mouch wrote:
So, as the title says, I just took my first GMAT diagnostic test using the Princeton Review software. I just had a couple questions regarding how accurate it is, where to go from here, what to expect, etc.
I just graduated in December and start working full-time in April. I don't plan on applying to schools for probably 3-4 years and have no real time-frame on when to take the test, but I was curious and the score lasts five years anyway so now's a good time as any. I took the Princeton Review test with absolutely no prep, no knowledge of strategies or anything and scored a 650. I got a 47Q and 34V (I think). I'm a native English speaker and consider myself a decent writer and everything, so I imagine that my verbal could be improved with some practice. In other words, I think it's uncharacteristically low for me, but what do I know?
Anyway, if I study a 3-5 hours a week for 6 months-1 year or so, by how much can I reasonably expect to improve? I've seen 50-150 tossed around.
Is my study plan of 3-5 hours a week for an extended period of time an ok strategy? I work full-time (60ish hrs/week). Or should I hold off a little bit and just do like 2-3 months of more serious study?
Ultimately, my goal is to score 730+, but I would be fine with 700. Is this realistic?
Thanks in advance for any help! I'm sure I'll be exploring this site for a while. It's a great resource.
Hi mouch,
If you have got 650 without any preparation, then you should feel good about it. It is good score to start with; your initial levels of quant and verbal scores are good. If you ask me about the accuracy of Princeton test then to be on a conservative side you can consider it around 600 - 620, Still a good initial score. Form your score I can say that your basics in quant and verbal are more or less clear. Go through one round of study material and practice a lot of questions.
If you have a lot of time, probably a year or then your strategy would be fine till the last 2 - 3 months. In the last 2 - 3 months before the actual GMAT you must practice consistently in order to keep the momentum up. You can reduce this period to 1 month based on your comfort level, but consistent practice before the test, you must.
All the best,
Vercules