Desperate need of help --> How to improve score?

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alex.gellatly: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 435; Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:27 amFollowed by: 16 members; Thanked: 48 times

by alex.gellatly » Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:38 pm

OK, I have been studying since Nov. I have put in much more study time than this site suggests. I dedicate about 3+ hours a day, plus much more on Sundays. I have read (and re-read) all the MGMAT books. I have also done all the problems and taken diligent notes. I have also done the entire OG quant section twice, as well as the green quant review. OK, here is where I need help. Why can't I remember how to solve problems on practice tests? Further, why are my scores so low (MCAT 1: 560 Q31 V36 MCAT 2: 580 Q33 V36)? Finally, what should I do to improve? I did well in college and I used to be very good at math (AP high school calc, econ major).... So I really don't know what's wrong with me. Obviously, I want the highest score possible, but a realistic goal is between 670 - 720, how should I go about getting there within a month? Please, please advise me. Should I invest in an online prep course? Simply do my practice, or what? I really don't know where to go from here. Oh, yea, I'm scheduled to take the test on April 24th, but maybe I should postpone it to May.

Thanks,
Alex

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:38 pm

GMAT Kolaveri: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 287; Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:33 amFollowed by: 6 members; Location: Pune,India; Thanked: 60 times

by GMAT Kolaveri » Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:07 pm

Alex,

580 - 560 is above average score. Your fundamentals are good. You need improve your test taking skills and time management skills. This can definitely be improved thro' practice.

Action items:
1. quickly identify your weak areas to a very low level..you must find out which types of questions trouble you in both quant and verbal..by low level i mean which type of questions trouble you...for ex: in CR section, which troubles you the most: Weaken, Strengthen, Assumption, Bold face

2. devote an entire weak to the weak section (1 week for SC, 1 week for CR and so on). Would recommend to space 30 min each day for the most weak area.. Most find RC to be difficult..They can practice 3 passages everyday.

3. Learn from each question. Review them and Redo them. Practicing more and more but not learning from them will not improve ur accuracy.

4. Practice with OG

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