Seeking Advice for GMAT Focus Improvement in 20 Days

Question

Hello GMATClub Community,

I hope you're all doing well. I'm reaching out to seek some advice and strategies that could potentially fast-forward my GMAT score improvement in the next 20 days.

Here's a brief overview of my journey so far:
 
 Initial practice test score: 390 (on a website I can't recall) 
 First official GMAT Focus test score (November 2023): 315 
 Began using TTP for preparation 
 Official GMAT Focus Practice test scores 1, 2 and 3: 505, 525, and 555 respectively. (these are each about 5-6 days apart and the last one was taken on Feb 22nd, 2024)

While I'm pleased with my progress, I'm facing a major deadline as I need to take the actual exam by the end of March. My target score is 655, and I'm unsure if it's achievable within this timeframe, haha. Am I reaching for the stars, or just chasing moonbeams?

Here are some insights into my strengths and weaknesses. In the verbal section, I struggle to maintain focus and often find myself fatigued by the time I reach this part of the test. This fatigue leads to rushed decisions and guessing towards the end of the verbal section. The same goes for DI. These passages tend to drain my mental energy, resulting in lower accuracy and confidence. My score reports show major weakness in "math-related" questions as well, while non-math is wayyy better.

Any tips, strategies, or resources that could help me improve my focus, tackle RC and Data Insights questions more effectively, and boost my overall score would be greatly appreciated. :)

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

It's important to recognize that you've already achieved a 200+ score increase in the past 2-3 months. Great work! 
Here are a few articles to help you with increasing your score another 100 points: 
-  How to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights 
-  How to Learn More, Learn Faster, and Retain More Knowledge While Preparing for the GMAT 
-  How to Score High on GMAT Verbal on the Focus Edition 
-  GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips: Top 8 DOs and DON’Ts

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

For RC, becoming familiar with how inference questions work could be helpful. If you want to practice reading without burning official questions, articles from The Economist that are similar to those on the GMAT may be useful. In case time management is an issue, consider using question/time markers.

3 RC tips

bb · Answer

Hi! I think it would be helpful to post your split for sections. It’s hard to give advice to improve in the GMAT that could be actionable. It’s much more effective to provide recommendations for specific sections or even question types.

If you can share your quant, verbal and data insights scores as well as your weaknesses as specifically as you can that would be helpful.

Posted from my mobile device

illegallyblonde · Answer

Thank you guys so much for your help. The articles and tips were quite helpful.  bb  of course, thank you for your support. Here is my recent score history:
 
 Test 1 (Feb 9th): 505 (Q 78, V 77, DI 70) 
 Test 2 (Feb 15th): 525 (Q 74, V 79, DI 75) 
 Test 3 (Feb 22nd): 555 (Q 80, V 78, DI 75) 
 Test 4 (Feb 27th): 565 (Q 78, V 81, DI 75)

As you can probably tell, there's a pattern between Quants and Verbal here. The section I score worst in - that's the section that I practice most after reviewing my answers and then I score higher in that section but lower in the other one lol. As for DI - that hasn't changed much and a large part of that is attributable to my time management. As embarrassing as it is for me, I am attaching my TPI for all sections from my most recent mock (ie from today's practice test) to show you just how terribly I've managed my time in Verbal and DI. The last bunch of questions from DI: PURELY GUESSED. Not even educated guesses.    I know! I really mess up on time management but honestly, I cannot seem to comprehend so much info in the little time available. How do you guys do it?!

Once again, any advice or criticism is much appreciated. I can handle it, haha. I know I've got lots to work on. Thank you in advance.

illegallyblonde · Answer

Once again, thank you so much ScottTargetTestPrep GmatKnightTutor bb

I wonder if you have any advice on what section order I choose for the exam based on my scores or performance as well? Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Honestly, it's such a tough call. What I always tell my students is to practice various section orders and then make the decision that you feel works best for you. I would not say there is a one size fits all approach when determining section order.

whatsarc · Answer

Hey  ellewoods2

Are you scoring better on the DI now? If yes, how did you breakthrough?

My DI range is similar range(75-77). Its the only section pulling me down. My Quant is between 82-84 and Verbal between 81-83. Overall I am at 605-615.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Seeking Advice for GMAT Focus Improvement in 20 Days

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards