Improve GMAT strategy

Question

Hi Experts,
I need advice on the strategy to take GMAT test. I've read different material on how to do this or that, but all the tips I've read, and practiced during study time disappears from my mind on real exam day. Today I took my second GMAT (650), which is low for me as I would like higher than 700. That damn feeling that the time is running does not let me concentrate. My weak part is verbal, but even math, which I am good at, is not as high as I would like to be (only 49). I am planning to take 3rd and final time after a month. Please, advice what to concentrare on mostly.
Thanks)

souvonik2k · Answer

Hi
I would suggest you to order ESR soon. It will help to identify the weaknesses. 
Your Quant score is very good. If you can improve verbal, then you can definitely score more than 700. Refer to MGMAT guides for verbal study. They are very good and cover all concepts. Practice at least 4 RC passages everyday. This will help to improve your timing.
Hope it helps.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi azgpoghosyan,

First off, a 650/Q49 is a strong score (it's close to the 80th percentile overall), so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary.
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:

Studies:
1) How long did you study for each of your Official GMATs?
2) What study materials have you used for each attempt?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

Goals:
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

azgpoghosyan · Answer

Guys, thank you so much for your reply.
Rich, I've been studying for a few month, but not systematic: I could do nothing maybe for a week or two, and then in another week study around 6 hours a day. I guess this is a problem. I used official guides, and Manhattan study guides for separate sections, also for the last exam I used Kaplan study guide for the hardest verbal question, and I was doing not bad on problem sets (60 % average depending on the section). My weakest section is RC, and one of my mistakes is that during my recent studies I didn't spend much time on it, because I was thinking to practice more SC and CR, thinking that I would have more chances to increase my verbal score that way. On practice tests I did 630 (Q48, V28) and 710 (Q50, V36). 
I am planning to apply CBS, Haas, IE MBA and Duke MBA. As the schools are among top, I'm considering to retake the exam. I am planning to apply this year, for round 2. Only this time I want to follow one strict strategy, right for me, because after last exam I am sure that I am doing something completely wrong. 
My profile is this: +5 years of middle managerial experience in retail (Inditex), 1 year experience as a freelancer in business data analysis
 Undergraduate GPA 3.6 (Economics)
 2 MS degrees (Political Science, Finance)
Would appreciate if you could evaluate my chances and also advise me what to concentrate on, because it's left not much time.

Thanks again)

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi azgpoghosyan,

There are a couple of different areas to discuss here:

First, since I'm not an Admissions Expert, I cannot define your 'chances' at getting into any of the Schools that you've listed. You're ultimately asking Admissions questions, so you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

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

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, but since your studies have NOT been consistent, that would help to explain the 'swings' in your CAT Scores (and why you didn't score higher on the Official GMAT). Depending on how consistently you can study going forward, you might be able to pick up some points in the Verbal section - but you will have to commit the necessary time and effort and focus on learning the necessary Verbal Tactics.

1) What is your exact Test Date?
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

azgpoghosyan · Answer

Hi Rich,

Yes sure, thanks for the link. Just because you asked which schools I'm applying, I decided to use the opportunity)
I am planning to retake in one month, and I can dedicate 20 hours a week, but not equal hours each day. I am planning to revise the Manhattan guides for 3 verbal sections and also I'm looking for a good GMAT vocabulary to increase my level, as I am not a native speaker, and always there are new words. I am not going to spend time on math section anymore. 
I would appreciate any other books or sources, that you think are relevant, and more importantly, what techniques to use. There are lots of articles and resources, but I have lack of time to dig into all of them to choose which one is better in my case, that's why I need an advise of an expert.
Thanks again,

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi azgpoghosyan,

Although you did not explicitly state it, I assume that you scored around a V30 when you took the Official GMAT. You're actually closer to a 700+ score right now than you probably realize, but the 'swings' in your Verbal Scaled Scores (among your practice CATs and Official GMAT) show that you're likely "narrowing the answers down to 2 choices and 'guessing'" far too often on Test Day. Unfortunately, if you're using that type of approach too often, then you'll likely get about half the questions wrong - and you can't score 700+ by working in that way. As such, you really have to focus on more on learning and practicing the proper Verbal Tactics going forward.

Given your timeframe and Score Goal, I think that you would find the EMPOWERgmat Verbal Score Booster to be quite helpful. Most of our clients finish that Study Plan in under a month, so it would fit your schedule perfectly. During that time, you'll also be able to access any of the Quant resources that interest you. We have a variety of free resources on our site (www.empowergmat.com), so you can 'test out' the Course before setting up an account.

If you have any additional questions, then just let me know.

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

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello

What is your Verbal score of your last attempt?

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi azgpoghosyan, I would highly encourage you to do a lot of timed practice. For verbal you can consider the e-gmat Scholaranium as it is one of the best verbal practice tools in the market. You can easily track your progress in that you can identify your strengths and analyze and improve on your weak areas while also improving your timing. If you are particularly looking to discover and improve on your weak areas in Quant; a subscription to GMATCLUB tests is the best way to do that. They are indeed phenomenal and will not only pinpoint your weak areas but also help you improve on them. Further taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have a good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas. Further another advantage of taking many mocks is to build up your stamina. Apart from the GMATPREP tests, taking practise tests of any major GMATPREP company ought to do that. Lastly I would also encourage you to purchase the latest version of OG and the verbal review for some great additional practice. Here is a link that will help you with your decision. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... 68383.html Hope this helps. All the best.

azgpoghosyan · Answer

Hi, 
Thanks for your all your advices, I'll follow.
And my verbal score is 29.

Posted from my mobile device

Keith93 · Answer

Hi azgpoghosyan,

The best strategy I've devised is : 'learn to select the correct option'
In all multiple choice competitive exams, it is not necessarily the person who knows the most that ends up scoring the highest. Keep in mind the above quote while studying and short-cuts/estimations/eliminations are bound to develop with constant practice and revision. These can help push a score just that tad bit higher!
All the best for the GMAT!

P.S. I am no GMAT expert in fact just starting off my prep.

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