Inputs on strategy

[yogeshwar.aca]

Hi Stacey

I've scheduled my test on the 12th of July 2011. I need your inputs on the below. I've taken Gmat last year and scored Q45 , V29
Quant- I've been scoring at 45 levels in my mock tests. I need to push it to 48-49 levels. I've covered most concepts. I need to know what it takes to get a 49.
Verbal- I guess my low score can also be attributed to the "stamina" factor. I never took my tests with essays. I intend to set it right now. My verbal levels in mock tests vary between 35-38.
My ideal score would be Q 49, v 40.
I 've used the strategy guides for quant. I use grockit for practice as I've run out of material(apologies). I'm off from work from the 28th of June to nail this one. Assuming my prep is gonna peak from June 20th onwards, How should I go about my prep as I do not have a definite strategy in place.

Yogesh

[StaceyKoprince]

You want to go from Q45 (72nd %ile) to 48/49 (82/86) and from V29 (not a typo) to V40, which is a much more significant jump.

Why am I using V29 and not V35-38 as your base score? Because (a) you told me that you didn't do the essays on your tests, which inflates your score, and (b) the materials you listed for practice do not include materials that actually teach you how to do verbal. (I'm not talking about practice questions - I'm talking about things that actually tell you what you need to do in order to get better.)

If the 35-38 scores are actually with essays, under 100% official testing conditions, without repeated questions, etc (that is, if the scores are generally valid, reliable), then let me know.

If you have been using materials that teach you how to get better at verbal, let me know that, too.

If I go by what I know right now, though, then I have to tell you that 12 July is too ambitious for your goals - you're likely to need more time.

If we go with 35-38 as your base for verbal... then that might be enough time, but it might not.

Now, in terms of WHAT to do, I need more info from you about your strengths and weaknesses. Use the below article to assess your most recent practice test that was taken under as close to real conditions as possible - that is, with results that are as valid as possible. (Note that the article was written based on MGMAT practice tests, so if you have such a test available, use it.)

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/02/ ... sts-part-1

Then come back here and let us know what you discovered and we'll help to advise you.

You may also find these two articles helpful in terms of developing your overall study plan:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/02/ ... study-plan
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/09/ ... your-study