Can’t seem to do well in Both Sections at same time

Question

I have given a few full length mocks by now namely Manhattan, Official, Veritas, GMATWhiz. My highest score individually has been Q49 and V38 but I have never been able to score high in both sections at the same time.

When I scored Q49, I scored V26
When I scored V38, I scored Q40
And this has been a general trend in all my mocks. I’m unable to perform at my best in both sections at the same time.

My general order of Test is Verbal -> Quant

What exactly should I do to get high score in both sections at same time?

I have my Exam Scheduled on April 2nd.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

Those types of 'swings' in your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores are likely due to a 'mix' of different factors, but the first thing you should consider is how through and organized your note-taking is during your CATs (and by extension, how often you are doing work "in your head" and making little mistakes). 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 (or approximate 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 apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Do you find yourself running out of stamina on one section?

Aragorn101 · Answer

Hi Rich,

1) I started my prep in November. I typically study 2-3 hours a day. January month I wasn't much consistent. But I have been consistent for remaining 4 months.

2) GMATWhiz course, Official Guides, Gmatninja Videos in YouTube.

3) MGMAT Mock 1 January 9th - 580 Q43 V30
MGMAT Mock 2 January 23rd - Q40 V 38.
Veritas Free Mock January 16th - Q43 V31
Official Mock 2 - Q45 V29
Official Mock 3- March 10th Q49 V26
GMATWhiz Mock - March 15th Q38 V34

Gmatclub Quant Tests - Q 43, Q43, Q45 and Q47 in February.

4) My Overall Goal score is 720+

5) I'm planning to start applying from Early decision rounds in upcoming admissions cycle for 2022 Matriculation. Target schools are T15 but I'm okay with colleges till T25 i.e. McDonough, Kelley, Tepper, Foster,etc.

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

Did you try analyzing your mocks? If yes, were you able to solve the questions when you analyzed them or were the mistakes due to any conceptual gaps? Do let me know so that I can help you in a better way.

Aragorn101 · Answer

I had conceptual gaps in 4 questions out of 31. But rest were silly mistakes probably because I had an exhausting work day yesterday. How do I improve my Test Taking abilities?

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

If that's the case, then make sure to give a test when you are active because if these things happen because of a tiring day, your morale would go down. And regarding the test taking strategies, I would suggest you to go through the recording below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9dZN-MHK0I Hope this helps. All the best

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

Both the Q49 and V38 are 'outliers' relative to your other Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores (which cluster around Q42 and V30, respectively) - so we have to be careful about assuming how accurate those 2 individual Scaled Scores were in assessing your skills in the Quant and Verbal sections. With a Score Goal of 720+, you will have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections - and that training will take time. With an April 2nd Test Date, you only have a little more than 2 weeks of study time remaining. While there's no harm in taking the GMAT as scheduled, you could potentially save some time, money and frustration by pushing back that Test Date.

1) What are the early application deadlines for each of the Programs that you plan to apply to?
2) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
3) Assuming that at least another 2 months of study time will be required, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

760+: What GMAT Assassins Do to Score at the Highest Levels

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Aragorn101,

If we just focus on your official practice test scores, I think it’s clear that you have some knowledge gaps in verbal that need to be addressed. If you can fix those, then there is no reason why you can’t end up with one heck of a GMAT score. With that in mind, I have three articles that I think will be helpful for you. If after reading them, you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

GMAT Sentence Correction: 8 Essential Tips

GMAT Critical Reasoning: 8 Essential Tips

GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips: Top 8 DOs and DON’Ts

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