Improving a high Verbal score (V44 to V 46+)

Question

Short version:  
I have been scoring very high on verbal (V44), so I spent the last few months doing quant only. I am wondering if its worth it to put in the time to improve verbal, or if my time is better spent still focusing on Quant. First practice tests I got Q39 to Q41, yesterday got Q48 on official GMAT PREP test, but this quant score is suspect.

Long version: 
I began studying off and on in March 2015, scoring in the 650 range. I was studying quant and verbal. I really studied hard starting in October 2015, focusing 85% on quant. I took a real GMAT in Dec 2015 and scored 710 (Q43 V44). I had trouble with time on the quant, but had 4:00 extra for verbal. After asking around, I have been told that it is important to try and get close to 80% quant to get into some of my target schools.

I took some time off, then began studying again in May 2015. This time I focused exclusively on quant. At the end May of I took a GMAT Club CAT (quant section only) and scored Q41. Two weeks later I took a GMAT Prep full test and scored 750 (Q48 V44), again I felt rushed on quant but had about 3:00 to spare on verbal. I missed 6 on the verbal, 4 SC, 1CR, 1 paragraph. Traditionally, I have always been better at verbal. In high school I scored 800V 700M on the SAT.

I believe that Q48 score on the last practice test is pretty lucky. I had seen about 1/2 of the questions before because I took my first GMAT Prep test 3 weeks earlier, but didn't get a score (or see any right answers) because I skipped the verbal. Nevertheless, I had seen many of the questions. Next time around that score could easily go back to Q41. Not to brag, but I believe I could score a V43 in my sleep.  So, is it worth it to spend any time at all studying verbal?  The improvement from V44 to V45 (98% to 99%) might not be worth it. However, I have probably put in about 200+ hours over the last year studying quant, and the recent Q48 score not withstanding, I consistently score 40-43. I take the official test in a month. Will another 4 weeks be sufficient to secure a Q47+, or am I doomed to underperform in quant?

Thanks folks!

pourts · Answer

I posted this because there is lots of great material on going from Q45 -> Q 48, and going from Q49 -> Q50. However, there isn't much on improving a V44 or greater. Maybe that should be a sign that its a waste of time.

Looking beyond B school, I have also heard that many B-school recruiters (consulting and banking) consider your GMAT quant, but don't really care about verbal.

HiLine · Answer

What is keeping you from scoring higher in Quant?

pourts · Answer

Time management . I am consistently on or ahead of time after about 10-15 questions, then all of a sudden at #25 I realize I am way behind on time. On most CATs I "punt on first down" on at least 3 questions. I read the question, gauge it as hard, and just guess "c" and move on within 15 seconds. Even doing this, I am still very rushed at the end.

Besides that, I don't really know. I am consistently getting questions wrong in many different categories (word problems, number properties, inequalities, sets, divisibility, remainders).. Common failures are silly arithmetic errors, misunderstanding the question, logic errors, failure to see the short cut, etc.

I started with the Kaplan book a year ago, then transitioned to OG and the Magoosh program about 2.5 months before my first official test (Dec 2015). I probably wasn't ready in December, but I am getting a little discouraged in quant because I have studied alot since then, and haven't been able to consistently beat my score from the actual test -- even when skipping the AWA. I have done every quant problem in the OG, and gone back through and re-did all the ones I struggled with.

HiLine · Answer

If time management is your issue, that means you are slow. You've noticed that your accuracy is not great either. So I'd say focus on accuracy first. Practice official questions, un-timed, and make sure you understand each question and find an efficient solution no matter how long it takes. If you find a solution that takes 5 minutes, you have not found an efficient solution yet. Practice with patience and your speed will improve with time. Have you checked out the guide to Q51 on GMAT Club?

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