Need specific advices

Question

Hi experts,

I have studied GMAT, non-stop for several months now. I don't seem to be able to break above 600. I got absurd CATs results, ranging from 590 to 700. But when I tested myself with GMAT Prep I could only hit 600 max (Q44, V27).

My biggest problem as of now is CR? Funnily, I am getting better at RC than CR. But then again I spent more time on RC questions.
(a) I don't seem to be able to break down the argument and know what the question wants.
(b) I have a problem understanding what the answer choice is about. 
(c) Over 75% of the time I was classically trapped between the right answer and the other answer.
(d) I haven't got to level 600-700 CR questions.

RC
I give myself 11 mins for passage with 6-7 questions. Am I using too much time?

Quant
I have never hit Q40 in MGMAT before. That's worrisome. Since my verbal is horrible, I am aiming for Q47 at least.

Any advice? I am on the verge of giving up seriously.

garima138 · Answer

I think I have a similar problem. Ive been studying for GMAT for 2-3 months now, I'll be taking my first test... I have my test Scheduled for #1st July,2014.
 I've been taking MGMAT tests and Kaplan Tests and I'm scoring around 650 in both. I took GMAT prep at the beginning of my preparations and scored 600. Now i'm saving the 2nd GMAT prep test to take later. Any idea what my GMAT scores might be from seeing my MGMAT and KAPLAN scores? I'm confused.

LighthousePrep · Answer

Hi Pretzel,

First, don't stress yourself out. That's exactly the kind of mindset that will cause you to perform poorer than your capabilities during practice and actual GMAT tests.

Second, when I was took the GMAT for the first time, I took one more practice test the day before my exam (that was all I did that day - no more so that I wouldn't fry my brain before the big day). I ended up scoring the same score I got on my initial diagnostic: 690. I was losing my mind thinking that I just wasted all that time prepping when I'm ending up with the same score. Well, I went in to my exam and almost cancelled my score at the end. I'm glad I didn't because I ended up getting a 760. The purpose of this story is to show that if your practice CAT scores are varying wildly, then it is possible that they could err in your favor during the actual test.

But who wants to take that chance? So here is my tips:
1) Instead of doing more practice tests, I say you should do a targeted focus on your weakest area. It seems you have found it: CR. Instead of doing practice CAT, I suggest buying a book full of CR questions (and detailed explanations) and going through it. Don't just answer the questions and see if you got it right/wrong. You should also review the explanations for each answer choice (even if you got it right - because there might have been a better way of solving it than your strategy).
2) As a general rule of thumb (not always applicable), you should try to average around 2 minutes per question, so I think you're in the right range on RC.
3) As a practice for CR questions, I highly recommend doing some critical thinking exercises. You can google plenty of options for "Critical Thinking Exercises"
4) If you're getting trapped between two answer choices, that to me is usually an indication of second guessing yourself. The way I like to handle those situations when I have to choose between two close choices is that I first find out how the two choices are distinct. There is usually some small word that makes them different, and I focus all my attention on that word and how it changes the meaning between the two answer choices. It usually gets me out of a tough situation.

I hope you find this helpful, good luck!

pretzel · Answer

Thank you Lighthouse.

How do I break through 650? I am starting to lower my expectations.

Also, how often should I take a full CAT exam? I have run out of CATs anyway. Do you think I should purchase more practice exams?

LighthousePrep · Answer

Breaking through 650 is just like breaking through 640 or 660. Strategy and practice more than anything else.

My recommendation is that beyond maybe 3 practice CAT exams, you should only take additional ones to see if you made progress. What I mean by this is that, if you feel like you've gotten better at CR based on your performance on practice questions, and it will significantly improve your overall GMAT score, then take a practice CAT to validate that hypothesis. Otherwise, you end up wasting a lot of time practicing questions that aren't the barrier to your improved score.

If you've completely run out, then yes, you can buy some more practice CATs (PM me if you want to know where you can find some good ones). But, don't take any more CAT until you're starting to perform well on just the CR practice questions.

Also - what is your study technique like? I've come across many students who try to study like it is their day job. Wake up, open a book and stare at it until they fall asleep at night. Instead, I would recommend doing short bursts of anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Then take a break. During the break, do things that still refresh you but aren't mentally taxing. I like to use that break time to cook/clean, take a nap, exercise, or (my favorite) build furniture. I don't recommend vegging out in front of the couch and watching bad TV shows.

Hope this helps.

GMATPill · Answer

If you are looking for additional practice tests, you can use the online one we provide here: www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/practice-test - complete with performance and timing analytics.

Use practice tests for learning purposes. Your performance in practice can help you build psychological confidence. The general mentality you should have is that if you can't reach your target score in practice -- how can you expect to magically reach that target score on the real thing?

Get results in practice -- so you can come into the test with the confidence that at least you reached your target in practice -- ideally through multiple practice tests.

Jerry1982 · Answer

Hi LightHouse Prep,
I have just given my GMAT Today and scored 640 ( Q44 V34) ,this score is exactly similar to what i got on my GMATprep tests which io took.
i am planning to retake my GMAT in a months time. Can you guide me about how should i increase my score to 710+.
I have purchased Mnahattan Tests and my score on them never went above 590.
Can you please guide me on my strategy and what tests i should now buy or practice.

LighthousePrep · Answer

Hi Jerry1982,

It would be helpful to know a little bit more about how you studied, your strengths/weaknesses, background and where you hope to improve most. Could you provide some details in those areas? If you don't want to post that information publicly, you're welcome to PM me.

Jerry1982 · Answer

Hi Light house 
I PM'ed you my details.

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