Strategy to boost a 650 diagnostic

Question

Hiya all,

I've been perusing this forum for a little while, but this is the first time I've actually posted--so hello!

I took a Veritas Prep practice test a couple of days ago and scored a 650 (40q 39v). I was expecting a bit lower of a diagnostic score, so I was pleasantly surprised (especially considering how rusty everything felt). That being said, my GMAT score goal is a 720+

I'm a lot weaker on the quant section than I am on the verbal, so I figure it would be best to devote the most time to that section. I'd really like to get a 48-49 on the quant section and get a 40-41 verbal score. I'm not quite sure how feasible this is, but I'm willing to put in a lot of work to review.

I'm not particularly looking to break the bank (as I am fresh out of undergrad and have no money), but I have ordered (1) GMAT official guide 2018 bundle, (2) Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook, and (3) GMAT Advanced Quant (Manhattan Prep).

I was also considering purchasing a 3-month subscription to the Math Revolution course for $152.

If anybody has any advice for me as to what courses or strategies he/she found most helpful, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!!

Haardvark · Answer

You and I have similar starting points (I got something around a 660 on my diagnostic, with something like a 36/44 split) -- I highly recommend the MGMAT prep books. They have all the information you need to bump you from the ~80th percentile into the 95th and beyond, and they're only ~$100 for the whole set on Amazon. Just go as slowly as you need through the content, making notes of things you need to memorize. After you've more or less mastered the question types, begin taking the practice CATs, attempting to stay as true to the real format as possible (whiteboard, limited breaks, IR and AWA with every test, etc.). Review your mistakes and weak points as needed (go back to the books). A word of warning -- they are markedly harder than the real thing, so once you're scoring within ~40 of your target score, take a 'real' GMAT practice test and see how you do. Chances are, you'll be into your desired range -- continue to take practice tests of all kinds and review up until your test date.

Best of luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MyNameIsJoe1

A 650 is a fantastic initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). By extension, you're likely a naturally strong critical thinker. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and goals:

1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

MyNameIsJoe1 · Answer

Thanks, Rich.

1) December - January
2) Within the next 3-5 years
3) These will depend on my GMAT/ career development, but I would want to shoot for highly selective programs like Duke/ UChicago/Yale with Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton as reaches

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MyNameIsJoe1

Since you're not planning to take the Official GMAT for at least a few months, you have some 'flexibility' in terms of how you could approach your studies at this point. Given your interest in keeping your expenses low at this point, for free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. After spending a little time honing those 'math' skills, you could then focus on your GMAT studies.

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

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