Mocks suggestion apart from official ones and Mgmat

Hi Ak94,

To start, 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. Thus, taking lots of additional CATs is NOT how you will raise your Verbal to a V40 - you'll earn that type of Verbal Scaled Score once you have learned and practiced the proper Verbal Tactics - and honed a variety of additional skills.

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, 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) - so you should plan to use any NEW CATs from those sources next.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Hi
1.I have been studying for the past 3 months, although not regularly as I'm a working professional.My studies are not regular but I guess I dedicate about 6 hours a week.
2.i have used the OG, Manhattan SC guide( not completed fully) and official mocks .
3.I took successive mocks everyday.My scores were :
1.V : 31-37
2.Q: 48-50

4. I'm aiming for a verbal score of 40 and a target score of 720-750.
5. I'll be taking GMAT in February 2nd week.
6.Will apply to schools in R2 and R3.
7.Target schools : ROSS,Purdue Krannet,Fisher,Broad,Smeal,Scheller.

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Ak94,

The process of taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of energy and effort - and takes time to 'recover' from. This is one of the reasons why you typically should not take more than 1 CAT per week - and your last CAT should be taken about 1 week before Test Day. Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores (often studying between 10-15 hours a week or more). From what you describe, your studies have been inconsistent and relatively light - so that might help to explain why you have not scored higher yet. That also makes your exact CAT data relevant, so it would help to know more than just your "score ranges."

1) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
2) What are the exact application deadlines that you are facing?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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