I just Beat The GMAT!

Hi ,

Gmat 1st attempt (oct,2008) 560 (q 48, v20) - I prepared v stupiditly for verbal
Gmat 2nd attempt (aug,2010) 640 (q 48, v30) - had to guess on last 5 questions in verbal
Gmat 3rd attempt (june,2011) 620 (q 49, v27) - BIG surprise

I really really have to score 700+ to get into a decent school.

This time I was pretty confident on scoring in mid 700's. I got 700+ in all my practice tests
MGMAT 4a 700
MGMAT 5a 730
MGMAT 6a 730
MGMAT 1b 730
GMATprep 700
GMATPrep2 750
etc

I was getting 90% correct in CR. SC was also getting better day by day. It looked like I even improved on RC. Infact during last 3-4 days I did not study much,I just did 1 section each to be in practice. Even on test day I was confident. AWA went of well. Maths was fine. I got couple of v tough questions that I had never seen before. I tried to solve some and made some intelligent guess on others. I was happy to see tough questions which indicates that my performance was good.
Verbal looked easy and tough intermittently. I thought I was doing well but couldn't believe the score when I saw 620.

Prep materials used
MGMAT SC
MGMAT RC
CR powerscore Bible
Official GMAT review 12th ed
Official verbal review 2nd ed
GMAT prep
MGMAT tests
Aristotle SC

I want to give it again in July, 2011. Can you please recommend me from where to study, or anything you would like to recommend in terms of trick and trips, how I should study differently this time. I don't want to repeat questions from previous books/practice tests as I believe that I may remember some passages/questions.

My biggest problem now is how to identify if I am prepared for the test. For my 3rd GMAT preparation I was scoring well on practice tests and was confident but I screwed up. Now what tests/questions I can take and gauge my test preparation.

Your expert advise will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot

If you have already exhausted the materials you have listed, you must have covered the concepts in detail. I recommend taking more practice tests. Take 2-3 a week till your test (WITH AWA) and analyze each test to see where you are going wrong. which areas you are weak in etc.

Also, if you are gonna take the next round, it means it is your 4th attempt. Work hard at not letting that thought affect you. Work at not telling yourself, "I really have to score a 700". Just take it casually mostly thinking you may or may not improve. (Dont even send scores to schools and put any pressure.)

Build test endurance. Try to look back at your exam and see how you fared in each section. Maybe you will get an idea where you are wrong.)

I think you have done ample number of CATs and the results you are getting is already in your target score range. The only thing I guess over here different is may be test environment, anxiety and stress you endure during the real test. I believe you should go back to basics with your verbal and try to work hard on it, but don't put too pressure on you because when you say I have to get 700 to get into my target school you seem to stressing your self a lot on GMAT as this is the only criteria for admission.

So my advice for you will be work on your weak areas especially verbal but don't over do and stress yourself as this will only wear you down. And around 2 days before the exam stop studying and relax and think of something else than GMAT. On exam day go to test center give your best shot, I think you will improve your score significantly and if not just work on other aspects of application as they matter too.