First GMAT Prep ... HELP!!!!

Question

Hi ;
I gave my first GMAT prep test after studying for 1 month. 
Score : 630
Verbal: 30 (16 mistakes)
Quant: 47 (14 mistakes)

This was my first and I totally ran out of time in verbal, actually I was at q 30 when only 2 min were left. Also I found it damn hard to answer question during the test as compared to when I solve OG.

My GMAT date is still 1.5 months away.

Is it possible for me to increase my perfrmance to 700+ or should I just drop the idea of GMAT.

Any suggestion would be great help ....

thanks,

bsd_lover · Answer

You'll get maximum benefit out of improving your verbal. Q47 is already pretty good, now if your verbal were upto 38-40, the 700 would be pretty close.

abhaypratapsingh · Answer

Thanks bsd lover for your response!

In verbal my major problem is speed. I could finish only 2/3 of questions. Last minute I spend just selecting randomly.
Also I found that reading from computer screen where the sentences are written along the length of screen is very different from reading from OG where they are written within half of the page width.

Thanks,

bsd_lover · Answer

Perhaps you don't train enough on the screen. I used to have the same problem (i.e. scoring much less when reading from a screen as opposed to when reading from paper). Try training for verbal using gmatter. https://www.gmatter.biz

Good luck.

lsuguy7 · Answer

The first practice test I took was a 470, I think it takes a couple of test for you to get timing down, and really start understanding the material. The trick is to learn from your test and not just continue to take test after test. I think if you have some time than 700 should be within reach for you.

pmenon · Answer

couple of things id ask:

1. are you a native english speaker ? 
2. are you watching the clock at certain question benchmarks to keep track of time ?

abhaypratapsingh · Answer

Hi pmenon;

1) I am not native english speaker, But my medium of education has been all along English and same is true for my work.
2) Yes I do look at clock at the end of 14th , 28th question.

thanks,

wallstreetbarbie · Answer

lsuguy7 - wow 470 to 700+ thats amazing

I think if you are scoring 630 ... you should be able to improve your score. Practice timing... this is very likely killing you at the end. I was reading the GMAT Roadmap book and they had very helpful timelines for that. One of the things which was suggested was to check every so often (they give you a question checkpoint) and if you are 4 minutes behind at that time you should consider guessing on the next question (especially if this question is not your strong suit).

It is likely that if you guess the last 5-7 questions you get the "wrong answer" penalty along the "wrong answer string" penalty.

Anasthaesium · Answer

Its alright. Focus on Verbal timing strat. Try to complete your SC within 1 min. That should be your focus.
Take the 1000 series.
Work diligently to complete SCs in 45- 60 s. CRs in 60 - 90 seconds. The RC should then take care of itself (timing wise).
Work in sets of 41 questions to flex your stamina.
If you hone on those areas, I can see you reaching 730+.
Keep your progress updated. I am in the journey with you too.

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