Score of 430, Feeling Like Crap. Any Recommendations?

[bobofallbobs85]

Hello all,

Well, I took the GMAT for the 2nd time two weeks ago and scored 430 (Q:32, V:17). My first score was 400.

Between the time of the 1st and 2nd exam (which was 6 weeks), I enrolled Kaplan Prep Course and took 4 CATs with scores of 580, 580, 520, and 540.

After my second exam, I realized that it's not quantity but quality of the study (I studied 110+ hours in 6 weeks). I was recommended by BeatTheGMAT.com to hire a tutor for high school basics. But, after reviewing with the tutor for two weeks, he said my high school basics were fine.

I'm beginning my GMAT study again tomorrow (this time alone) and I'm modeling my study plan from TwinnSplitter's 790 Study Method. Do you guys have any additional suggestions for me?

I feel that to be even competitive, I need to score atleast 600. However, it seems impossible with scores in low 400s. The schools that I'm applying for only needs a 500. However, with only 4 months of internship and graduating this semester, a score of 510 won't work...

My main issue with Quantitative Section is timing since on the actual GMAT I had to guess on the last 10 questions. My verbal section is straight P.O.S. though.

My Current Planned Schedule is:

Quantitative for 3 Weeks (emphasis on timing)
Reading Comprehension for 2 Weeks
Critical Reasoning for 2 Weeks
Sentence Correction for 2 Weeks
Overall Review for 2 to 3 Weeks

During these weeks, I will be review for 2 to 2.5 hours per day.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a nice evening.

[Infinite7]

Hi,

My ....TwinnSplitter's study method is a good one. I think studying the basics first is important after that just practice (while timing yourself). That should help you get a feel of the test. But I just want to know, what is your target score?

[hispano_phd]

Hi:

Which study materials have you used? I recommend Manhattan Series but you don't have much time, unless you can put 150 hrs - quality time (assume you will retake by end of November). Critical Reasoning Bible is another resource.

If what u need is 600 - 650 don't try material for 700+. Try to dominate the difficulty level for your target score. Being sure you understand basics is key. I recommend Math Review for Standardized Tests by Jerry Brown.

Later

[bobofallbobs85]

Originally Posted by hispano_phd

Hi:

Which study materials have you used? I recommend Manhattan Series but you don't have much time, unless you can put 150 hrs - quality time (assume you will retake by end of November). Critical Reasoning Bible is another resource.

If what u need is 600 - 650 don't try material for 700+. Try to dominate the difficulty level for your target score. Being sure you understand basics is key. I recommend Math Review for Standardized Tests by Jerry Brown.

Later

My target score is 550 to 600 (40+ for Math and 30+ for Verbal). Since I took Kaplan Prep Course, I still have access to the online lessons and question bank until November 20th. I also have the OG 12th edition and Princeton Review. I plan on giving myself 3 months of study this time. I was already rejected by my school (University of Central Florida, minimum score of 540 is needed) and have to wait until next year summer.

My current plan is to use Kaplan Online Lessons and review the concepts, while practicing the questions from the question bank. When a specific topic is finished, review the problems on the OG. After the Kaplan expires, I plan on purchasing the Manhattan review.

While I was with the tutor, we reviewed questions on the OG Problem Solving section. I seem to know how to do most of the problems. My main issue is translating the problem into equations that I can work with. He suggested that I write out the key facts while I read the questions, and through more practice I will become better at it.

With data deficiency, he just told me to understand the main concepts and hit it with a hammer through tons of practice. I think one of my main issue during the actual test was that I was "working out" the DD questions. I understand that few problems I probably need to work through them, but for majority of DD I need to be able to picture concepts that are being asked and just answer the question.

Verbal, I rented a grammar basics book for reading and I'm planning on purchasing the Manhattan Review guide for Sentence Correction.