Last Week preparations advice

Question

Hi Guys,

I have my GMAT scheduled on next Saturday and need quick advice on how can I utilize my last week to full effect. I started preparing for GMAT a month back and have given 3 tests till now.
GMAT Prep 1: 570 (Day before preparation, 7th Mar '15)
GMAT Prep 1 (Repeat): 610 (after around 10 days of preparation)
GMAT Prep 2: 670 (Gave today)

I still think there is need to build my stamina for the exams (as I tire out in Verbal section) so am planning to take couple of more tests. Is the free tests from from different sources worth the time? If yes, please suggest which 2 should I pick.
I still have 2-3 days of efforts left for Verbal in my opinion, so should I prioritise tests over this?

I have been studying strictly from OG during this period and have used few Manhattan and GMATClub books for theory, do I need to look anywhere else for more questions. Specifically for SC as even after studying MGMAT, my SC scores have been dropping. I know all theories but the application is becoming a problem.

Will appreciate the response, thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sank,

With this last week, you should NOT try to take too many practice CATs - you might run the risk of 'burn out' and end up too tired to perform well on Test Day. As such, you could take 1 more CAT this week, but don't take it too close to Test Day. Your time would be better spent on light review and some additional Verbal practice.

When you took these CATs, did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
What were your Scaled Scores for the Quant and Verbal sections on each of these CATs?

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

sank · Answer

Thanks for the reply, Rich!
Yes, I have been taking full length tests with fixed break timings. My sectional scores were:
Test 1: Q 43 V 25 IR: 1
Test 2: Q 47 V 26 IR: 4
Test 3: Q 49 V 32 IR: 4

Due to lack of practice, I usually end up with 1-2 questions short in Quants and 7-8 questions short in Verbal. I will take your advice and will just write one more CAT probably on Wednesday. Manhattan test should be good final test?
I believe there is still enough room for improvement in verbal, would you suggest any specific material for practising or should I just stick with OG. I am pushing myself to practice another 400-450 verbal questions (200 SC, 200 CR and 25-50 RC), plus revisiting some marked questions from OG.
Any thoughts?

bb · Answer

Here is some wisdom that I have collected in one post for the tips the week before the exam: what-to-do-30-14-7-3-1-days-before-the-test-152506.html Good Luck!

sank · Answer

Thanks but unfortunately with just one month preparation, I don't have scope of just reviewing in my last week. Just trying to be very efficient this week without tiring out. 
I still have issues with SC accuracy and timing issues in CR (usually takes 2.5-3 min for me). Focussing on review my MGMAT SC concepts and learning some CR techniques from MGMAT. 
Hope that's a good way forward?

sank · Answer

Just to update you people, I gave my exam and scored just 640 ( Q47 and V 30). I was obviously sad to see my quant score honestly. I thought questions were really easy. I only did self study and score 570 on Manhattan free test 1 day before exam so I reckon 640 is still better.

I planning to take another shot at the exam now (with the hope that I can manage a better score). Thanks for all your help.
I might be around here more often now.

I planning to take another shot at the exam now (with the hope that I can manage a better score). Thanks for all your help. 
I might be around here more often now.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sank,

A 640/Q47 is still a good score (it's just shy of the 80th percentile overall), so it might be enough to get you into Business School. Considering your shortened study time, you've done fairly well. Since it sounds like you're planning to retest, you can use all of this as a learning experience to plan more effectively for this next attempt.

It's worth noting that taking a CAT the day before your Official GMAT was NOT a good idea. Since taking a CAT can be a draining experience, you might have 'burned out' a little bit. As a general rule, I advise Test Takers to take the last practice CAT no later than a week before Test Day.

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

sank · Answer

Yes Rich, last practice test did affect my last two days! I hardly had energy and motivation to revise the concepts and practice few problems. 
So I totally agree with not taking a test so near to the exam. 
Also, my preparation time was less, I realised very late that I was unable to get 700-800 level questions correct in SC and CR. Considering to start with Thursdays with Ron for SC. I studied from Manahattan SC book last time.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sank,

From your prior posts, it looks like you were studying primarily with books. That type of approach can often limit how high a Test Taker can score (since no book can properly simulate what you'll face on Test Day). For this next attempt, you might want to invest in some computer-based GMAT resources. With a 640, you're actually not that far from a 700+ score, but you'll have to hone your skills, fill in any knowledge "gaps" in your understand and learn the tactics, patterns and secrets to the GMAT that you didn't know before.

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

sank · Answer

Yes, I have been studying totally from books but what kind of computer material are you referring to?
Wherever I have read, they only mention books and sources. So can you please elaborate?
Really appreciate it.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sank,

There are a variety of online/computer-based resources that you can study with. I think that you'd benefit greatly from the EMPOWERgmat Score Booster Course/Study Plan. Since you have an established GMAT score, you can also take advantage of the Score Guarantee. Most of our clients complete that Plan in 4-6 weeks, so this would work well with your timeline if you were planning to retest soon.

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

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