Stuck at 600

[MathIsHard]

I have just taken my 3rd CAT exam, and nearly threw my computer across the room when I viewed my results. My scores were as follows:

1 - 590 (pre-9 week course)
2 - 600 (week 4)
3 - 600 (week 6)

My verbal score is much higher than my quant (77th percentile vs 54th). I have 3 weeks left in the course, and 4 weeks until my test is scheduled. I'm aiming for a 650 minimum to be "in range" of the schools I'd like to apply to, anything more than 650 is of course welcomed, but I'm trying to be realistic here.

My question is this: Is it possible to improve 50 points in 4 weeks? I am doing homework, taking advantage of office hours, doing most of the online labs, I even asked about private tutors but was told there was a waiting list and one would not be available before my test date. What should I focus on? Mastery of things I already semi-know, or still introducing new concepts?

All help welcome and appreciated, study tips, etc.

[StaceyKoprince]

It is possible, though it's going to be some work. It's also the case that many people don't improve much on tests taken during the middle of the course (and a significant minority actually go DOWN!), so don't worry too much yet. You're still learning how to put everything together, you're slow at things, and you haven't learned everything yet. That all adds up to the fact that your progress won't really be reflected in your score right now.

I do want to mention one thing: you say that you're planning to take the test a week after your course ends. Are you up against a deadline? Most of my students take about 3 weeks, on average, after the end of the course to review before they take the official test. If you can do that, do so. (That might even be more time to get in some tutoring - put your name on that waitlist. People do cancel and things open up. And the more flexible you can be with respect to meeting times, the more likely you'll be to get a tutor.)

If you can take the extra couple of weeks, continue to concentrate on the week-by-week work. If you have to take it the week after the course ends, start prioritizing. Here's a list of the most commonly tested math stuff:
all of number properties
equations: basic, quadratic, and exponential
inequalities specifically with respect to DS - that is, what information the inequality does tell you vs. what it doesn't tell you
translating word problems into math, esp. being able to notice and write equations, and being able to use alternate methods (eg, try the answers)
rates and work, ratios, averages
percents and fractions
circles and triangles

Cross check that list with your own strengths and weaknesses and start shoring up those weaknesses!