Four Days Left After 2 Months' Study, consistent 630

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Here's the deal...

I've read the entire Manhattan GMATs from cover to cover, completed all the practice problems.

I took the test once in Dec., got a 570 (41Q,29V) and wasn't satisfied. I just finished the entire OG-12 and error log a few days ago after about 2 months of studying.

I created note cards for every problem I wasn't 100% confident for or every problem I got wrong. I spent every morning (1-2 hours) and every evening (1-2 hours) the last month studying, 4 hours on Saturdays (took weekends off the first month) and practice exams (GMATPrep) each Sunday the last two Sundays. I got a 630 (38Q, 38V) the first time, and another 630 (41Q - 15 incorrect, 35V - 11 incorrect) the second time. The first test, I had a stomach flu and it was late at night, and the second time, I took the test two and a half hours ago (2:30), and once again, I simply could not concentrate like I can when I study in the morning. I had to read and re-read answers/questions multiple times, which is not normal.

What do I need to do to get my concentration at its full capacity? I know I can score far higher. My concentration always seems to be different every day.

1) I get plenty of sleep each night, approximately 7-8 hours at consistent times.
2) I exercise usually in the evenings, but I lifted weights this morning, would that affect my concentration today?
3) I have ADD, so I take Adderall, which makes a giant difference.
4) I've been devouring omega-3s, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I take a professional sports vitamin each morning, two omega-3 tablets throughout the day, consume avocado/blueberries/nuts, and stick to natural sugar.
5) I stay hydrated and measure my water intake carefully each day (I'm a fitness freak)

At this point, I know there's only so much studying that will make a massive difference, but I know concentration is everything and I just want a 650. What lifestyle changes can I do over the next five days to help? What should I do or not do the day before and the day of the test? What should I eat the night before the test? What should I eat the morning before? What about immediately before?

Are there any study style suggestions that helped you just days before the test? What made the biggest difference?

I'm positive I can meet my score goal if I just ensure my concentration is at 100%.
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by VivianKerr » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:31 am
Hi Seagull,

It sounds like you are just stressed and burnt out. :( Concentration-wise, that can have a huge impact. It's easier to say than do, but try not to judge yourself as you practice. Just focus on the task at hand. Honestly, there is not much you can do in 3-4 days that will make that much of a difference. I would expect a score around 630 on the actual test, although a 650 is very possible, so there is no need to despair.

I would NOT take any more practice tests, and instead just do a few questions in each area every day to keep your strategies up. You may also find it helpful to write out your strategies as a series of 1,2,3 steps to regain your confidence. You can view an example of how I did this here:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/03/ ... your-score

Finally, trust the work you've done is there. You've really improved your Verbal! The improvement is hard proof that you are NOT stagnating (despite how it may feel). A 650+ is absolutely possible. Stay positive and good luck on the test!
Vivian Kerr
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Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"! :-)

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by Seagull84 » Tue Apr 26, 2011 9:20 am
Hi Vivian,

Extremely helpful advice, my strategy has mostly been memorizing rules and solution methods rather than examination of the problem at hand.

Reading Comp, I've been practically acing up until the absolute hardest of problems, so I've been mostly ignoring any strategy there. I spent a month prior to starting OG12 focusing solely on SC from OG11, since I knew that was my weakest area.

I noticed I'm getting a lot of the same problems wrong under PS and DS, so I've been concentrating on breaking them down, and reviewing note cards I made related to them, then looking for similar problems. Anything that requires an extraordinary amount of algebra and substitutions is my weak point.

I've gotten 9/10 CR and SC right the second time through, but I feel as though I somehow managed to memorize the answers, despite how horrible I am at memorizing anything.

Still, I noticed some form of improvement in all areas, even since I posted the message. Maybe I won't have to take it a third time!

Thanks,
Galen