Hi all!
I’m scheduled to take the November exam in two weeks from today. Ideally I’d like to score a 167+ to give me a chance to get good scholarship $$ from the schools I’m applying to.
For background, I scored a 157 on my September test, albeit with only 6-8 weeks of training until that point, and not a huge foundational knowledge of how to attack every type of question. I’ve locked in the last month and a half, and my 4 most recent PTs have been a 165, 160, 165, and 164 respectively. (With the 160 outlier: I believe this was due to fatigue after a 10+ hour workday, in hindsight I shouldn’t have taken it.)
Anyways, I’d love to hear some tips that I can employ in the next two weeks to get my up to 167+, and if this is even possible. For context, my LR consistently sits around -3 to -5 (although I did have one -1 section and one -6 section in there). Reading comprehension is sitting around -6 to -8.
Thanks everyone! I appreciate it.
3 comments
Hi! My best advice to improve quickly (specifically for LR) would be to take 25 question drills with only level 3, 4, and 5 questions, as those are likely all you're missing at your current scores. Try it at first with 120-130% time and go down to normal time as you get better at that. Do meticulous blind reviews, and keep a wrong answer journal. Hope this helps!
You’re super close! I’d look at 167 as a solid goal, but not a lock just yet since your PTs are more in the 163–164 range. For these next two weeks, just try to pick up a couple points where you can, but don’t burn yourself out.
RC looks like your best shot to grab some points. After each section, just figure out why you missed stuff, was it the passage or not finding support. While you’re reading, focus on what each paragraph is doing, the viewpoints, and the main point, not the little details. When you review, find where the right answer is supported and what makes the wrong ones wrong.
Your LR is already solid, so I’d just keep doing what you’re doing there. Go over any misses or questions you weren’t sure about, especially if they took too long. Try flagging and moving on if something’s eating up your time so you don’t miss out on easier points.
I’d just do one or two more full PTs, and make sure you’re rested when you take them. Try to do your last one about a week before the real thing, and skip any after a long workday. In the last few days, take it easy, get good sleep, and just do some light review. Being well-rested is probably your best shot at hitting 167+.
This is too relatable :( Good luck!!