Hi guys,

I just came back from writing my GMAT and am still in a state of shock :S

I got an abysmal 520 with Quant at 33 and Verbal at 29 and would basically LOVE to hear your invaluable advice on firstly:

1) If there's hope to improve this to a decent 630 showing
2) HOW to get there?
3) How long do you think it would take to get there? (I'd like to take Sept off to relax, study in October and give it in mid Nov - is this realistic???)

I've been prepping mainly with the Veritas Prep resources (I also took their course, which I didn't find as useful as the actual material). I also did the last 100 of the 11th Official guide questions for problem solving and the last 50 for data sufficiency, and did the GMAT Prep tests 3 times, as well as 4 800 Score practice tests and 5 Veritas prep tests.

Th Quant section really killed me and I know I could have done much better - I saw the time run out and totally went blank and it went downhill from there

I should have known I wouldn't do so great, given, my practice test scores were in the 590-630 range, and didn't improve much. My question is - I know I have to work on my quant but I don't know where to begin?! Should I go back to theory review, or keep doing as many questions as possible and getting comfortable with seeing the same types of questions?

I am motivated to give this another last try, but have no idea how to approach my strategy and would GREATLY value your advice.

Thank you ....

(Still smarting over this GMAT slap in the face)

1) If there's hope to improve this to a decent 630 showing

Yes, always. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Have heart, work hard....and you will get there.

2) HOW to get there?

Rao_1857 has given really good advice there. The only thing I will add is, practice, practice & more practice.

3) How long do you think it would take to get there? (I'd like to take Sept off to relax, study in October and give it in mid Nov - is this realistic???)

If reading is something you find useful to relax I will say use the month off to read some books. There is a list here somewhere with a few books, fictions, novels, et al., that will help in improving your RC, vocabulary et al., Do not take it as stressful process / work or something you have to do or otherwise you are wasting your time. But more as entertainment, to enjoy, and have fun.

Good luck, and my best wishes!

Please accept my warm welcome as well.

Your situation is rather common and definitely can be corrected. Take a look at this study plan as a template - it may have some pointers for you (let me know if it is not helpful - I am OK with criticism). But I wrote it out specifically for people stuck after the first attempt.
gmat-study-plan-go-from-650-to-80235.html

You may also want to review this post as well: gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html

It is doable!
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