How to get to a 790 GMAT

My GMAT journey to a 790 started over a year before my one sitting this month. I took a practice test and got a 700. But even with this 700 I was generous with my time and not able to get close to the time limits on either quant or verbal.

I knew that there were a variety of topics quant topics where I didn’t know how to solve quickly or at all. Verbal didn’t have as much need for improvement, but timing was still a clear issue.

Pretty soon after, I started using Target Test Prep. I first used for three months and then took a long break over the summer when I was busier with work. I then resumed for two months before the test.
The quant course is very extensive and I needed at least this amount of time to go over the variety of difficult questions on every topic. TTP’s process is lengthy, but going through it in full will give you everything you need for an excellent score.

On Verbal: For RC, I supplemented TTP with an old Kaplan guide for practice with quickly getting the key points of a passage. For SC, TTP was strong and their idioms guide was a great resource. Highlighting the top 30 that were giving me trouble and practicing those was very helpful.

For IR, I didn’t have much trouble with so I didn’t do any practice outside of what I did during the free official practice tests and the one free Manhattan Prep test.

For AWA, I would recommend memorizing a phrase to use in your introduction regarding why the argument has flaws or something similar. And then find a list of sample AWA prompts and practice a few times identifying three arguments to use.

I waited to take the exam in person where I would definitely feel more focused. I recommend in person, but definitely make sure to give yourself extra time beforehand – Pearson test centers have a fair amount of logistics to go through which can be slow. The test centers also have the feeling of not being changed in the last 20 years.

In the end my score was 790: Q51 V49! Most of the credit here goes to TTP and the program they’ve put together. You will need to put in the effort to go through it in full, but if you do, a 790 is definitely possible for many.