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

[anon]

I scored a 590 after much studying. I scored 610 once but I feel I got lucky on that test. Is it more difficult to go from a 590 to a 620? What additional problems do I need to master? Could you provide tips to improve from a 590 to 620? Thanks so much.

[StaceyKoprince]

We would be happy to help! We need data from you on your strengths and weaknesses.

If you've taken an MGMAT test recently, analyze it using the below article. If you haven't, take one, and then analyze it using the below article. :)

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here to tell us your analysis (not just the raw data!). We can use that to figure out what you need to do in order to improve.

If you have any timing problems (most people do), read this article and start doing what it says:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/

[anon]

Thanks. I have one new CAT test left with MGMAT. I'll take that test and post my results. Thanks!

I believe I can restart the CAT's when I finish my final test if I want more practice, right? Also, is a 620 much harder to score than a 590?

I have finally practiced enough so my endurance is there. I have been writing the essays, answering math and verbal and taking the appropriate short breaks. It took a while to build up the endurance but I'm finally capable. I take the tests at home so the test day environment will be different.

I find that I actually rush myself a little to much because I lack confidence on the first few math questions. I'm starting to think I should even take 5 minutes on the first question just to get it right. On my last test, I got the first 3 questions wrong. The first question was about exponents and the second question was a geometry question. After I finished the test, I worked out question 1 in my head! Regarding Geometry, I am going back over the MGMAT geometry strategy guide. I put geometry second to the other guide books since there was so much.

If you have any suggestions prior to my new testing, I'd appreciate it. I'll read and study the articles you posted tomorrow. Thanks so much for your help! Have a happy holiday.

[anon]

Stacey,

Thanks for these links. The articles cover much more than I have considered in the taking of this test. I find that I use one the methods listed to make sure I have enough time left. I look at the number of remaining questions and make sure I have around 2 minutes per question remaining. I appreciate the suggestions about not rushing on the ones you can solve and not spending more time on the ones you feel you can solve with more time! I'll have to adjust on my next test when I run into that! I'm already wondering if I may not want to take a little extra time on my first question just to get it right!

Thanks.

[StaceyKoprince]

Yes, you can continue to take the tests after taking your first set of 6, but be aware that you may get questions that you've already answered before. Within any set of 6, you won't see repeated questions (so when you start the second set of 6, you won't see questions from test 1 on test 2).

620 is harder than 590 but not MUCH harder. 30 points is considered a relatively modest / achievable score change.

I find that I actually rush myself a little to much because I lack confidence on the first few math questions. I'm starting to think I should even take 5 minutes on the first question just to get it right.

It's important not to rush OR take too much time. Maybe you were joking about the 5 minutes on the first Q thing, but don't do that. :) Don't rush either though - do your work, write everything down, take normal time, and answer. You can get the first question wrong and still get the score you want - you don't have to get the first one right.

Good luck with everything - keep up the hard work and let us know how it goes!

[anon]

Thanks Stacey! I just scored a 600 (36 36). Verbal I do well in the percentile. Math I really want to get above the 50% mark. I want to make sure I can keep up with the math work in the graduate classes. I'm reading the article and will post accordingly shortly. I'm happy I"m moving up! Unfortunately, the system didn't save my argument essay but my issue essay is there. Is it worth purchasing the GMAT write? I was told essay scores aren't that important to the school I'm applying to. Can a computer program really improve my writing and score? Thank you!

Also, after reading the article I see spending 5 minutes on the first question is a bad idea. I guess I was reaching for something different- good to know the first question isn't make it or break it.

[anon]

The worst area is algebra. I got questions wrong on quadratic equations, basic equations, exponential equations, VIC and functions. I scored 22% in this category. Algebra was never a strength of mine during school.
My timing per question averaged close to 2 minutes. Some questions were about a minute and some were 2.5 minutes. I did have 4 minutes left at the end of the quant. section.
In this test I scored 53% with a lower difficulty level of problems in data sufficiency but I scored a 45% in problem solving with a higher level of difficulty question.
Could you please offer your guidance on exactly what I should study to improve? Thanks for your help!

[StaceyKoprince]

You're right that the schools don't care so much about the essay scores. It may be worth doing GMAT Write once just to see what score you get and to make sure it's good enough (generally 4.5 or higher is good enough for any school, and some schools are fine with a 4 as well).

Sounds like DS and PS are roughly similar (the diff levels and percentages correct essentially balance out). Look at the timing for the individual problems. Did you have any over 2.5m for quant (and the other timing guidelines I have for verbal in the article)? How many, which kinds, what happened, etc?

Okay, so algebra is clearly an area that needs some work. 22% correct is basically a random guess position (if you didn't even read the question, you'd still have a 20% chance of guessing correctly). And it sounds like you need a fairly comprehensive review there.

What materials have you been using? Did you take our class and, if so, do you still have access to the tapes of the classes? I'd redo algebra completely - start with Foundations of Math (if you have that book), all of the algebra topics, then move on to the regular strategy guide (equations, inequalities, and VICs), then watch the tape of the class, then continue with OG questions. Use the forums to ask questions about specific topics, techniques, and problems (though remember that you can't post OG problems due to copyright law).

If you can get algebra up to 50%, that could make a significant difference in your score!

