how to go from 600-700+ in 2 months?

This topic has expert replies
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:52 pm
Location: LA, CA
Thanked: 1 times

how to go from 600-700+ in 2 months?

by siownschu » Sun May 10, 2009 9:26 pm
hi Everyone!!

been on this forum for quite a while now..

I wanted to get some input on how to get back in the saddle to get from a score of 600 to 700+

Materials so far

Manhattan SC, CR and RC
GMAT OG 11th ed

my gmat break down 620 (45Q 31V)

What should i do? like what kind of study plan should i follow? i know theres still some time before the app are due in the fall but I want the GMAT to be over with so i can concentrate on working on my essays etc

thank you in advance!
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1223
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pm
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 185 times
Followed by:15 members

by VP_Jim » Mon May 11, 2009 8:33 am
First of all, unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule to improving your score 100 points or so in any time frame. HOWEVER, the good news is that it is definitely possible!

There are a few questions for you, though:

1. Was your score of 620 on an actual GMAT exam (or a practice test)?
2. Did you get your score of 620 BEFORE you put in any good studying time, or was it after?
3. If you have already studied, was it entirely self-study, or did you take a prep class or get tutoring?

In addition to the study materials you have already listed, I'd also recommend getting the purple OG for verbal review. Remember, studying for the GMAT is all about QUALITY, not quantity. Really take the time to analyze each problem to see why the correct answer is the right choice. Don't worry about whether or not you can get through 100 problems a day, but rather try to get the most out of each problem you do work on.

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 4:53 pm

Re: how to go from 600-700+ in 2 months?

by kszunzun » Mon May 11, 2009 8:33 pm
You can take a look at powerscore CR bible. this should help you to improve on CR and RC sections. If not already done then read the answer explanation for each question in OG 11 and make note of every new point you come accross, revise these notes on regular basis.

Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:52 pm
Location: LA, CA
Thanked: 1 times

by siownschu » Mon May 11, 2009 10:12 pm
thank you for the reply guys.. here are some clarifications.

620 was my actual GMAT score.

for practice i used the Manhattan CAT and i scored a 610 leading up to the exam 610 (40Q 32 V) so i knew where i was at.. at that point it was too late to reschedule the exam so i went in hoping for the best, although i knew i wasn't going to walk out with a miracle score of 700+ i knew i would be in the low 600 range.

It took quite a bit of preparation/ studying getting to this score.. only 8 months before I was scoring around the 480-490 range on the GMATPrep. I took that as a sign to sign on for a prep class. I chose Manhattan because the online schedule they offered matched the my working/studying schedule, and the online CATs were very appealing.

Thanks again for the input guys.. seriously your suggestions will not be taken lightly and I will try whatever it takes to get to a 700+ score.

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 133
Joined: Thu May 21, 2009 11:28 am
Thanked: 3 times

by 4score20 » Fri Jun 05, 2009 2:56 pm
Verbal can often be improved by working some Logical Reasoning problems from the LSAT. These problems tend to be more difficult and often provide better practice. Also, reading well written newspapers and periodicals can often improve the RC score.