marcoelmanchi
EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi marcoelmanchi,
To score at a relatively 'high level' in SCs, you need a combination of knowledge (grammar/idiom rules) and Tactics (pattern-matching, knowing the common types of wrong answers, etc.). If your SC performance isn't improving, then you have to look at what materials you've been using and how you've been using them.
1) How long have you been studying?
2) What materials have you been using?
3) What is your overall score goal?
4) When you take your CATs, do you have trouble finishing the Verbal section on time (and do you have to rush through questions at the end?)?
5) What 'steps' do you go through when dealing with a typical SC prompt?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Hey EMPOWERgmat,
thank you for your quick response!
1) I have been studying for about 7 weeks. (Verbal for about 4 weeks, because I started with Quant)
2) For Math I used the Manhattan Guides, the
OG and the Tests from the GMAT Club (which are great)
For Verbal I used Manhattan Guides, the
OG, GMAT 800. I did not do a lot of RC or CR, because I usually score above 80% on those. So my main problem lies within the SC. (Average of 48% in the past exams)
3) My overall goal is 700+. So i really need an extra 100 points on my scores.
4) No I actually do not have any problems finishing on time. I do not have the feeling that timing is the problem.
5) My approach is:
I first read the sentence and try to get the meaning of it. While doing that I try to find obvious design points. Then i try to find a split and narrow it down to 2 or 3 choices.
I think that I am not lacking the basic knowledge. I often narrow it down to two choices and then make a false decision.
What do you recommend?
Marco
First, I agree with EMPOWERgmatRichC that you just started studying GMAT recently and you could postpone your test date until you are ready. Also, you practiced the test too often (4 times in just 7 weeks) and this did not help you impove your score well.
Second, I think that to get 700, you need to improve both quant and verbal score (at least Q49 or Q50 and V39 or V40).
Now, to improve SC section, I want to ask you some questions.
1. Did you feel stressful while taking the test?
For example, it takes you too long (e.g. over 2 mins) to finish a SC question and this makes you feel worried,...
2. How did you narrow it down to two choices?
3. Why did you narrow down to two choices then make a false decision?
In each SC question, there is only correct answer while other choices contains some grammatically mistakes. Why did you narrow down to two choices? I mean if you know what kind of thing the SC question wants to test, then it is easy to find out the correct answer.