No improvement in Verbal scores

Question

Hi All,

I have been performing nicely in Quants section, but when it comes to Verbal my scores are not at all improving.

At first, I was having timing issues in Verbal. I overcame that but still my scores are in range of 26-28.
In my last mock attempt, I answered 28/41 correctly (SC-10/15, CR-9/13, RC-9/13), but my score was just 26.

This issue is hindering my overall score a lot. I have revised the concepts twice, solved many OG questions for practice
Is there any way to improve my verbal scores?

Any help is highly appreciated as I am just a month away from my exam.

Thanks,
Ankit Kaushik

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ankit,

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) How long have you studied?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) What is your exact Test Date to take the Official 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

ImAnkitKaushik · Answer

Hi,

I have been studying for last 4 months. And I took an online prep course. I have taken 2 CATs (Q49 V28, Q51 V26).
My overall score expectation is 680+.
My official exam is on 13th Dec.

I am planning to apply in European schools.

After a little bit of practice, I realized, I have improved in SC & RC section. But my CR has not yet improved.
I am working on CR techniques to improve my accuracy.

I am making mistakes too frequently and those mistakes do not allow my score to increase.
In last mock, I answered 28/41 questions correctly, but my scaled score was 26.
So I need to work on my consistency as well.

Thanks,
Ankit Kaushik

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ankit,

Based on these 2 CAT Scores, the missing points that you are after are in the Verbal section. You're closer to a 680+ than you probably realize, but you're going to have to make some significant improvements to how you 'see' (and respond to) the Verbal section to pick up those points. With your current Test Date, you have about 3 weeks of study time. If you focus on learning and practicing the proper Tactics, then you might be able to make those improvements in the time that you have - but if you could push your Test Date back (even if it was just a couple of weeks), then that extra study time could be quite helpful.

1) On what date did you take your last CAT?
2) Did you take the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

ImAnkitKaushik · Answer

Hi Rich,

I took my last CAT on 18th Nov. And yes it was a full CAT.
I can dedicate around 25 hours per week.

Thanks,
Ankit Kaushik

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ankit,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, your 2 CAT Scores show that you essentially performed the same each time. Thus, it's possible that you've gotten 'stuck' at this score level.

1) What 'steps' do you go through when answering a typical SC, CR and RC prompt? What notes (if any) do you take?

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

No improvement in Verbal scores

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