love to do there my Master in International Management.

But I guess I can't rely on this, so I'll write both essays and see what score I get. I took the full test (including both essays and timed breaks) for the first time today and I didn't feel exhausted by the end of the verbal section, so hopefully it won't make much difference.

I have one more question concerning the scoring of quant - I know it's hard to say, but approximately  how many mistakes in the section would result in 49 points?  I just can't break the 48 barrier and one more point could make quite a difference. I have noticed the following pattern:
 9-10 mistakes - 48
11-12 mistakes - 47
13-... mistakes - 46

chudik · Answer

hi, i am a linguist. I was good as school with mathematics, but of course forgot all the tricks and formulas. First I saw the math challenges I did not know what should I do with them, nothing to say about time pressure... My strategy was as follows: 
I have started with Barrons, then Kaplan. The most difficult formulas I could not rememder I wrote in a small notebook and read it all the time during my way to work and back. It stick so good in my mind!!! As the result I have done 61% for Q. Not perfect, but not so bad if to take into consideration I was almost "o" 3 month before the test. I am preparing myself for a new one, and I have got very good recommendations in the forum. It has inspired me a lot!!! Thanks!

Dilshod · Answer

Keep working. 9-10 mistakes will definately not get you 49, unless most of them are experimental questions.

On my first attmept(ETS) it think i guessed on 3-4 questions, so the range of mistakes might have been from 0 to 4. Got 50(95%).

On my second attempt(VUE), i'm sure that I made at least 2 mistakes, and guessed on 5 questions, the range is between 2 and 7. Again got 50


2Chudik:
i should say 61% on your first challenge is not bad at all, considering that i got only 57%. Kep practicing.

likar · Answer

Well, my GMAT appointment is in exactly 24 hours! I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has replied to this post and also to all my other posts. This forum has been a great help for me and also your stories have provided inspiration as well as motivation to me. At the moment, I feel big respect to GMAT and to the makers of GMAT, but I take it definitely as a challenge in which I want to succeed. I will post my score and report in the forum tomorrow, no matter how it ends. Thanks again!

ps_dahiya · Answer

Good luck and get back with good news; we will be ready with bouquet of flowers. :gl

u2lover · Answer

good luck and stay calm!!!

Dilshod · Answer

Please, have some rest before the exam. Sleeps much as possible.
Good luck!

	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

How could I improve my score?

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