GMAT Strategy

Hi everyone:

I am in search of the collective wisdom of everyone on this board to help me with my situation in which I cannot, for the life of me, improve my score above a 640 despite having resigned from work and taken 3 months off to study!

Situation:

I resigned from my equity research position at a prestigious firm, thinking that 2-3 months of immersive GMAT studying would improve my score but it has not. After resigning in April 2015, I immediately enrolled in a online self-study course from a credible/reputable firm (won't say who obviously), and have completed ~80% of the course. This is the second time I've put forth the effort into studying/taking the exam (first time details are below), and it is just not working out for me.

Now, eventually I may have to fork over the $$ for a private tutor, but as we speak, my funds are dwindling since I am living off of my bonus...so that is not an option in the short-term.

Timeline/Description of Events:

First time ever studying for GMAT (Sep 2013): Decided to apply last minute to a few MBA programs in Round 2, so studied ~6hrs/week for 2 months using a combination of OG13, Manhattan GMAT strategy guides, and OG verbal/quant reviews.

Official Test #1 (Nov 2013): 620 (44Q, 32V, IR-6)-- verbal was terrible, so spent 1 month studying more verbal
Official Test #2 (Dec 2013): 630 (39Q, 37V, IR-8) -- awesome, verbal goes up, math comes down...

----1.5 yrs goes by.....

April 2015: Resign from X firm. Enroll in self-study online platform (from credible/reputable test prep company).

1.75 months later = ~80% done with the course....and feel like my STRATEGY has improved and general understanding of quant (i.e. number properties and divisibility seem more intuitive than before in 2013).

Practice CAT #1(6/20/15): GMATPrep Exam Pack 1 = 640 (42Q, 35V, IR-6)
Practice CAT #2 (6/23/15): GMATPrep Exam Pack 1 = 610 (42Q, 32V, IR-6) -- ehh...at least my quant is consistent.

**Going to reschedule my 6/27/15 exam because as you can see my score is not near where I want it to be (>= 680).

So What Should I Do?

**Really appreciate everyone's help on here! Eventually I will have to throw $$ at it (i.e. tutor), but look forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

Test-takers often read too much into the scores of their first few practice tests. It simply takes time to adjust to the format/timing of the test and to learn to apply strategies fluidly. (Particularly when there's a long lag between tests.) So long as you're thoroughly reviewing your older practice tests, understanding why you're making mistakes, and then putting together lists of strategic takeaways, you'll start to see improvement soon. My advice: stick with your process for at least 2-3 more weeks, taking one test a week during that time. I'd be surprised if you don't see a significant increase in your score by the end of this period. However, if you remain stuck, at that point it would make sense to reevaluate your strategy.

Hi petrorich,

Just wanted to chime in here to boost this thread (and hopefully remind you to respond, as well). Would love to hear more insight about what Rich previously asked, as I think we'll be able to make some very specific suggestions once you provide a little more clarity around these questions.

Best,
Rich