[anon]

Thanks. I only purchased the strategy guides and have online access for a little longer. I do have the Foundations of Math book- which chapters should I cover for Algebra? I'll do as you said. Wow, this is quite a test! Okay, I may go ahead and use GMAT write since it's only $40 and the scores will be permanent. Is there a MGMAT Algebra class I can purchase?

Yes, I did have a few over 2.5 minutes and a few under 1 minute that I got wrong. I made a few careless mistakes on the under a minute questions because when I went back to review the problem I solved it correctly. On the over 2.5 minutes the problem seemed solvable to me the more I thought about it but I should have moved on. I'll try to recognize that next time. It seems that making careless mistakes on the easier problem hurt me more than trying to get the harder ones right. I understand that now.

Also, is it okay that I had 4 minutes left at the end of quant.? I try to pay attention to 2 minutes per question at certain points at the test and seem to make quick decisions so I don't run out of time at the end.

Through my re-do of the book questions, I'll be sure to use the forum to get help with any questions I don't understand. I didn't do that last time! I think that will be very helpful. Thanks!

With my verbal, I didn't even get 3 in a row wrong and had a lot of 700-800 questions. As I understand, verbal counts more towards your score than math so I'd love to improve in this area as well. Verbal is my strength. Reading Comp is my strongest area. Sentence correction is my middle area. I noticed I got the Verb and number questions wrong. I actually don't recall this material. With critical reasoning high level questions I find myself getting lost in the information and selection. I have noticed there is some specific GMAT logic behind some of the CR questions so even though I may have one opinion I sometimes recognize what the GMAT wants me to select! But I obviously don't see it all the time.

Thanks so much for all your help! Have a great evening.

[StaceyKoprince]

Do you have the fifth edition or the fourth edition of the guide? The fifth edition was just published earlier this year.

I'll assume you have the fifth, but let me know if now (or just adjust accordingly).

It depends obviously on your specific strengths and weaknesses with respect to algebra, but here are the chapters in the 5th edition that are likely to be most useful for someone struggling with algebra:

Chapter 3 (exponents and roots)
Chapter 6 (equations)
Chapter 7 (quadratic equations)
Chapter 8 (inequalities and absolute value)

Re: timing, start doing what that time management article said. Ideally, you would finish within about 2 minutes of the end time because finishing with more time left just means that you didn't use time that you could have used (to, for example, check your work or work more methodically on some problem and maybe avoid a careless mistake).

You may also want to read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/

Here are some CR resources. Start with this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... g-problem/

And then these:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -problems/
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2009/10/ ... -questions
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/01/ ... cr-problem
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/04/ ... en-problem

And then these (less commonly tested);
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/01/ ... cy-problem
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/01/ ... on-problem
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/02/ ... ce-problem

[anon]

Hi Stacey,

I actually have the fourth edition. I bought it a while ago. It looks like the fourth edition has chapters on equations, quadratic equations and exponents and roots. I've started the "equations" chapter and see where I make mistakes with order of operations if the equations has (a+b/c). It is not natural for me to divide b/c and than add a. On some equations it is easy to see, on others it is harder to spot, so I need to practice that! I also sometimes make basic addition or multiplication errors when I'm working out the problem! Everything else is perfect, I just made one small mistake so the answer is wrong.

I do not see a chapter for inequalities and absolute values though. Where can I find this in the fourth edition?

Thanks again.

[StaceyKoprince]

In the 4th edition, chapter 6 is inequalities. Absolute value is covered in chapter 1 (basic equations).

When you make careless mistakes, figure out exactly what careless mistake you made and why. Keep a log so that you can see whether you repeat the same kinds of careless mistakes. Then figure out what you can do - what good habit you can make or what bad habit you can break - to minimize the chances of making that same careless error again in future.

[anon]

Hi Stacey,

Hope you had a nice holiday. What is the difference between GMAT write and GMAT write 1? Thanks!!

[StaceyKoprince]

Don't know - never heard of GMAT Write 1. I thought the program was just called GMAT Write!

Go onto the mba.com website - just use whatever they list as the GMAT Write program. :)

[anon]

Hi Stacey,

I scheduled the GMAT for mid February! I got a 1:30 PM appointment. I've done 2 programs online, the MGMAT books and the OG books. I don't think I'm going to be able to improve my score much more unless I dive into a whole other program.

I purchased GMAT write from MBA.com but they transfer you to a company called Vantage Online. When I purchased I didn't have an option to buy only GMAT write so I bought GMAt write 1. I just completed 2 essays with them and got a 5 on Issue and 6 on Argument. I'm more comfortable with argument as I imagine most MBA students are. That's what we are taught in school. :) I did get an error on Argument because I had to much repetition. It looked like I used "The argument blahblahblah. Do you have any suggestions for changing this up? That's my tendency because that's what the prompt asks for.

Since I only have a month until I test, what should I do with my time? Just go back through the MGMAT guides that I'm weakest in and keep taking practice tests? Is a practice test a week to much? Maybe every 2 weeks? Also, how do your students finally memorize all those "must memorize" pieces of information? There's so much of it it's hard to know where to spend my time, especially since the test only has 80 ?'s.

When should I take my last practice test? Those take a lot of energy and concentration and I want to make sure I'm running on 100% test day.

Thanks!!