640 on actual GMAT - need tips on improving score

[sehar]

Hi,

I need some advice on how to improve my score from 640 in the actual GMAT test.

In the first 5-6 weeks, I studied using the Self-Guided Study course (with only the first class recording). After finishing most of the OG Problems by the end of the 8th week, I felt I needed help (other than the labs). So, I upgraded to the PLUS which gave me access to all the previous class recordings as well. Since I had already done most of the OG Problems in weeks 1-8 in the detailed study schedule without reviewing the classes, I went forward and did only the EXTRA OG Problems after viewing the classes. I took about 3-4 weeks studying with all the 9 classes.

I was getting 580, 590 in the CAT MGMAT practice tests, and got a 640 in the practice GMAT exam which I had downloaded from mba.com, but I still went ahead and took the actual exam, just because I needed to get a feel for it! Upon exam day, I was thrilled that I got 640 -- which was the best score out of all my practice tests. Now, I need to figure out how to improve my score as I want to take the exam again in about a month's time.

Any ideas? recommended strategies?

Thanks!
Sehar

[StaceyKoprince]

Nice improvement! You don't mention how much you want to improve your score, but I'll assume that you want to improve by at least 30 points or so, or you probably wouldn't bother taking it again.

Generally speaking, you'll need to go back and study certain things over again rather than do something completely new - if your score isn't where you want it to be, then there are some things you didn't learn well enough the first time around.

Go back and run the assessment reports for the last test or two that you took (I prefer two but this only works if they're both relatively recent - in the last 3-4 weeks). Take a look at your strengths and weaknesses NOT just for percentage correct but also for timing and difficulty level. How are you on the most commonly tested stuff?

The most commonly tested stuff:
- number properties (all)
- basic alg, quadratics, inequalities
- circles and triangles
- percents and fractions
- rates & work, averages, ratios
- general translation of word problems
- parallelism, modifiers, verb tenses, subj-verb agreement
- weaken the conclusion, find the assumption (CR)
- specific detail and inference (RC)

Go back and redo the lessons for any areas in which you're lagging - again, NOT just based on percentage correct, but also based on timing. It's not okay to have a great % correct for something but take 3 min on average to do that type of problem.

In particular, if you got something wrong, think about:
1) Why did I get it wrong (as specifically as possible)?
2) What could I do to minimize the chance of making that error (or those errors) again?  How will I make whatever that is a habit so that I really do minimize chances of making the same error again?
3) What are the right / better ways to do it?
4) Of the right ways, which one is the best way for me (combining both efficiency and effectiveness) given my strengths and weaknesses?
5) How will I recognize problems of similar type in future so that I can apply that "best way" to the problem?

For ones you got right:
1) Did I really know what I was doing or did I get lucky?  If I got lucky, review all of the "wrong answer" questions, above
2) If I did know what I was doing, did I also do it in the best way (for me)?  If not, figure out the best way for you.
3) How will I recognize problems of similar type in future so that I can either repeat my original success or apply my new "best way" to the problem?

And in particular for verbal, articulate:
- specifically why each wrong answer is wrong
- which wrong answer is the most tempting and why
- how to recognize that the tempting wrong answer is still wrong anyway so you can eliminate it
- why the right answer is right
- why someone might get fooled into thinking the right answer is wrong

That should keep you busy for a while. :)