After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540

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After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540 [#permalink]

03 Jan 2012, 09:52

Hi everyone,

I just need some advice. I've been discouraged by my results as of late. Here are my practice GMAT scores so far:

1) 600 (Kaplan, online diagnostic, skipped AWA, mid-November)
2) 540 (Kaplan CD CAT 1, early December)
3) 540 (Kaplan CD CAT 2, late December)

I started studying using MGMAT guides 0-8. I'm about halfway done through the series. I've also kept an error log. Based on my error log, there really isn't one or two key points of weakness. It seems that I'm struggling with all of the areas. I've worked on my timing (making necessary guesses/freebies here and there to keep pace), but my scores haven't improved.

I'm planning on taking the exam in March (with a retake in May if necessary) before the new test format is implemented. If I can't get my practice scores up near the 700+ range, then I need to reschedule asap.

Anyone have any advice for me? Your help is much appreciated.

Last edited by gatorman1122 on 03 Jan 2012, 10:34, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 570 [#permalink]

03 Jan 2012, 10:21

What year and book are your Kaplan tests from? If these are older (before Nov 2010) it is possible that your score is deflated. I would recommend taking a Manhattan GMAT CAT for your next test since you do have Manhattan books or a GMATprep test using the software from the http://www.MBA.com. This will be your best estimate of what you'd get on test day if you were to have taken the test that day.

It sounds like you are doing the right things, so just keep the studying up. Many people have to study for more than 65 hours to achieve their goals. For me personallly I started with a Diagnostic of 570 and slowly made my way to a 690 in my practice tests, followed by a 710 on test day. I studied for approx 200 hours, which means I made a 1 point increase PER 1.5 hours of studying approx. It just shows that you have to keep putting the hours in, and studying hard. Good luck

Also, read my post here: 10-tips-to-improve-your-score-app-with-no-extra-studying-124393-20.html to help you gain the intangibles which should help your score on test day.
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Re: After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 570 [#permalink]

04 Jan 2012, 13:49

Thank you so much for the feedback. And yes, the Kaplan CD CATs were the old ones (the CDs that are not even compatible with Windows 7), but I doubt that the scores will be deflated by that much.

I'm just slightly concerned at the non-improvement I'm showing in the past few months.

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Re: After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540 [#permalink]

04 Jan 2012, 14:17

Some have mentioned score deflation of up to 100 points! I would not discount that possibility of this, and would continue to try to stay positive. On those tests, I've heard stories about how it's impossible to even breach 650, even if you were a 99% tester. SO stay positive, and take a different and more up-to-date practice test the next time around. You could be making improvments and not even know it. I would recommend also that you get some updated material, b/c there have been slight changes over the years.

Just to show you that this is true, see the GMAT score Caculator here: http://gmatclub.com/gmat-score-calculator/ It still has old data from previous Kaplan tests, and test takers. Put your 540 into it, and see what it predicts your real score should be... (This is in the process of being updated)

I can sense by your writing that you are very down on yourself and your studying to this point. DON'T BE NEGATIVE and DON'T LOSE MOTIVATION. This is your first trial to become a Bschool student. You have to fight through the pain, and kick through those walls. The GMAT sucks, we all know this. But if you try to enjoy it, or atleast deal with it, you will be better of for it in your future. STudy hard, study often, and put the GMAT behind you forever.
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Re: After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540 [#permalink] 04 Jan 2012, 14:17

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After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540

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After 65+ hours of studying, my GMAT scores dropped to 540

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