Hi btgsnt,

While certain newspapers/magazines/etc. are written in a structure that is fairly similar to the structure used in GMAT Reading Comp, you will likely have to do far more work (than just reading newspapers) to improve your GMAT Verbal skills.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What materials have you used so far?
3) Have you taken any CATs yet? And if so, what were your scores?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi btgsnt,

Even though you're still early on in your studies, it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). That initial CAT is useful because it can help to define your initial strengths and weaknesses. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study plan going forward.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi btgsnt,

Now that we have an initial CAT score for comparison purposes, you now need to define some of your goals:

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi btgsnt,

Unfortunately, a 790 score goal is not realistic, so a bit more research and studying will be required for you properly answer that question.

Since you're planning to apply to Business School at the end of this year, do you have an idea of which Schools you want to apply to? Once you have a list of potential Schools/Programs, you can research each in a bit more detail to determine what a competitive GMAT score would be for each. From there, you can probably also find the 'range' of scores that each School finds acceptable. THAT data should help you to better define your score goal.

Have you considered enrolling in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led)? The structure, consistency and guidance would likely help you a great deal as you work through this process.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich