GMAT Strategy

I took a MGMAT practice test (second one) and scored a 640! For me this is huge because I've never broken 600. I'm really excited because I took the GMAT a couple of weeks ago and scored a terrible 540. I need over a 600 for my target school, so this is encouraging.

My previous practice test results:

Kaplan: 550

GMATPrep 1: 590

GMATPrep 2: 600

MGMAT 1: 590

MGMAT 2: 640

I'm reviewing every question, trying to pinpoint my weak areas, etc. The biggest thing I'm improving in is my Quant. timing. I think this is why I did so bad on the real GMAT. I scored a 37 in Quant. which means I still missed quite a few questions. While my timing is improving I would like to improve my skills a little bit before I re-take the GMAT. I feel comfortable with pretty much every topic, I just seem to miss a lot of questions that usually seem obvious once I review. I think since my timing is tight, I'm making mistakes I wouldn't have if I had plenty of time.

With that said, how would you evaluate this strong increase in practice test score? Could this be a fluke? Am I finally getting something that I was having trouble with before? I know this is somewhat subjective, but any comments are welcome.

Also, how would you evaluate the MGMAT practice tests? I've heard they a more difficult than actual GMAT which I'm unsure if is true. I like them because they give detailed analysis and place for review. I have 4 more left that I will keep taking before I re-take the GMAT.

I feel like constant practice test taking with review is helping me more than working with the OG (which is what I did last time). Before my first test I worked mostly with the OG, then took a practice test on the weekend. Since I've exhausted most of the OG, I'm going to focus solely on practice tests and review to perfect my timing and ability to answer questions, but I'm wondering if MGMAT is good for this? Sorry for the long post.

You clearly are improving. If you feel comfortable with most topics and still getting a low score on quant then timing is certainly a problem. The best way to deal with timing issues is practice and discipline (which again can be improved on by practice), so I do think you are on the right path by giving more tests.

The gradual increase in marks certainly points towards an improvement in your performance and I certainly wouldnt consider it to be a fluke.

About MGMAT, they are one of the best prep companies and have excellent materials and mock tests. After the OG and GMAT prep I would certainly rate MGMAT to be closest to the real thing, so if you have exhausted your OG and GMAT prep, MGMAT would be good practice material.

You would have to talk to Stacey regarding how difficult MGMAT is compared to the original GMAT.