Need help with preparation

Question

I am targeting a 720+ score in the Gmat. I have prepared quant and verbal from Manhattan books and completed the Magoosh test prep and also official questions. I have now taken the Experts Global 15 Mock test Series. Below is the list of mocks that I have attempted till now in chronological order.

Magoosh Mock - 660
EGMAT free mock - 700(Q48, V38)
Experts Global mocks - 700(Q49, V37), 700(Q49, V36), 760(Q49, V44)
Official GMAT Mock - 660(Q50, V29)

When I gave the official mock today I found the verbal section to be harder than the Experts Global's mocks. I am diligently reviewing and learning from the mocks.
I have my exam scheduled for Oct 20. Should I follow some other test series or continue with Experts Global?

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

Ayushi7  - I don't think the verbal section of Experts' Global tests are easier than that of GMAT Prep. In fact, Experts' Global tests are very reliable and the score estimation is pretty accurate. Did you review the tests to find out your week areas? If not, chances are high that, during the GMAT Prep test, you were incredibly unlucky to encounter consecutive questions from your weak areas that you did not fix in the first place.

deepverma · Answer

Hi Ayushi, I had similar experience with expert-Global Test-scores. I Would suggest to buy GMAC tests ,those are most reliable.
You can continue other mock-tests for Stamina buidling. Also revising OG difficult Questions may help.
Best luck!

Ayushi7 · Answer

DisciplinedPrep  Thanks for your reply.

After review, I found that: 
CR - all correct. 
RC - 8/14 questions were correct, for the last RC I had 4minutes left and 4ques so I guessed all of them, and all were wrong. 
SC - I answered most of the questions wrong, some due to the unnecessary pressure I took(because while reviewing I could solve some of them right), others due to new usages I had not encountered before. None of the options seemed correct for the latter case.

Any tips for guessing questions(if required) in the verbal section(I am usually able to finish the verbal section for Experts' Global mocks with 4-5minutes remaining.)? Also, any tips in general, looking at my mock test scores?

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Ayushi7,

The official mocks are the most reliable ones. So, I would recommend you to stick with official ones to assess your level in the future. Having said that, as you have already taken the other mocks, you can take them to get used to the test environment, build your concentration level and know various question types.

And looking at your official mock score, Q50 is pretty impressive. The only concern is the Verbal part. I would recommend you to go through the mock, identify what went wrong and then work on improving them.  Without knowing what exactly went wrong in Verbal, it is difficult to suggest you any plan. If you can provide me with a detailed analysis, I can definitely help you with the plan . You can always write back here or a better way would be to discuss the same over a call. A one-on-one interaction will help us to quickly narrow down things and make a proper study plan. As you have just over 20 days, it is important that you don't delay the process. I'm sharing the link below using which you can schedule a free consultation call with me.

Click here to schedule a call

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ayushi7,
 
The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the 'biases' involved in their respective designs. The most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC (the 2 free CATs, and each of the 2 that come with Exam Pack 1 and Exam Pack 2), but retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills - since you will likely see some 'repeat' questions that you have already faced. Unfortunately, seeing even a couple of repeats can 'throw off' the Scoring Algorithm and impact your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. (meaning that they would likely all appear to be better than they actually are). Thankfully, the CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas are all 'close enough' to the real thing that they will provide you with a relatively realistic score assessment (assuming that you correctly take the CAT in a realistic fashion).

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, most of your CAT score results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 680 +/- a few points); the 760 is a significant 'outlier' (and as such, we cannot assume that it is an accurate reflection of you current ability level). You handle certain aspects of the GMAT consistently well, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. Assuming that you took each of these CATs in a realistic fashion that matches-up with how you will take the Official GMAT, then you're performing at a fairly consistent level right now.

A CAT is really a 'measuring device' - when used correctly, it will give you a realistic score and help define your strengths and weaknesses, but it will NOT help you to fix any of those weaknesses. To raise your scores, you have to learn the necessary Tactics and put in the proper practice and repetitions. The CAT will show you whether your studies are helping you to improve or not. As such, you really shouldn't take more than 1 FULL CAT per week going forward.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Ayushi7,

Regarding your plan moving forward with respect to practice exams, I think you should take the remaining 5 official practice tests. Also, since verbal seems to be where you need the most help, do you want some general advice on how to improve your GMAT verbal skills? Lastly, you may find it helpful to read the following articles:

How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success

GMAT Sentence Correction: 8 Essential Tips

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