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nlisauskas
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2015 11:21 am
- Thanked: 3 times
I scored a 740 on April 15 (Q49 V42). It took plenty of preparation, but knowing what I know now I could have achieved the same improvement in way less time if I had studied the proper way. Let's breakdown my practice score progression (my early scores were heavily inflated due to not using actual testing conditions, etc.):
12/29 610 Q40 V34
1/20 590 (forgot splits)
2/16 650 Q42 V37
3/2 640 Q43 V34
3/25 680 Q47 V36
4/10 730 Q49 V41
415 740 Q49 V42
The first four exams were Manhattan prep tests, the next two were GMAT prep tests, and the final test was the real thing. I do feel that Manhattan tests (especially quant) are quite a bit harder than the real thing, but they were a great study tool. I followed a study outline provided by GMATwarriorguide.com with my own variations in the studying. The most important things to take away:
1. Do EVERY problem in the GMAT OG and the Quant and Verbal OGs. Review every mistake you make. This will help you make your biggest increase overall.
2. Review every mistake you make on any practice test. You will likely see very similar (to nearly identical) problems on the real thing.
3. Take the practice tests under as close to real conditions as possible.
I really feel that anybody can increase there score by 100 points if they start somewhere as low as I did. It just takes a lot of dedication and discipline. Most of my 130 point increase came in the final 3 or 4 weeks when I was extremely consistent and disciplined in studying at least 2-3 hours per day. Best of luck and feel free to ask my any more questions about my approach for more detail!
12/29 610 Q40 V34
1/20 590 (forgot splits)
2/16 650 Q42 V37
3/2 640 Q43 V34
3/25 680 Q47 V36
4/10 730 Q49 V41
415 740 Q49 V42
The first four exams were Manhattan prep tests, the next two were GMAT prep tests, and the final test was the real thing. I do feel that Manhattan tests (especially quant) are quite a bit harder than the real thing, but they were a great study tool. I followed a study outline provided by GMATwarriorguide.com with my own variations in the studying. The most important things to take away:
1. Do EVERY problem in the GMAT OG and the Quant and Verbal OGs. Review every mistake you make. This will help you make your biggest increase overall.
2. Review every mistake you make on any practice test. You will likely see very similar (to nearly identical) problems on the real thing.
3. Take the practice tests under as close to real conditions as possible.
I really feel that anybody can increase there score by 100 points if they start somewhere as low as I did. It just takes a lot of dedication and discipline. Most of my 130 point increase came in the final 3 or 4 weeks when I was extremely consistent and disciplined in studying at least 2-3 hours per day. Best of luck and feel free to ask my any more questions about my approach for more detail!
