Looking For Advice As I Re-focus for 2nd Attempt

[bshanfeld]

I have just begun prepping for my second run at the GMAT. I took the test yesterday and score 620 (Q43/V32). I was disappointed with my results, but not discouraged. My target range is is 680-710 and willing to put in the time to get there.

My quant score (Q43) was in line with my performance on diagnostic tests and practice exams (ie. GMAT FOCUS, MGMAT, GMAT PREP). However, my verbal score (V32) was much lower than expected. I scored in the 38-40 range on practice exams.
I sit for the test again in 5 weeks and need to map a rigorous new study strategy. I am in search of an efficient and effective approach to best utilize my limited timeframe. At minimum I need to score 680 (Q44-Q46 / V38-V40).

I am looking for insight into the best materials to leverage in order to improve my score. To date, I have gone through the entire OG 11th ed. Additionally, I have worked through the quantitative topics with a private tutor. However, my quant has topped out at Q43.

On verbal, I have only studied the OG and reviewed my practice exams. I didn't think I need much else until I bombed this section on the real thing. I am looking for suggestion regarding challenging verbal materials that I can use to improve my pacing.

Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated.

[canada_sms]

Have you gone through the Manhattan Sentence Correction guide? It's considered the best SC book that exists.

If you want to improve your quant, I suggest getting access to the gmatclub.com math challenge tests. It's $80 for 25 full 75 min quant sections that have pretty good questions. Note that these challenges are not adaptive rather they give you 37 (700-800 level) questions. They have a free one which you can try out: https://gmatclub.com/wiki/GMAT_Tests

[bshanfeld]

Thanks, I will check out the gmat club math challenge tests. Also, I actually purchase the MGAT SC earlier today. Any suggestions for advanced RC or CR materials?

[TedCornell]

For my verbal prep I used ManhattanGMAT Sentence Correction guide, The Official Guide, and gmatfix verbal flashcards.

1) If you don't already have it (seems like you do. great choice!), consider getting the ManhattanGMAT SC guide and go through its lessons.

2) Get the gmatfix verbal flashcards (you can evaluate some for free); these cards are broken down into SC subtopics, with each topic giving you loads of examples and pinpointed lessons on how the topic is tested on the GMAT

3) Once you can go through the flashcards for a particular topic without error, use the Manhattan guide to find the specific questions in the OG that test the topic you're studying. Practice those questions and study the explanations carefully.

This is just a snippet; you can see my full debrief at www.tinyurl.com/gmatpost where I point out what worked from what didn't work for me.

Best of luck