don't know how to improve

Question

hi guys, i'm in desperation, i've been studying fo almost 3 month and it seems to me that i'm stuck in a rut. There is no improvement at all :cry:

i've taken 5 MGMAT CATs and my scores are 550-600 with a constant (Q)37, and (V) varying from 27 to 35. I'm fed up with my studies, no matter how i motivate myself, it is hard to keep pushing. today i scored 590 (again, 37-Q, 34-V) on the another CAT. What am i doing wrong?

HanoiGMATtutor · Answer

You probably should invest in new resources. What study materials have you been using?

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jazzyI,

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you're looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) What materials have you used?
2) What is your goal score?
3) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Your mock scores shows a clear lack of fundamentals. In your preparation so far, how did you study? What material did you follow?

1. Did you take the test including AWA and IR?
2. Did you complete both the sections? (There is a high penalty if you do not complete a section)

Also, I would recommend you to refrain from taking tests until you have gone through all the fundamentals.

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the preparatory companies including ours offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT. 
1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

jazzyI · Answer

thanks to all of you, i really appreciate your insights,

as regard to my preparation: i've covered the set of MGMAT guides and OG (a bunch of 3 books).
i took all mocks with AWA and IR (which, to be honest is frustrating).
i'm aiming (as anyone, i suppose) at 700+, i know i'm capable of it, it's just a mater of time and dedication.
i realize that i have to work harder to achieve my goal and it's less possible to do so in a month, but i'm going to give a shot. The problem is that i'm struggling with internalizing the concepts, i forget to apply all strategies under the test conditions. After completing the CATs i review each problem and wonder why i couldn't solve them on the first try.

when i wrote the first post, i was really devastated, but i'm not going to give up i'll do my best!

P.S. i'd like to apply this Fall (in Round 2)

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jazzyI,

The problem you're describing actually happens to many Test Takers who use a "book heavy" study approach. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. "Your way" of approaching the GMAT has you stuck at this current scoring level. To make a big improvement, you'll have to change your tactics. This will likely mean investing in some new Computer-based resources and learning (and practicing) new tactics.

1) When are you planning to take the Official GMAT?

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

jazzyI · Answer

Hi Rich,
I was thinking of the end of August.

Do you think it's achievable to improve during a month?

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jazzyI,

Since you've been studying a certain way for so long, you've likely developed some 'bad habits' that will take some time to 'fix' (and replace with new 'good habits'). Considering your CAT scores and score goal, you would likely need another 2 months (or more) of consistent guided study to get up to that level. You would also likely benefit a great deal from investing in a GMAT Course of some type.

If you're planning to apply for Business School in Round 2, and your score goal is 700+, then why are you planning to take the GMAT in August? You're not scoring at that level yet and you still have plenty of time before the Round 2 deadlines.

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

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