1 Month Away - How to Study?

[JaredH171]

Hi all,

Over the past 2 months, I've worked my way through the comprehensive set of MGMAT Quant guides (including Advanced Quant) and am in the middle of Sentence Correction.

I have taken the first 3 MGMAT tests and took my first GMAT Prep test today and scored 720 (Q48;V41). I am aiming to score in the 730 - 750 range on the real thing.

What should I focus on over the next month to achieve my goal? I know most of my time should go into Quant as this is my weaker area, but what specifically should I do (take a bunch of practice tests, review content, do practice problems?)

My scores to date are as follows:

MGMAT 1: 630 (Q37;V38)
MGMAT 2: 650 (Q42;V37)
MGMAT 3: 640 (Q42;V36)
GMAT Prep 1: 720 (Q48;V41)

All tests were taken under test conditions w/ CR and Essay (except first). I found the GMAT Prep test to be significantly easier, especially the quant.

Thanks for your help!

[AceTheGM@]

Out of curiousity, what was the date you took MGMAT 3 on, and what date did you take GMAT Prep 1 on? I got a 640 on an MGMAT test last weekend and am determining when to take my GMAT Prep test. Thanks and congrats on the 720!

[JaredH171]

I've been taking a practice test every other weekend, so I took MGMAT3 two weeks ago on 5/10.

I definitely feel I improved over those two weeks, but if I had to guess, that only accounts for 20-30 points in the score jump. The GMAT Prep test was way easier IMO.

I'm curious to hear what you think after taking GMAT Prep and if you experience a similar score jump.

I plan to keep going with the MGMAT tests to keep challenging myself.

[StaceyKoprince]

A lot of people feel our quant can be harder than the real thing, but people also sometimes feel GMATPrep can be easier than the real thing - so just be careful there. Your score may be somewhere in the middle.

Also, people generally find out test harder when they're struggling with one of two things:
(1) timing
(2) computation on PS

If you're struggling with either (especially the first one!), let me know.

In fact, I'll just preemptively say read this, since everyone can get better at timing and mindset:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/

And then this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

In terms of what to study, yes, quant is lower for you, so agreed that your focus should be there. Focus on the low-hanging fruit categories first:
(1) places where you tend to make careless mistakes (including any fast-and-wrong problems that you weren't choosing to get wrong fast on purpose)
(2) problems you get right but take somewhat too long to do (+30-60 seconds over the expected average for that problem type)
(3) problems you miss in normal time in areas that are normally medium to strong for you

For problems you're getting wrong slowly... start getting them wrong faster. :) Spend that time somewhere else (eg, in categories 1 and 3 above).

If you'd like more specific advice on content, you can use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT (this should take you a minimum of 1 hour):
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... ts-part-1/

Figure out your strengths and weaknesses as well as what you think you should do based on that analysis. Then come back here and tell us; we'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)