Planning for Third attempt - Looking for your suggestions. PLEASE HELP

Question

Dear Experts,

Briefly about my GMAT attempts,

1st GMAT - Nov 2014  : 600 Q47 V27 AWA 5.5 IR 3

Materials used :

Chennai based prep company
Magoosh
gmatpill
OG 13

2nd GMAT - May 2015 :  640 Q47 V30 AWA 5.0 IR 4

Materials used :

Egmat - Live prep course (Quant and Verbal)
OG 13
OG verbal guide
Aristotle SC guide
GMAT Prep questions for both exam packs ( Free and exam pack 1)
GMAT prep question bank 1 (purchased from gmac)
MGMAT mock tests
800 mock tests
VERITAS free mock test

In my second attempt, I did a elaborate preparation putting in more than 6 hours daily for 3.5 months ( from Feb to mid May 15). Not sure what went wrong.

My aim :  To score 710 or 720. Join one year executive full time MBA in IIM.

Looking for expert advise. I can spend next two months and can give around 5 to 6 hours daily.

Thanks from a Eager aspirant.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CKG,

Based on the information that you've provided, there are a couple of things that stand out:

1) Both of your Official GMAT scores are 'in range' of 620. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score is within +-30 points of actual ability, so these scores seem to support the idea that you handled both of your Official GMATs in the SAME general way (you did the same things correctly both times and you made the same mistakes both times). Even after 3+ months of extra study, you did not make the necessary adjustments to how you "see" (and respond to) the GMAT to score higher.

2) The bulk of your practice resources for your second attempt seem to focus on a high volume of practice questions (without necessarily learning any new tactics). Working on 100s (or even 1000s) of questions in the same general way (as before) is NOT the best approach to gaining a big score improvement.

To hit your score goals, you have to change your tactics. Since you've now been studying for some time, you've likely developed some 'bad habits' that will take time (and willpower) to change. Thankfully, there are resources that can help you to do so.

When are you planning to apply to Business School?
Have you scheduled your next Official GMAT yet (and if so, then what is the date?)?

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

CKG · Answer

Thanks Rich for your reply.

I am planning to retake gmat during first week of August, since deadline for schools i am aiming is my mid september.

Not scheduled any particular date.

Even planning to do one and half month full time GMAT crash course too. And give the test around mid july.

I am not sure about what habits should i change. In my second attempt i have put all my sincere qnd hard work,

Will empowergmat help?

Thanks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CKG,

I think that 2 months could very easily be enough time to help you to make the necessary improvements and hit your score goals. YOU have to be prepared to practice new tactics though. The good news is that the Verbal section of the GMAT is just as predictable and standardized as the Quant section is, so you can learn to take advantage of all of those built-in patterns (even the patterns in how the wrong answers are often written).

In your situation, since there are more "missing points" to be found in the Verbal section, you clearly need to spend more time on those subjects. There ARE some potential Quant points too though, so you'll want to spend some time in those areas. I think that the EMPOWERgmat Verbal Score Booster would be a perfect fit for your needs. Most of our clients finish that study plan in under a month, so it would fit your timeline nicely (and still give you some time for some extra repetitions and practice). As part of your subscription, you'll also have access to ALL of the Quant materials, and there are specific Modules that I would recommend to help you find the extra points in that section. We have a variety of free resources that you can use to "test out" the Course (at www.empowergmat.com), so you can try them out at your convenience.

If you have any additional questions, then just let me know.

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

CKG · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have gone through the verbal booster plan. My quick question is, I have already used MGMAT tests and all of gmat prep tests.

Which mock test should you suggest now.

Moreover is it sufficient only to refer only empowergmat for this attempt along with og and og verbal guide. Please guide.

Thanks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CKG,

If you've already used all of the MGMAT CATs, then the 'block' of CATs that are available from Kaplan or Veritas should be fine. While you can certainly use other practice materials for this next attempt, trying to "juggle" different approaches and tactics from different sources might slow down your learning (or make the process more difficult overall). I'd suggest that you stick to one set of tactics and practice them exclusively so that you can build up those skills.

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

CKG · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks. I will go with either kaplan or veritas tests.

Regarding gmat preparation, i am stictly planning to stick to empowegmat this time inorder to avoid any mistakes i did in my last attempt.

Ofcourse will use official materials such as og 2015, og verbal and gmac question bank.

Strictly no other materials. Will it be sufficient ?

Please let me know your feedback!!!

In fact i tried your free videos already couple of days back, for quants and RC.!!!!

Thanks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CKG,

The EMPOWERgmat Course has plenty of practice material for you to work through, but I'm not sure what you're asking about when you ask if it's 'sufficient?' By definition, no material can ever be called 'sufficient' on its own, because it's just material - the user has to take responsibility for his/her role in the process. Between the EMPOWERgmat Course and the OG materials, you'll learn everything you'll need to know to hit your score goals (or higher), but YOU still have to deliver when it comes to the practice, and performing on Test Day.

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

CKG · Answer

Thanks Rich.

Sure, I will take the responsibility of understanding the concepts by studying Empowergmat and og materials.

By sufficient, I meant should I supplement my study with any other materials, which you would suggest.

However, I will go with only empowergmat and og materials and will try to apply the concepts.

Regards,
CKG.

KarishmaB · Answer

Here are my thoughts on your situation: Q47 is a tad shy of the 70th percentile. You might want to bump it up to 49/50 not only because it gives you the 80th percentile but also because most of your competition will do very well in Quant. I suggest you to check out my blog: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/categor ... er-wisdom/ It is aimed at people like you. To get V38 (which will take you to 700 When combined with Q49 or 50), you need to analyse all your practice tests. You should be very good in at least one question type and average to above average in the other two. I assume that you would be above average in CR. RC takes practice but SC could be the game changer. You should check out this page: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/ At the end, you will see a link to a four part SC video. It will give you a different perspective on SC questions. Also, check out our GMAT blog. It has tons of posts on Verbal strategies and techniques: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/category/gmat/ It certainly looks like your "learning" and "applying" aspects are in shape. The "creating" aspect seems to be missing. That is what differentiates a 600 from a 700. Check the GMATology approach here: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/gmat-curriculum/

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CKG,

You're not likely to need any additional practice materials. However, if we get to the point that you do want additional suggestions, then I'll be happy to provide them.

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

Planning for Third attempt - Looking for your suggestions. PLEASE HELP

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