How long?

[patriciacoronado]

Hello,

I am a bit frustrated and confused. I have been studing since 6 moths ago and I have gone from 380 to 600, but no improvement after that. In my practice tests I usually get 40 in the Quantititive Section...This is what worries me, and I cannot finish the quantitative section, usually 7 questions left.

I would appreciate if any instructor can tell me about how long it could take me to improve from Q:40 to more than Q:48, I really don´t have idea...maybe one month, maybe two, maybe 6 months, or even 1 year? I was planning to apply on september 2010, but I am not sure how long it will take me to cross the 700...

Thank you in advance for your reply!

[jeremy.hansen]

I don't think the answer of how long can be estimated without knowing what form of studying are you and have you done (class, self pace class, books)? How often and long?

what kinds of problems are you having trouble with?

Also what sort of investment are you able to make? Could you do a class if you have not yet? What about private tutoring?

[patriciacoronado]

For six months, I´ve been studying two hours every day from monday to friday, five hours on saturdays and five hours on sundays.

I´ve been studying by myself (no classes).

The books I have covered:
- 5 Manhattan Quantitative
- Official guide
- Quantitative review
- Verbal review
- Some chapters of Kaplan

Unfortunately now I cannot handel a personal instructor nor attend classes.

Since November, my Quantitative score have gone from Q:32 to Q:40

Hope you can help me to estimate how long it would take me to reach a Q:49.

Thank you!!

[jeremy.hansen]

I don't think you can just come up with an estimate of how long it will take. Way too many variables.

Based on the prior 6 months (8 point improvement) you would have to say longer than 6 months because the difficulty level increases so the rate should decrease. But that means nothing because it does not take into account specific details.

Why do you need to know how long it will take you? What do you gain from this information?

Instead I think you should really because focused on what areas you need to work on.

What are your 3 weakest areas?

Since you have the Manhattan books you should be able to take a CAT here and get this information.

Also it seems like what you really need to focus on is getting through questions fster than you are. Problem recognition (what) & strategy identification (how) would be where I would start. Goal #1 should be getting through the section without running out of time. I imagine just that would result in a pretty good boost. What questions are taking you the longest? why?

[StaceyKoprince]

I agree with Jeremy that there are a lot of variables that go into a "how long should I study" estimate. There's no simple answer to that question.

First, you have done a FANTASTIC job so far, so congratulations on all of the progress you've made. I know you're frustrated, but you should give yourself credit for what you have accomplished; that makes it more likely that you can continue to accomplish more.

You mention that you cannot take a class or work with a tutor. Is that because of a scheduling problem or a financial problem? ManhattanGMAT has, in the past, offered classes occasionally for which students have received financial aid (that is, the course was heavily discounted). Another web site, Beat the GMAT, also periodically holds contests for which people who demonstrate need can get discounts and possibly even free courses from a variety of companies. In other words, if you're having a financial problem, there are still ways that you might be able to take a class.

I'm mentioning this because it sounds like you've hit a bit of a wall, and you may need some outside help to get yourself to the next level.

This is what worries me, and I cannot finish the quantitative section, usually 7 questions left.

What does this mean? Do you mean that you leave 7 blank at the end? You guess on 7 at the end and get most wrong? If either of those two things is happening, then the good news is: your quant knowledge is already at a higher level than your score shows. The bad news is that timing problems are preventing you from getting that score.

Take a look at the below article; it has a ton of links to other articles that will be helpful for you, I think.

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/03/22/the-best-of-beat-the-gmat-mgmat-how-to-study-list

Given the timing problem you described, you may want to start with our free e-book, The GMAT Uncovered (the article describes how to get this book). It will help you to understand how the timing works and what implications that has for taking the test. (Alternatively, you can just believe me when I say: you cannot let yourself run out of time like that. You will always have to guess on some problems, so guess on the hardest ones as you see them during the test. Then, you won't be forced to guess on a bunch in a row at the end.)

Then go back to the beginning of the article and start from there. If you have any questions about any of the steps or activities described in the articles, come back here to ask!!

[patriciacoronado]

Jeremy and Stacey,

Thank you very much for your help!

[StaceyKoprince]

You're welcome!