Hi, I have loads of test prep materials, currently studying using Magoosh. I'm okay in Verbal, sucky in Quant. My score went form 340 --> 410 (using GMAT Prep software). How can I ensure I reach 550? I have no hopes for 600, and other high scores. Edit: SHould add, I'm extremely terrible in math. Quant has been a struggle for me. I'll learn a concept, but when it comes to application, it's insanely difficult. I'm not willing to enroll in prep classes because it's way too costly, and I've been simply downloading free material. Edit 2: I'm currently following Magoosh's 6 month study plan -- tweaked it a little. Doing tests more frequently, once every 4-5 weeks.

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Want to take the GMAT in June, how to reach 550?

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torontobound

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19 May 2015, 11:38

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VeritasPrepKarishma

torontobound

Took another Manhattan CAT Practice:

Previous Score: 530
Newest Score: 580

Category / Score / Estimate Percentile
IR / 1.7 / 1-2
Quant / 37 / 40%
Verbal / 32 / 66%

Slight improvement over the last one, but nowhere near my peak of 540

Certainly looks like consistent improvement! Do work a bit on IR too. A 5 will be decent enough.

Woops, that was a copy and paste -- should have removed that last statement, thanks!

torontobound

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31 May 2015, 10:02

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Took another Manhattan CAT Practice:

Previous Score: 580
Newest Score: 480

Category / Score / Estimate Percentile
IR / 3.03 / 2-4
Quant / 29 / 20%
Verbal / 28 / 51%

A drop of 100 points.

Is there any explanation for these consistencies at all? I really sucked at the Verbal even though I had more than enough time.

Edit: Also, despite the advice, my test settings are fairly okay. I get enough sleep, eat enough, and do the test in a semi quiet environment (can't assume the test room is quiet).

I also feel like if I study 3-6 math topics thoroughly, I'll get weaker in other math areas i.e. forgetful. Is there a specific approach I should take? My biggest weaknesses are rates, geometry, percents, and building equation problems.

RichEconomistGMAT

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31 May 2015, 13:42

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Hi torontobound,

I went back and reviewed this thread and am curious to know more about the following:

1) Have you added any additional resources since you last told us what you were using?
2) What have you noticed about your timing recently? Did you finish any sections early again?

If you're still going with a book-heavy approach, it might be time to consider some additional materials. Economist GMAT Tutor uses adaptive technology that allows you to customize a study plan based on your specific needs, timeline, etc. Try it free for 7-days by following this link: https://bit.ly/1aKYX0U

Best,
Rich

torontobound

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31 May 2015, 15:38

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RichEconomistGMAT

Thanks for the reply Rich. No additional resources have been used, aside from Manhattan CATs, and in terms of timing, I've only finished Verbal and AWA early. Everything else, I'm usually a little pressed for time w/ regards to everything else

torontobound

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14 Jun 2015, 12:38

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Took another Manhattan CAT Practice:

Previous Score: 480
Newest Score: 580

Category / Score / Estimate Percentile
IR / 3.87 / 3-5
Quant / 36 / 36%
Verbal / 33 / 69%

Overall, it was a good exam. Quant was very tricky. I spent too much time on a few questions and was pressed for time, but overall fared better this time around. Verbal was good too -- a couple tricky ones but I did score relatively well on the harder q's (700-800).

I've booked my test for July 18 and will be receiving tutoring moving forward. I will provide any further updates when possible.

OptimusPrepJanielle

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25 Jun 2015, 12:30

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Hello torontobound,

If you can, think of every question in a more procedural way. By that I mean asking yourself what the question wants, what information you already have, and then decide how to bridge that gap between what you need to know and what you know. There are often many ways to solve the problem and you can learn for yourself what works best for you. Try different approaches, such as picking numbers, or using algebra, for example, and apply those approaches where you can. As you study, try to see patterns in the types of questions. They are mostly testing the same concepts but in different contexts. Finally, I think you'll get better at applying concepts by simply doing many problems. After some time you should also repeat the questions that you've already done for some sharper insight.

I hope that helps!

torontobound

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28 Jun 2015, 09:01

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Took the final Manhattan CAT Practice:

Previous Score: 580
Newest Score: 540

Category / Score / Estimate Percentile
IR / 1.77/ 1-3
Quant / 39 / 49%
Verbal / 27 / 46%

Overall, math was good. Verbal sucked hard. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I hit at least 30+ for my Verbal score, I would have gotten a 600? For some reason, I've been focusing on math a lot and neglecting verbal (as in studying and getting lots of wrong for verbal but not really paying attention). Are there any free resources for improving verbal?

Optimus -- thank you for the tips! My tutor tells me the same thing -- understanding the process.

torontobound

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18 Jul 2015, 09:57

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Hi everyone, I finally took the GMAT and am happy to report a score of 570. While I've achieved my scores, I'm debating on whether or not I should retake it but I'll give it another month. For now, I want to rest after nearly a year of studying (~10+ months).

Scaled Scores...

IR - 5
Quant - 39
Verbal - 28

Which is a very big surprise considering I had a hard time with Quant.

The good news is, coupled with my employment profile, average GPA, and score, I can wade the waters in applying to MBA schools within Canada. I took a look again at the Canadian schools I want to apply to (Laurier, Carleton, U of Ottawa, Ryerson) and while their averages are higher, the range is still 550 across the board.

What do you guys think? Should I proceed with applications then?

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18 Jul 2015, 16:30

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Hi torontobound,

Considering that you've raised your score from a 310 to a 570, and that 570 is at the higher end of your performance range (AND accomplishes your initial goal)... I think that you can begin to work on your applications. Considering that you're 'in range' of all of the Schools that you named, and that applications take time to properly 'craft', you could be applying this Fall.

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

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18 Jul 2015, 16:32

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EMPOWERgmatRichC

Appreciate the input... that's the plan for now. If I do rewrite it, it'll either be in September or possibly in a few months.

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21 Jul 2015, 02:26

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torontobound

Great! Congratulations on achieving your target score. If your score is within 20-30 points of the averages of your target schools, you should be comfortable. Your application is what will make all the difference.
If you do plan to retake, do not retake till you get a 700 on at least a couple of practice tests and hence are able to achieve at least 650 on the real thing. It will make sense to retake and get a 650. A retake with 590 would be a waste of time and money.

RichEconomistGMAT

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21 Jul 2015, 07:28

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Hi torontobound,

Congrats! I also think that you can start putting together your applications. If you have any feelings of uncertainty throughout the process, though, feel free to reach out to admissions officers at any of the schools you're interested in to discuss your profile (although if you've already done so, you should trust the information they've given you).

Best,
Rich

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23 Jul 2015, 09:10

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torontobound

Congratulations torontobound! I wouldn't sit through another test unless I planned to score a hundred or more points higher. That might not be worth your energy considering you've already studied ten months and you're already in the score range of the universities that you want. Proceed with the application process.

Crossing my fingers!

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