Not getting anywhere :-( Experts please help!

[melguy]

Hello All

I have been planning for an MBA for a while now. I sat my first GMAT some 3 years ago without any preparation (just to test where I stand) and scored a 400.

Afterwards I started serious preparation and started studying Manhattan GMAT (all books except the advanced section at the end). I saw my score increase in practice tests from 400-> 450 -> 500 within a month!

I kept on sitting GMAT and my official scores went from 400-> 500 -> 550 -> 430 (after the verbal section was changed but not formally announced). After I hit the brickwall of 550 no matter how hard I have tried for the past one and half year I have never been able to score above 550.

After that I undertook a coaching and gave GMAT Prep -> 510.

No matter how I try I am not able to score above 550. Frustration level is 10/10. I has a white collar job and quit my job, sold my car, moved back home so I could prepare for GMAT and get into a top MBA. No social life as I feel ashamed facing people being a jobless guy I see people with a week of preparation getting 750 and here I am who is trying for years and still no luck!

My target score is 650. What should I do. Please help!!

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

I suggest a systematic (even methodical) approach, in which you take the time to master each topic/concept (e.g., percents, ratios, assumption questions in critical reasoning, comparison questions in sentence correction, etc).

So, for each topic/concept, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it
Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.

You might consider signing up for BTG's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
This will help keep your studies on track, and ensure that you cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Also, be sure to use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart) while completing questions from the Official Guide (OG). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log. This will help you identify and strengthen your weak areas.

In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests.

Cheers,
Brent