Need help with strategy

Question

Ok,

So I have taken 3 MGMAT tests so far and my exam is Aug 24.
MGMAT 1: 640 Q:44 V:33
MGMAT 2: 580 Q:40 V:30
MGMAT 3: 580 Q:46 V:24 (today)

I need help, I am trying to get above 740 as my goal and I am just getting frustrated. I have been practicing math for the last week, so I guess I can attribute some of my quant success to that but my verbal is just so terrible! Now for the analysis: I looked at my score reports and questions, my best area in verbal is Reading Comprehension. My worst areas are SC and RC both being about the same percentage wrong. I have also rushed in both Quant and Verbal for the last 5 questions so I almost always end up getting those wrong. I am just lost at this point because according MGMAT most of the questions on average that I am getting right and wrong are in the 700 - 740 range for quant and 660 - 700 range for verbal.

Does anyone have any suggestions to improve my score?

Thanks

mohater · Answer

Are you keeping an error log? I suggest reading the timing strategy thread: timing-strategies-on-the-gmat-80176.html

penguinman · Answer

Well, I have been keeping an error log in that I have all of my questions that I have answered through MGMAT/OG/etc. in a binder.

For the tests I mentioned above, I have done an analysis similar to: https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

I kinda knew the problem areas highlighted before I went into the analysis, but I am still messing up. I am not sure what the problem is exactly, when you go back over a question and analyze a problem is there a checklist that you go over? For example, I found my weakest areas in SC were Pronouns/Verbs/Meaning/Comparisons. I have been trying to figure out why I got these problems wrong, but the funny thing is that I can answer them right when I go over the questions individually, most of them anyway; I feel my biggest problem is putting the whole test together? If that makes sense.

mohater · Answer

This is what the error log is supposed to do.

The error log isn't simply a tracker right/wrong answers, it's to help you learn the WHY aspect of answering problems incorrectly.

Sounds like a timing issue and being under pressure in the test environment. Have you read our timing strategy thread?

timing-strategies-on-the-gmat-80176.html

penguinman · Answer

Ok, I understand your comment about the error log but, unfortunately, I haven't been as diligent in my tracking as you had prescribed.

Also, I read the timing strategy thread right now, and I will try and incorporate the timing strategy in my next practice test.

What would you recommend I do to meet my goal for Aug 24?

brianlange77 · Answer

Don't be lost! That does nothing but waste mental and physical energy. The best way to improvement is by finding a few small wins to get the ball moving in the right direction. Two immediate thoughts:

1. At this stage, it's easy to get caught up in a lot of the data that's available, but you need to focus on the things that truly 'matter' the most to get you to your target score. One of those things to forget -- the average score of the questions you've been working on. Why? Because that's not something you can directly influence/improve without making other changes first. It's more of a 'dependent' variable. Not that it is unimportant -- it's just not the thing you need to focus on.

2. Timing and leaving questions unanswered/rushing. This needs to be fixed/addressed, because it's such a huge opportunity to make real improvement on your exam. Encourage you to take a look at this great article on our website -- https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/
-- really provides some compelling thoughts and tips on how to address this issue.

Lastly, try to stay positive -- and make up a plan that allows you to feel and experience forward progress every day. It's important!

Best of luck.

-Brian

penguinman · Answer

Thanks for the help Brian, I will definately try and incorporate a timing strategy on my next practice exam.

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