If I'm not studying verbal, I probably should study.....

Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension
This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:25 pm
I gave myself 2 months to study for the GMAT, with the hope that I hit a 600. I haven't touched math since 2002 and did poor on the practice tests. On the only GMAT prep exam I took, I received a 32 in GMAT Verbal. In the OFG13 verbal placement test I scored "above average" on the 3 sections.

To spend the most time building my skills in math, I'm leaning towards not studying verbal at all. The test is now a month away...I've established a good base for a lot of the material on the math end, but I have a very long road of reviewing and learning my "flagged" questions from the OFG13.

So my question is....if I study verbal just a little over the next month to break up the long math study sessions, what should I focus on? (Please no answers stating that I should just plan on taking the test again and spend the time necessary...not being rude but I have that as the backup plan, I just don't want to put my life on hold past spring semester unless it's mandatory and I bomb this test). Thank you for any feedback, I really appreciate it!
Source: — Verbal Reasoning |

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 174
Joined: Wed May 02, 2012 7:57 pm
Location: San Francisco
Thanked: 35 times
Followed by:17 members
GMAT Score:730

by machichi » Fri Aug 03, 2012 7:06 pm
I think what helped me the most was studying critical reasoning--learning the basic types of CR questions (weaken/strengthen argument, assumption, etc.). Once you're good at spotting the type, you can then practice breaking down the passage. What's the premise, assumption and conclusion? Just practice asking yourself that for all of the questions--you need to build good habits. I found doing this helped with my reading comprehension as well. It slowed me down, which was a major problem for me in verbal. I was finishing with about 15 minutes to spare.

I think you're right to focus on the math and can raise your verbal with intermittent but focused practice. When's G-day?
Blogging about the MBA application process. Because I need to do something with all this bschool energy.
https://www.mbabreakaway.com/
Recent post: July 12, "Summer"

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1248
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:57 pm
Location: Everywhere
Thanked: 503 times
Followed by:192 members
GMAT Score:780

by Bill@VeritasPrep » Mon Aug 06, 2012 6:09 pm
If you get a 32 in Verbal, you'll need around a 40 in Quant to get a 600. As machichi recommended, I would at least spend a little bit of time with critical reasoning. Understanding the logic used will help with the entire GMAT since it is a test of logic as much as it is knowledge.
Join Veritas Prep's 2010 Instructor of the Year, Matt Douglas for GMATT Mondays

Visit the Veritas Prep Blog

Try the FREE Veritas Prep Practice Test

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 28
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:25 pm

by DFritschy » Tue Aug 07, 2012 5:34 pm
Thank you for the recommendations! I'm closing in on G-day...August 30th. Between my school selections and the rest of my background I don't think I need an amazing GMAT score, but I've invested so much time I better get a decent score regardless of whether I need it or not! Thanks again, I'm going to go through the Manhattan series CR book this week.

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1248
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:57 pm
Location: Everywhere
Thanked: 503 times
Followed by:192 members
GMAT Score:780

by Bill@VeritasPrep » Tue Aug 07, 2012 6:20 pm
Good luck! Feel free to come visit us in the CR-specific forum :)

https://www.beatthegmat.com/critical-reasoning-f10.html
Join Veritas Prep's 2010 Instructor of the Year, Matt Douglas for GMATT Mondays

Visit the Veritas Prep Blog

Try the FREE Veritas Prep Practice Test