GMAT Verbal Help ! Help !

[SachinJ267]

Here are my test scores:

CAT 6 3/11/2015 Q44 V28 590
CAT 5 3/2/2015 Q38 V34 590
CAT 4 1/5/2015 Q44 V28 590
CAT 3 12/24/2014 Q44 V29 590
CAT 2 10/16/2014 Q39 V31 580
CAT 1 8/18/2014 Q44 V29 590

Please help me I am stuck in the 590s. I just can't seem to get my score past 600 or for that matter to 600. I am taking the official GMAT on 16th of March. I have only four days and I am really scared for the official test.
If you have any suggestions for the last four days mainly regarding VERBAL and IR, I will be really grateful.

Also, can I expect any score improvements in official test?

[StaceyKoprince]

It's unusual to see a big score jump from your performance shortly before the test to the real test. It can happen sometimes, but it isn't the typical case.

Since you've already paid for the test and it's too late to reschedule it, you might as well go ahead and take the test. Consider it a practice run - a chance to see how the testing center works and to get one test experience under your belt.

If things go extra well, then you may hit 600+. (And maybe that's good enough? you didn't mention your goal) I do notice that, on your last two tests, you had one with a higher quant score and one with a higher verbal score. Do you know why your scores flip-flopped like that? If you can figure out why, then there may be something you can do to increase the chances that you'll be at your top quant and verbal going into the real test (though you may not be able to figure this out and take the necessary steps in only a few days).

If you need to take the test again, then we need to talk about how to study for the test in a more effective way.

[I recommend doing this next part after you have taken the real test.]

Let's start with an analysis of those last two tests to figure out why you get a much better quant score on one and a much better verbal score on the other. Think about any differences that you're aware of between the two and also look at the data for both tests.

Next, read these two articles:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/2013 ... lly-tests/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/2013/ ... -the-gmat/

Think about how what you've been doing does and doesn't match up with that and how you may need to change your approach accordingly.

Then, use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CATs (this should take you a minimum of 1 hour):
http://tinyurl.com/analyzeyourcats

Based on all of that, figure out your strengths and weaknesses as well as any ideas you have for what you think you should do. Then come back here and tell us; we'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (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!)

[SachinJ267]

Hi Stacy,
I did analyse my last two practice tests it was really helpful (At least in Quant). I gave the second GMAT prep Second exam today. Score is:

IR4 Q49 V26 Overall 620.

Please help me with some last minute prep tips for verbal and IR.
I will give my best in the last two days just provide me a road map.

Regards,
Sachin Jadhav

[StaceyKoprince]

At this point, it's crucial for you NOT to do too much. If you tire your brain out out in these final two days, your performance may drop on the real test.

The final couple of days should be nothing more than a high level review of the major strategies (including timing) that you want to use on test day. Don't do more than a couple of hours each day - seriously.

One thing that could help at the last minute: make sure that you're able to cut yourself off and let a problem go when it's taking too long / requiring too much mental energy.

Whenever I find myself thinking any variation of, "But I studied this! I should know how to do it!! Maybe if I just try it this other way, I'll finally figure it out..." then I know that I have to stop myself RIGHT NOW, pick my favorite letter, and move on. I don't really know what I'm doing, or I wouldn't be thinking that I "should" know how to do it. I'm also using up valuable mental energy and getting frustrated, both of which are going to make it harder for me to keep up my performance throughout the entire nearly 4-hour-long test.

Other than that, high level review only today and tomorrow, do some physical exercise or activity to help you get a good night's sleep, and set up some activities that will help you to take your mind off of the test: re-watch a favorite movie or go see a movie you've been wanting to see; have dinner at a favorite restaurant with family or friends; etc.

good luck!!