Any thoughts? Help much appreciated.

[JasLamba]

Hi,

I am taking the GMAT Jan 28th and was wondering if you guys could help me.

10 days ago I took a GMAT Prep 1 and I got a 630 (Q 47 V 31)
Today I took the same GMAT Prep and got a 610 (Q 41 V 34)

I am looking to crack a 700+ by January 28th. The following are my questions:

1. Is this feasible, reasonable, and possible in the alloted time frame?

2. Quant scores have alot of fluctuations - is there an explanation for this? is this normal? or was I just having a good day? I dont really know what to make of this. These are my 3rd and 4th trials (respectively) on the GMAT Prep. My first 2 yielded a 420 and a 510 (so utter disaster). So, I hope my scores ARENT THAT MUCH INFLATED.

3. Any tips on what makes the difference between a 600 fellow and a 700 pro? Any further insights can be very helpful.

4. Does more variance in Q scores between tests indicate that there is some factor Z influencing performance? Uncertainty, attitude, energy, luck? What does one draw out of scores that differ 7 points from test to test?

5. My dream schools would be requiring a 45+ on Quant and 40+ Verbal. If I can't achieve this I will have to wake up. If you have any particular thoughts on the improvement or how to get to each I would appreciate it.

Thanks for your help and best of luck =)
Jas

[DanaJ]

1. A 100-point increase is hard to get in just around one month, but it can be done if you're determined enough.

2. Was there any difference in setting between the two test? Where you equally rested, was the room equally quiet? These are factors that can impact your performance significantly. From such a small sample of data, you can't really say for sure which is your true score, unfortunately.

3. Books you use. This depends on your weaknesses, but here are a few interesting books:
- OGs are a must, especially the final 50 questions for each chapter
- Kaplan Math Workbook for quant
- MGMAT SC guide for SC
- PowerScore CR Bible for CR and RC
- LSAT sets for hardcore RC and CR practice (here are two free ones)
Study strategies - don't just go through problems, actually analyze them properly.

4. See 2.

5. 45 quant seems to be within your reach (or maybe you're already there). Improving in verbal depends largely on what your specific weak points are - I suggest you focus on these by using the books/resources above.

Good luck!