GMAT Strategy

Hi, I am wanting to apply to the top tier schools and I feel I can improve my current 700 score, as well as IR/AWA, to strengthen my application. I have taken the test twice within a 1 month period, with the following results:

1st take: 700/Q44/V40
-prepared only using the main OG book
-did the 2 free GMATprep tests with 700 and 710 results

2nd take: 700/Q48/V37/IR 6/AWA 5.5
-prepared with the additional Question Pack 1 and Exam Pack 1 from GMAC
- did the 2 exams on the Exam Pack 1 with 730 and 740 results.

My 2nd take's quant improved but verbal dropped, leaving me with the same total, which was disappointing as I hit 740 on the GMAC practice exam. I feel I improved both my quant and verbal throughout the month in between the two real tests, but it may possible that I was inconsistent as all my studying revolved around doing questions, without studying underlying concepts from another source. It is also possible that I am more stressed under the actual test environment or the actual test was much harder than the practice.

Regardless of the reason, I want to bump my score to 750. I took a 4 month break since the last try, and I want to regroup and make a more solid study plan. I spent more time checking out the forums here and it seems that it would be better to use different types of material to study the concepts.

I am thinking to start with the Manhatten study guides and Powerscore CR to learn the concepts, and then practice on Grockit, codecoax, and also the OG Quant and OG Verbal. I am also considering if I should use Magoosh as its package has a 50+ score guarantee. I want to take the test again in a month.

Your advice on my study plan or this situation is appreciated. Thank you so much for your help!!

Sayuri

Do know that once you've hit 700, an increase in your score suffers from the law of diminishing returns. The applicant with a 700 GMAT, excellent essays, and great work experience will always be a better candidate than the applicant with a 740 and mediocre essays. The consensus here would probably be that you don't need to retake the exam.

That said, if you're determined to take the test again, I'd consider incorporating some mindfulness meditation into your routine. You've probably noticed that a good portion of the GMAT battle is psychological - patterns that you recognize when you're comfortable can prove more elusive when the pressure is amplified. There's plenty of good research about how a mindfulness practice can boost test scores in as little as two weeks: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archi ... on/275564/

Happy to pass along my favorite guided meditations if you're interested.

Hi sayurichan,

As Rich has already inquired about, I'm curious to know more about your target schools. Have you spoken to anyone at business schools you're interested in that specifically told you a 750 was the baseline score for admission? You're already in good shape with your current score, and remember that while the GMAT is an important piece of your profile, it's not the ONLY piece of your profile. At this point, you seem to be in good standing to let the rest of your background/work history/etc speak for you.

Best,
Rich