Taking my 540 to a 640 in a month??***

[jtbutterworth89]

I just finished the GMAT and scored a 540 30Q 34V. This is lower that I was aiming and am going to retake the gmat in 5 weeks. Is this enough time to up my score by 100 points? I really messed up on the math (any advice on what to do?). On the Verbal I thought i was doing great but must have missed a lot in the beginning. I am a native speaker and thought I had a good grip on verbal but ovioulsy there is some work to do.. Any and all advice is much appreciated!! Thanks

[StaceyKoprince]

100 points in a month is a bit of a stretch. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but I do want to be honest with you.

You say that you "messed up" on the math. Did you mess up the timing? If you messed up the timing badly enough, leading to a large score drop, then maybe 5-6 weeks will be enough IF you fix the timing issue.

First, I need more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses in order to advise you. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis and what you think you should do based on that analysis. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)

Next, I'm going to assume that you did have timing problems. Read these two articles and start doing what they say - immediately!

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

Finally, your verbal came in at about the 70th percentile, much higher than your quant. (The two scoring scales are not the same, so a 34 on quant is a much lower score than 34 on verbal). I'm not saying you shouldn't shoot for an even higher verbal score - I'm just saying that quant is where most of the work needs to happen, at least at first, because that score is much lower right now.

Also, read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... an-part-1/

That will help you start figuring out what to do about a study plan. Come back here with your test data and any ideas you have for a study plan. Then we can discuss. :)

[jtbutterworth89]

Thanks for the Response!!

It wasn't really timing problem as much it was a guessing problem. I am not very confident in any section of the Quant and when I reviewed my practice test it is all over the board. I guess if you could help me really with just HOW to review and how to use my time wisely. I understand Algebra, Ratios, Fractions and Decimals. It is just the way they ask or present the questions that throws me off I am assuming. I know if I can get my math up I can BEAT THE GMAT! Any good link to practice problems that show the steps as I know that is a good fast way to learn. There are just so many different types of questiond that can appear on the test I guess I am just a little overwhelmed with where to start

[StaceyKoprince]

Do read the time management articles I gave you - 98% of students have timing problems. :)

Also, in the "Developing a Study Plan" article that I also linked last time, pay special attention to the How To Study section, and follow the links to the other articles. This is critically important - it will help you to learn how to get better at understanding what the questions are asking and learning how to recognize what to do with new problems.

That article also talks about the kinds of materials that will be helpful in developing your skills. For instance, you asked for materials that show you efficient and effective ways to solve problems - all of our books do that, for example. (The Official Guide books do not necessarily show the most efficient ways to solve. But books / materials from a good test prep company should show you the best ways to solve!)

Finally, browse our blog for "how to study" type articles. I just posted one that talks about the 2 biggest mistakes people make when studying... :)