Increase score from 530 to 700+

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Increase score from 530 to 700+

by springer1 » Wed Feb 20, 2013 8:48 am
I took the gmat last year & scored a 600 (quant 40/Verb 32). Since then taken twice,scoring a 530 & 520.
On practice tests from gmat software I score 700+ & on manhattan gmat practice tests my scores range from 590 to 640.
any advice to get to 700+ on the actual test?
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by ceilidh.erickson » Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:09 am
If your score is fluctuating that much, it's likely that there are inconsistencies in your process. This could be because there are holes in your content knowledge (forgetting geometry rules, or relying on your ear too much in SC). Or - and perhaps more likely - it could be due to careless errors. Careless errors are the #1 cause of score drops on the GMAT, but most students tend to overlook them.

It's important to track patterns of errors that you make on practice tests or on OG problems. Once you've identified the errors, you can think about ways to fix them:
- if you skip steps in algebra, you can fix this by writing down every step
- if you misread the question or answer the wrong question, take a moment to re-read the question before locking in your answer
- if you get the questions and statements mixed up in DS, find an organizational system that you can stick to
etc.

Here is an article about how to track your errors: https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -studying/
Ceilidh Erickson
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education

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by springer1 » Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:42 am
Thanks for the response, what would you say is the best strategy to identify errors, especially on reading comprehension?

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by ceilidh.erickson » Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:57 am
When you're reviewing practice tests or practice problems (which you should always do for every problem, right or wrong), hold onto your notes (if you took any). For RC, ask yourself - did I miss this question because I misread/misunderstood the passage? Because I misunderstood the question? Or because I jumped to conclusions in the answer choices?

Here are some strategies to help with that:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... rehension/
https://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/come-again.cfm
Ceilidh Erickson
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education

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by achaniyara » Thu Feb 21, 2013 7:03 am
Thanks for your response. I had the same problem and that article you posted is pretty helpful!