Anwhite4 wrote:
Hi everyone,
I'm Ashley. New to the GMAT, and have been studying using the
OG guide 2018 (since mid September). Took my first practice test using GMATprep software and scored 310. Dedicated two hours each day after work and about four on the weekends and took my second practice test mid October, only a 10 point improvement. ? So I felt was studying in vain. What I can't understand is that I love English (native) and have always performed well, but on the GMAT, it doesn't show. Math, on the other hand, not my favorite subject, but I've done well as long as the concept is explained. What I noticed on the second practice test is that I knew the a version of the math concept, but it tested the d version and I was like ?. I felt so lost and defeated because I'm good at English or so I thought (majored in Journalism, content creator). I dislike standardize tests for this reason, but I'm trying to change my mind around the GMAT as a means to an end. Also, I have a notebook or notes that I review concepts and formulas.
I just recently signed up for
Magoosh, am completing a trial of the Economist (which I took this practice test and still same score), and a couple Kaplan webinars as I got back to studying during Thanksgiving. (I've been reading through the GMAT forums since Sept. too.) Took a little break to let myself breathe and visit schools, but now I'm ready to improve and be dedicated. Any advice to getting me to 650? I had hopes of taking the examine at the end of December when I started back in September, but that isn't going to happen, but I would like to take in mid to late January. Is that realistic? Did I provide enough information? When is it going to click?
Hi Anwhite4,
4 months should be good enough to achieve your dream score. It’s a good thing you have taken a GMAT Mock once. You now know your weaknesses and can work on them. If you are willing to study dedicatedly for four months, you are sure to achieve your goal.
Magoosh is a great course to help you improve your score.
Also for verbal, I would highly encourage you to consider
e-gmat verbal online or the
e-gmat verbal live course. They are both amazing courses especially designed for non-natives. They offer almost 25% of their courses for free so you can try out their free trial to decide which one you want to go for. Plus the
e-gmat Scholaranium which is included in both the courses 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.
You can also try out the
MGMAT guides they are phenomenal and cover the entire syllabus really well. I must add that 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 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.
I would also encourage you practice all the questions twice from the latest version of
OG and the verbal review. Here is a link that will help you with your decision.
https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... 68383.htmlLastly, you can check out a very interesting article by Mike McGarry from
Magoosh detailing a 3 month study plan
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/3-month-g ... -students/. You will find it very helpful as it gives out a study plan as per your needs.
Hope this helps. All the best.
close
02 Dec 2017, 10:29
