Need another hundred points?! I have 6 weeks -- help!

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Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:45 pm
Location: New Jersey
GMAT Score:560
You all must get this a lot but I need advice...HELP! I've lurked on the board long enough to know, everyone offers amazing advice and suggestions. (Sorry in advance for length of post). Here's the deal:

In December of 2008, I took my first ever GMAT and BOMBED it with a score of 460. The only good thing about that exam was that I got a 6.0 on both AWA essays. I was pretty upset because I gave up family, friends and practically food studying for the test. After feeling defeated, I took a full six months off to recoup and get over my fear of the test (I was OVER the GMAT). I finally got the courage to dust off the books and in the beginning of June I began my second Kaplan GMAT prep course (I took a course the first time but it was a twice a week, five week course as opposed to a once a week 9 week course I started in June). My instructor was amazing the second time around and things really started to click for me.

My first practice CAT I scored a 590, my second 520 and my third 570. The last Kaplan CAT I took my verbal was in the 90th percentile...so clearly quant is where I struggle. My course ended a few weeks ago and I took the GMAT again this morning and I got a 560 (53%tile). Breakdown: Q 31/V 37

So the good news is, my score increased 100 points but the bad news is, I'm no where near 660, which is where I want to be.

I'm not trying to be a GMAT rockstar (don't need a 800 to get into the schools I'm applying to) but I need a 660 to be competitive among my peers. I honestly believe I have it in me; especially since my practice test results are higher than today's GMAT.

I'm going to sign up to take the test in about 6-8 weeks, so I'm looking for any and all suggestions/ strategies on how to attack the quant section to at least 40. If anyone has a study plan for quant, that would be awesome. I honestly "know" all of the formulas...it's just knowing how to attack and answer the question that gets me all turned around.

As far as verbal, I'd love to get 45 plus, but it's not as critical as quant.

I currently have the following materials:
  • Kaplan GMAT course book
    Kaplan Math Workbook - 6th edition
    OG - 11th AND 12th edition
    GMAC GMATPrep software
    Online access to Kaplan database (which I am going to maintain access to for another 90 days - has online CATs, lessons, quizzes, etc.)
Help - I have to raise my score another hundred points...

Thanks in advance! I'm determined to beat the GMAT!
"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again..."

...and in my case, again and again.
Source: — GMAT Strategy |