D-day approaching any thoughts / advice?

Question

So I have been studying for the GMAT for sometime now, around 9 months (granted work has made it very difficult so its really only a few hours each week).

My practice CATs come in the mid 600 range. I hae gone through the MGMAT books and have worked through a number of the OG problems. My weaknesses at this point is sentence correction, and combinametrics. I continue to work on these using both GMAT club and other resources.

My component breakout for quant always ranges in the 40s (mid to low). Any my verbal has range from mid 30s to low 40s (mostly in the v35 range). I have been taking my test using Knewton practice tests.

I am wondering what fellow users think would be the best use of my time - my test is on Dec 10th so the clock is ticking.

I really want to get a 700 or above. Is this improvement feasible in this amount of time and how should I best focus my efforts?

I was planning on studying 2hrs per weekday then 6-8hrs on the weekend taking a full CAT at least once week between now and test day.

Any thoughts or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

BM · Answer

It's possible to score in the 700 range, but it will require a great deal of work. You'll probably have to sacrifice any free time or social life, but it's only for one month. I think that the effort and time will be worth it. The weekend hours are decent, but the weekdays could be increased too. Try to squeeze in three hours on those days. Even if you're exhausted from question practice or CAT's, at least do  something . For example, reading all the OG explanations or re-reading a guidebook is a productive exercise.

I'm usually not a big fan of CAT's. The GMATPrep is usually sufficient for most people, though throwing in the Manhattan tests is fine too. You're approaching the test date, so it's important not to cram in a bunch of practice tests. This can lead to fatigue.

For math, look into the GMATClub tests. Those will improve your skills for sure. The main target for you now, however, is verbal. Get hardcore with this, as verbal provides the biggest opportunity for you to earn points (given your current level). The verbal forums are best for SC practice, along with the OG. For CR and RC, look into LSAT questions and finish the OG. I keep mentioning the OG books because it seems that you didn't completely finish all three books. If that is so, please complete them as soon as possible. Also for verbal, re-read the Manhattan SC guide. Just keep reading it over and over.

u0422811 · Answer

Thanks that is good advice. I have worked all the way through the OG book but I need to work through the Verbal review. I was planning on taking one full CAT each Sunday between now and test day, do you think that is a good use of time or should I just jam away on problems instead and maybe take a CAT every other week?

Thanks again.

Thanks again.

BM · Answer

You only have a few weeks left, so a CAT every week is acceptable. Just keep in mind that the main functions of practice tests are to estimate one's current level and to provide familiarity for actual test experience.

The problem I have is more directed to extremists who take multiple tests a week for an extended period of time. That usually brings few positive results. Points are earned in one's preparation, which essentially consists of (1) guidebooks and (2) question practice.

And do finish the OG Verbal! It should only take you a few days to do so.

u0422811 · Answer

bmillan01 thanks for your advice (+1). I will tackle the OG Verbal and OG Quant books over the next week. I will continue to focus on my weaknesses and drill practice questions to eliminate them. I hope that will be enough so I can return to this forum on Dec 11th with good news, otherwise I will have to double down for another test in the new year (need to get it done before new IR section is implemented).

bb · Answer

Here are some thoughts: what-to-do-for-the-last-14-days-before-the-real-test-120895.html test-day-warm-up-78595.html?view-post=591364#p591364

novanative · Answer

I'm taking my test on Saturday and would like above 650 for sure so my chances at G-Town will be much better.

I haven't changed my study plan really. At this point I work on problems, and focus on my strengths more than weaknesses. Still haven't broken 700 in any test yet. Highest ever was 680 in the free Manhattan test (46Q, 36V)

novanative · Answer

No prob. I don't see much of a point worrying about

The GMAT scores are in bands more or less, and hopefully the real test is on the higher end of your band performance over several tests. My tests have been between 620-680 in the last month, and mostly in the middle, with GMATPrep at 620 and 650 (took these two-three weeks ago); Manhattan at 680 (math rumored to be hard), Kaplan at 640 (rumored to be stingy in score), and Revolution Prep at 640 and 670 (took these over a month ago). I guess I'm improving because I'm workin on hard problems, and every test company is different.

Hopefully I hit the upper end of my score bands if not better than that

novanative · Answer

I don't see any help in taking multiple tests a week. not enough time to review and other stuff considering almost all of us have 9 to 5's.

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D-day approaching any thoughts / advice?

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