Stagnant Score

[uqbarashid]

Hello!

I've been studying full-time (8 hrs/day) from the Manhattan books for the past month and have managed to improve my score from a 490 to a 540. I also have an evenly distributed score. I just did a mock this morning and scored 540(Q36, V28) on GmatPrep. My test is coming up on the 22nd (two weeks from now). Any strategies on how to improve? I'm aiming for a 600-620 and can devote substantial time to this.

[StaceyKoprince]

Good work so far - you're making solid improvement. I have to let you know that most people would need more than two weeks to pick up another 60 to 80 points improvement, even studying full time. There are certain things that just can't be crammed on a test like this; it isn't a measure of the quantity of your preparation.

Do you have the ability to postpone your test? If so, then I would recommend doing so. If not, we'll still go for it, but you should expect that it will be very difficult to break 600 in such a short timeframe.

In order to advise you, I need to get some more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis and what you think you should do based on that analysis. 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!)

Also, most people find that they do struggle with timing on this test. If you do as well, that's good news, because timing can sometimes be fixed more quickly than other things (though it still typically takes a good 4 to 6 weeks). Here are some resources that can help:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

Also read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -to-do-it/

And this one on careless errors:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

When you respond with your analysis, please also let me know whether you're going to keep your current test date or whether you're going to postpone (and, if you're going to postpone, how much longer you'll have).