Need Help! After 14 Weeks of Study, Got 540

Question

I started studying back in the last week of August 2016 and studied until the beginning of November (14 weeks). Before I started studying, I took the official GMAT prep site's practice test and got a 530. Right after that, I took the Kaplan in person prep courses for about 7-8 weeks. I had a private tutor for 6 hours a weeks for the last 6 weeks. I took practice exams on the Kaplan site once a week/every other week and go the scores below. My quant score went up and remained consistent (42-46), but my verbal score was very week (usually 25-29. if i do well sometimes, 30-35). How can I improve my score, especially verbal score? Should I retake Manhattan GMAT courses?

Thanks

530 (official GMAT practice test)
540 (kaplan from here on)
570
600
640
650
580
560
560 (official GMAT practice test)
540 (official GMAT)

Thanks

530 (official GMAT practice test)
540 (kaplan from here on)
570
600
640
650
580
560
560 (official GMAT practice test)
540 (official GMAT)

Sajjad1994 · Answer

FOR CR

GO WITH THE powerscore cr bible

for SC go with the Manhattan SC Guide

For RC. Also follow Manhattan Guide

Do practice with each concept you ve learned

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi cb02,

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:

Studies:
1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on each of these Exams (your CATs and your Official GMATs)?
2) When you took your CATs, did you take the FULL CAT each time (or did you skip the Essay and IR sections)?
3) On what dates did you take the Official GMAT?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to retake the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

JenniferAtKaplan · Answer

Hi cb02,

As a student in one of Kaplan’s courses, you have the option to repeat the course for free using our Higher Score Guarantee. I would recommend that you do so, because this will also regain your access to all of the online resources, including CATs and Q Bank for practice in specific areas. One more new feature that we’ve added to our courses is a live GMAT Channel, with sessions taught online most nights of the week covering specific question types and content areas of the GMAT. You personally can target Verbal-based sessions to get some extra teaching and improve your skills in that area. If you’d like to use your Higher Score Guarantee, just call 1-800-KAPTEST (or 1-212-997-5886 internationally) and speak with a customer care representative. We’re here to support you!

Best,
Jennifer Kindy

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

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. Our course comes with a 50 point score increase or money back guarantee. This shows our confidence in the course. 
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.

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