Stuck with 2.5 Weeks to Go, Help!

[KateO945]

Hello,

I'm a bit stuck! I've been studying for the GMAT since late July using the Manhattan GMAT Interact Quant course, Manhattan GMAT Verbal strategy guides, and Original Guide.

I took the test on 20 September and scored a 650 (Q39, V41). Leading up to that test I took the following CATs:
--MGMAT: Aug 8, 560 (Q36, V31) Diagnostic before studying
--MGMAT: Aug 25, 640 (Q40, V37)
--MGMAT: Sep 6, 630 (Q39, V37)
--GMATPrep: Sep 8, 640 (Q42, V35)

Since taking the test on the 20th, I've been doing CAT analysis to try and pinpoint my weaknesses. I have been practicing problems from those "weakness" buckets but still seem to make stupid mistakes and don't get enough higher level problems right. I took another MGMAT CAT today and was very disappointed to get a 620 (Q38, V36).

I'd really like to get my score up to 680+. Is there anything I can do before October 24 to make a difference? Should I try to push off the test or just call it a day with the 650? I am planning to apply to schools with November deadlines.

Thank you for any help!

[StaceyKoprince]

Hmm, Oct 24th is 16 days from now. You may be able to pick up a few more points, but you're probably not going to change a huge amount in that time.

There are two things that might help in a shorter timeframe:
(1) Timing. Everyone has timing issues. What are your particular issues? (If you're not sure, you need to analyze your most recent test again!)

You mentioned the buckets, so it sounds like you do have the CAT Analysis article, but just to make sure:
http://tinyurl.com/analyzeyourcats

(2) Careless mistakes. If you can minimize these as much as possible, that can help gain you another 10 to 20 points. Have you read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

Also, what are the averages for your target schools? Are you in range already or are you a bit low?

And one last thing: now that you do have a 650 on record, your first priority is making sure that the rest of your application (particularly your essays) is stellar. If, by studying for a re-take, you will compromise your applications, don't do it. If the application has problems / is mediocre, then it won't matter whether you have a 650 or a 680 or higher! Since the deadlines are in November, do think carefully about what you can reasonable do in the time you have left.

[nikitat506]

Hi,

I have the same issue. My test is on 11th August and ive about a month to go.

My scores:

GMATPREP 1: Q 46 V 30 640
MGMAT2: Q 44 V 34 640
MGMAT3 : Q 43 V 36 640



M scoring a consistant 640 and i wanna improve my score to atleast a 680. ( so that i score around a 650 on the actual test)


pls help!!

[StaceyKoprince]

Hi, Nikita! Please start your own post so that we can discuss your case alone.

In your post, please tell me how you've been studying so far and what materials you have (books, online resources, etc.).

Also, read these two articles:
http://tinyurl.com/executivereasoning
http://tinyurl.com/2ndlevelofgmat

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. Your analysis should include a discussion of your buckets - you'll understand what that means when you read the last article. 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!)