How to optimise time and preparation 1month before exam?

Question

Hello guys,
After studying for 4months from Magoosh, TTP, I gave a mock and got a shocking score of 500(q38 v20) I was unable to complete both sections (didn't get to see 5 questions in q and 7 in v). Untimed I am able to solve most questions in og in both sections. Considering I have a month before my exam, how should I go about my preparation?

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atomicskull · Answer

Hello guys,
After studying for 4months from Magoosh, TTP, I gave a mock and got a shocking score of 500(q38 v20) I was unable to complete both sections (didn't get to see 5 questions in q and 7 in v). Untimed I am able to solve most questions in og in both sections. Considering I have a month before my exam, how should I go about my preparation?

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DisciplinedPrep · Answer

hsin281  - Assuming you are aiming to score in the 700 range, I belive you need more than a month's time to increase your score from a 500-level. However unfortunate, it is highly unlikely that you can make 200 points gain in a month. Please let us know what pratice test you took that fetched you a 500 score (GMAT Prep or unofficial sources). Meanwhile, I recommend you to check GMAT Club's Study Plan.

atomicskull · Answer

it was official mock, im aim 700 thanks

Avinashkr29 · Answer

What score are you targetting? If it's 150+ then better reschedule. If not,

find out your worst areas, and work on them. Read questions carefully and make sure you archive 90% accuracy in it.

Most importantly, with my experience, be extra careful in the first 10 questions, don't make any mistake (take your time), and in the next 10 questions you can afford to spend some time but be time cautious. last questions just speed it up. I have seen if your first 10 questions have 80-90% accuracy, your score most probably fall in 600+. Experiment and see you score. Remember to read questions calmly.

All the best!

Best,
Avinash
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atomicskull · Answer

Thank you so much, I wasn't able to focus on the question at hand and was thinking of the previous question. Your advice really nailed it

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bb · Answer

Hm.... in the past four months have you taken any practice tests or quizzes that would indicate the level of your progress or performance?

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atomicskull · Answer

I took the quizzes on both Magoosh and TTP and met TTPs required accuracy for each topic.
Thank you for helping me bb

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ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi hsin281,

I see you have been using TTP. Can you tell me how much of the course you've completed?

atomicskull · Answer

Hey Scott glad to hear from you, I have completed the learning phase and given official gmat practice exam 1in which I scored q37

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hsin281,

To start, to score at a high level on the GMAT, you have to have a variety of skills (more than just content knowledge) and the only way to properly assess whether you have those skills or not is to take FULL-LENGTH CATs under realistic conditions AND at regular intervals. Going forward, you should plan to take a FULL CAT (in a manner that matches-up with what you will face when you take the Official GMAT) every 1-2 weeks. The process of taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of energy and effort though - and takes time to 'recover' from. This is one of the reasons why you typically should not take more than 1 CAT per week though.

Statistically-speaking, raising a 500 to the point that you can consistently score 700+ will likely require at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you will have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. While I understand that you probably really want to take the GMAT in 1 month, if you ultimately "need" a 700+ to apply, then THAT Score Goal has to come first - and you might want to consider pushing back your Test Date and adjusting your application plans.

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) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) Have you used any other study materials besides the two courses that you mentioned?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

atomicskull · Answer

Hello Rich,
i study 3 to 4 hours a day each week
I have completed OG 2019
Planning to apply in R2 to Ivey

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi hsin281,

I think the problem lies in the way of preparation. OG questions can be relatively easy compared to the official questions. The best way to prepare is to 
  Learn the concepts 
 Learn the right methodology  (most important)  
 Take sectional quizzes for every topic 
 Work on the weaker areas  
 Once you are done with all the topics, start taking mocks at regular intervals

This is the step-by-step process you need to follow to ensure that you tick all the boxes of preparation. As you see, the second step is the most important one. Make sure you do that right. Ask yourself if you can do all the things mentioned in a month's time. It is definitely possible. There are people who improved their score by 130 points in 40 days.  But you should follow a strict study plan with clear deadlines . Unless you can invest 6 hours a day for studies, I recommend you to postpone your exam to a further date. Because there's no point in taking the test when you are not 100% confident.

I just gave you a generic plan. To improve your score to a 700 in a month's time, I would need a few more details. I'll be happy to discuss the same with you over a call. This way we can quickly narrow down things and make a proper study plan.  The plan has to be in such a way that it helps you focus on the right parameters . So, if you wish to connect over a call and discuss the strategy, you can do it using the below link. The call is absolutely free!!

Click here to schedule a call

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hsin281,

You still have plenty of time before the Round 2 deadline, but you will have to learn and practice some specific Tactics in BOTH sections to hit your Goal Score in the time frame that you have defined.

Since we have just this one CAT result as a reference, it's tough to say how accurately this initial Score reflects your actual 'ability level.' As such, I suggest that you study however you choose for the rest of this week, then take a NEW CAT this weekend. Make sure to take it in a realistic fashion (take the FULL CAT, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, if you're taking your GMAT at a Test Center, then wear a face mask while you take your CAT, etc.). Once you have that score, you should report back here (or you can feel free to PM me directly) and we can discuss the results and how you might adjust your studies going forward.

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

atomicskull · Answer

Hello Rich, I gave 4 veritas CAT and 1 official CAT:
November 4 560 42 25 
November 6 620 46 29 
November 8 590 40 31 
November 12 640 43 35 
November 14 660 44 37 official
I then took the GMAT online exam and scored a 600 (44Q 27V). I dont understand the huge difference in my verbal score please help

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Might help to stick with Official Material only

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi atomicskull,

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

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

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