Difference between high 30s and low 40s score Verbal score

[pscher31]

I'm constantly scoring high 30s for my verbal score, averaging about a 38. However I've hit a ceiling and I'm having trouble break through to the 40's. What's the difference between someone scoring high 30s and low 40s. I get the easy/mid questions right for RC,CR,SC correct. It looks like my problem is with the 700-800 level questions. Should I specifically trager higher level questions? Will more exposure to these help?

Appreciate it.

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Hi pscher31,

The difference you're talking about (38 to low 40s) is remarkably thin. That level requires a higher level of detail (more note-taking, attention to Focus and Main Point, knowledge of rarer grammar rules, knowledge of what typical "wrong" answers look like, etc.).

Scoring a 38 means that you have a strong aptitude and skills across all 3 categories, so it's possible that you need to change the physical and psychological ways with which you're tackling the verbal section, and not anything mental.

To that end, make sure that you're taking notes on every question, sitting up in your chair (proper posture and breathing can make a huge difference in your performance, especially late in the test), and using your breaks for a quick snack/drink and some exercise.

You might also consider slowing down a bit as you're doing your work. Many Test Takers come out of the Quant section feeling "frazzled" by the fact that they had to rush to finish. They then carry that energy into the verbal and rush through THAT section. Finishing 10-15 minutes early is actually quite common, BUT it provides no benefit. If you can slow down and use that extra time to your advantage, you'll likely pick up many of the points that you lost due to minor mistakes.

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