How to study for second attempt at GMAT?

This topic has expert replies
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:12 am
Location: California
GMAT Score:750

How to study for second attempt at GMAT?

by modesto2 » Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:56 pm
After three months of studying, I took my first GMAT today and scored a disappointing 670 (Q44 V38). I'd like advice about how I should structure my studying for the second attempt, but first, I'll detail my studying thus far:

3 months ago: GMATPrep #1: 690 (Q39 V44)
during next 3 months: Kaplan Premier and OG12
1 week ago: GMATPrep #2: 710 (Q47 V41)

I took some Kaplan CATs during the three months and worked all the problems in Kaplan Premier and OG12. The 670 is particularly disappointing, because I scored better on both GMATPrep practice tests.

I think I should focus on my weaknesses including CR and DS. But after working all the OG12 questions, where do I get new questions? Should I use Manhattan GMAT? I've heard MGMAT has some great books, especially SC. What are generally regarded as the BEST MGMAT books?

Any recommendations are appreciated. I'd like to take the test again in 1 month, and my target score is around 720.

Thanks and good luck to everyone!
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

User avatar
Site Admin
Posts: 2567
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:05 am
Thanked: 712 times
Followed by:550 members
GMAT Score:770

by DanaJ » Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:44 pm
For more official practice, you could buy the OG 11 (300 different questions from the OG 12) and the two supplements (green and purple books).

MGMAT is highly regarded on this forum. However, I haven't used these books myself, so I can't make any recommendation. For CR, I used the PowerScore CR Bible and really loved it. It was the only book that really replicated the feel and the style of official questions.