GMAC score of 590 V 36 Q35- how can I improve?

[StaceyKoprince]

Probably that's just who they have doing the transaction (for GMAT Write).

For language variation, try things like "The author claims / argues, states / asserts" in addition to "The argument / passage says / states." :)

Are you still trying to improve at this point, or are you just reviewing and solidifying? Improvement doesn't come from taking a bunch of tests. CAT exams are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.

Generally speaking, we try to improve up until about 10 to 14 days before the real test, and then we switch to reviewing and gearing up for the big day.

Re: the "must memorize" things, I assume you're referring to facts, rules, etc. How did you memorize those kinds of things in school? I like flashcards, because you can then use them to keep quizzing yourself.

Also, I just want to make sure: you aren't trying to memorize all the different solution methods for all the problems that you study - that would take forever. Instead, you're trying to learn how to think your way through any problem in general (with the understanding that sometimes you'll get problems you can't do, and your goal there is to recognize that before too much time has passed, so that you can guess and move on).

If possible, take your last practice test exactly 1 week before at the same time of day (and make sure to take it under 100% official conditions). If you can't do it that exact day, do it about 5 to 8 days before (but not closer to the real test than 5 days).

And use these for the last 2 weeks (can be compressed to 10 days if needed):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... game-plan/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... game-plan/

[anon]

Hi Stacey,

I hope you are doing well. I took a practice test today and got 610. 40Q 34V. Last week I scored 570! So, it seems to depend on my mindset when I sit down to test. I also realized I have to bring some very nourishing snacks to keep me going through the verbal! I heard verbal is more important to your score in the computation but don't see that reflected on my Mgmat verbal section. Is the real GMAT computed a little differently? I expect my verbal to pull my score up but considering it's 2.5 hours into testing, I'm not seeing the results I know I am capable of.

I've noticed my reading comp scores aren't as high as expected. This is my strength and I think I've spent a lot of time on other areas. Do you have any recommendations or articles I can review and refresh myself on with common reading comp. questions. I can definitely see a pattern in the answer choices and what ends up being right and wrong on the GMAT but don't feel very up to date on this right now. Any help would be appreciated!!

I noticed by reviewing my test last week that I actually did know how to solve a lot of the math questions I just didn't recognize the information as it was presented and under the time constraint I moved on before I really should have. It's quite a balancing act of deciding when you can solve and when you can't. It's also interesting how the test throws in easy questions even when you are doing well! It use to make me nervous but now I don't mind after seeing lots of harder ones! :)

The GMAT write was helpful. I still have to write 2 essays with them but all the essays basically are the same, especially the argument. Thanks for your help on this too!

Have a nice day. I appreciate your response.

[anon]

Hi Stacey,

I took my last practice test today and got a 640 Q40 V32. I'm surprised my verbal is lower. Verbal I tend to have a lot of 700-800 questions and quant. is all over the place with difficulty. I'm much more comfortable with the test and the endurance needed. My argument essay was over 600 words and flowed. My issue essay was over 500 words and wasn't bad. They are probably a 6 and a 5, respectively. Thanks for your help and any other advice you have for this final week. I still have to review my test.

But there are common questions I want to study a little more on, such as combined work rates and overlapping sets. The time pressure always stresses me so I think with some final review I'll be able to apply more quickly on these. Have a great day!

[StaceyKoprince]

Hi - oh, shoot - you waited longer for a response because you posted a second time before I came in, so that pushed your question later in the queue. Next time, edit your older response to add your new info (so that the date on your post is still 2 Feb). :)

The verbal is weighted a little bit more heavily than the quant in the overall score - but it isn't something you will likely be able to notice just by looking at your scores. (It used to be weighted much more heavily and was more obvious then.)

Here are some RC resources (below), but I'll also recommend this: go do OG RC and ask yourself:
- WHY is the right answer right?
- WHY would someone eliminate the right answer?
- WHY is each wrong answer wrong?
- WHY would someone pick each wrong answer? (Can limit this to just the one or two most tempting wrong answers)

Really try to understand *how* they draw you away and get you to fall into a trap.

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/04/ ... mp-passage
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/07/ ... rc-passage

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/09/ ... prehension
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/11/ ... il-problem
http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/a ... estion.cfm

I just didn't recognize the information as it was presented

Pull out some flashcards. On one side, write: When I see _______. On the other: I'll think / do ______.

Now, go back to those problems and ask yourself, "Now that I know this problem is really about XYZ, what are the clues that should have allowed me to recognize that quickly in the first place?" Work backwards. Learn how to translate from GMAT-speak into your-brain-speak. Then you'll be able to recognize more of this stuff in future!

The last week should be primarily review. Don't stress about big weaknesses - we all have weaknesses and they're not going to change in the last week anyway. Know how to make guesses on those problems and make sure you're able to cut yourself off when needed.

Were there any stamina factors going on with verbal? Go take a look - did you have a higher incidence of careless mistakes than usual? Did you have any lapses where you got several in a row wrong (often in the middle or towards the end of the section), including some that you would consider careless mistakes?

Make sure not to tire yourself out in the few days before the test. No more than about 2h of study the day before, and then do something that will take your mind off of the test. (Go to the movies! Seriously!)

Good luck!