Confused : GMAT performance vs Practice test performance

[mohammedzabiulla]

Dear Instructors,

2 months ago,I started preparing for GMAT seriously. I have done about half of the OG 13(quant and SC completely, few CR questions and no RC ). Then I realised that I had only 2 weeks to go. I brushed up my basic math and verbal in one week and in the last week I concentrated on taking exams.

I took 5 tests in total and scored as follows

Day 1 - MGMAT1 - 500 (Q30,V29)
Day 2 - MGMAT2 - 580 (Q42,V29)
Day 4 - MGMAT3 - 550 (Q44,V24)
Day 5 - GMAT PREP 1 - 600 (Q40,V32)
Day 6 - GMAT PREP 2 - 590 (Q48,V23)

Day 7 - Real GMAT - 640 (Q44,V34)

I am planning to retake the exam in another 2 months. I would like to know how I can get closer to 40 in verbal and closer to 50 in quant. Should I start form the basics again? Any help would be appreciated.

[sachin.w]

I would suggest not booking the date again unless you see your desired scores on the mocks.
But I guess Stacey would be the best to answer your query.

[StaceyKoprince]

First, congratulations on scoring better on the real test than you did on your practice tests! That's not common. :)

Second, you talk about how many questions and tests you did, but you don't talk at all about what materials you used to get better at answering questions and taking tests. Did you use anything that taught you the material you needed to learn and helped you get better? (eg, books, classes, etc.) If not, then that's one thing you're going to need to do to get closer to Q50 / V40.

Read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... an-part-1/

(make sure to read both parts and to follow the links to the other articles listed in there)

After you've done that (and read the other articles), you can also
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 from the tests. 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!)