Kaplan CAT: 680 to Manhattan CAT: 640 in one week

Hi mcdo,

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), so you should plan to take one of those CATs next.

Your Score Goal is absolutely achievable in the timeframe that you've described - and to that end I would suggest that you focus on the Quant section. Many Business Schools view an Applicant's Quant Scaled Score as an indicator of how that Applicant might handle the 'academic side' of the Program, so raising that score will help you in a couple of different ways. The study materials that you've used so far have been 'book heavy', but many Test Takers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Thus, you might want to invest in some new, non-book resources that will keep you focused on the Tactics, patterns and little 'secrets' to the GMAT.

When it comes to studying for the GMAT, there are a variety of different options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional questions, then just let me know.

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