710 M51, V35 retake in 4 weeks for V40

[reckless303]

Gave gmat on oct 4th. 710 (M51,V35) Verbal score was a disappointment. I want to know how to improve my Verbal scores, hence i am only showing my verbal scores below.

I had given 5 MGMAT CATs last year so didnt repeat them this year. The scores are below:
MGMAT1: V28 (wrong questions 4RC, 10SC, 8 CR)
MGMAT2: V33 (wrong questions 7RC, 5SC, 6 CR)
MGMAT3: V41 (wrong questions 5RC, 3SC, 3 CR) in unlimited time.
MGMAT4: V33 (wrong questions 3RC, 4SC, 7 CR)
MGMAT5: V34 (wrong questions 6RC, 4SC, 7 CR)

2 months back in MGMAT6 i got
V40(wrong questions 6RC, 6SC, 3CR).
Last 2 days before test i gave the GmatPrep tests and got V38(wrong questions 4RC, 5SC, 2CR) In this exam i hurried from the start till the end and was able to finish 2 minutes earlier.
V34(wrong questions 3RC, 9SC, 2CR). In this exam i took my time for the first 20 questions and was left with 10 minutes for the last 10 questions. i had to guess a few(intelligent guess 2-3) quickly and the last question was pure guess. This is exactly what happened in the real test.

For RC i read a some novels to improve my speed and comprehension. I have a reading speed of 190 wpm approx. with good comprehension. I cant seem to be able to improve my speed any further.
For SC i did MGMAT SC Strategy guide 8 4th edition with revision.
For CR i just concentrated on types of questions.

Please suggest strategy specific to my case. I want to give gmat in 4 weeks for a score of V40.
I am also looking for ques for increasing my speed in the exam. I am still scared of SC, also i had no idea that the pattern is changing this year for SC to more meaning based questions rather than idioms and as such. Are the MGMAT CATs and SC guide changed accordingly? Please help me in preparing my plan, books to read mocks etc.

Ankit.

[StaceyKoprince]

was left with 10 minutes for the last 10 questions. i had to guess a few(intelligent guess 2-3) quickly and the last question was pure guess. This is exactly what happened in the real test.

This is what happened: you messed up the timing and your score dropped. You have to fix the timing before you take the test again.

Most people need closer to 6 weeks to fix timing issues - longer, if the issues are severe. 4 weeks may not be enough time.

Also, on the recent test for which your timing was okay, you scored 38, but you want an even higher score - 40. It's likely, then, that you're going to need more than 4 weeks, because you have to fix the timing issues AND you have to find some way to get even better.

So, it's fine to still aim for 4 weeks right now, but have the flexibility in mind to take more time if you need it.

For timing, read these two articles and start doing what they say:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

I'd also like to get some more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses in order to advise you (the number wrong per category doesn't actually tell us that much without the timing and difficult level data). Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis and what you think you should do based on that analysis. (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!)

For RC, your reading speed is fine; my guess is that your approach could be better, though. Start with these articles:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... p-passage/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -passages/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... c-passage/

For SC meaning, start here:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... orrection/

Our new SC strategy guide (5th edition) does cover more of the meaning-based issues (meaning overlaps greatly with certain grammar areas, such as modifiers and verb tense). We have also been adding more meaning-based SCs into the CATs, yes.

[reckless303]

Gave gmat today - q 50 v 39 overall 740
Quant got over confident made a few silly mistakes.
Verbal left last 2 questions unanswered. I was expecting a below 700 score this time. Managed to hold up anxiety for 20-25 questions in verbal, but the time crunch in the last 10 questions took the toll. Good enough score to try out all 2nd tier apps. Thanks for asking me to analyse my tests. I further improved my SC, did no CR, did some tough RCs. GMAT was relatively easy and felt good answering questions. Did speed reading exercise and read a couple of fiction novels. I am looking for counselling which is not costly.

Thanks,
Ankit.

[StaceyKoprince]

Nice work! I know you wanted V40, but V39 is close enough. :)

Good luck on apps!