NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 25 Apr 2024, 06:50 It is currently 25 Apr 2024, 06:50
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Please help!

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
avatar
bsmock
Intern
Intern
Joined: 03 Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Please help! [#permalink] New post   03 Oct 2012, 19:57
Hello all,

This is my first post, but have been reading other posts and getting tips for a few weeks now. Today is the first day of my GMAT journey, and as recommended, I started with a GMAT Prep practice exam. After a couple of hours taking the exam, it ended with a 350. Lets just say I am disappointed it is so low. I knew it would be as I haven't even opened a book yet, but still. I have the Manhattan GMAT book series, CliffNotes Math Review for Standardized Tests, and the current version of the official GMAT prep book. These will be my study materials, along with a few other online math aids.

Has anyone started with this low of a score (or close) and how much did you improve before the first official exam? What was the time frame? I have 2 months before my first exam, but know I will need to take it again at least a second time. I am shooting for a 650-700. I hope to become a frequent poster on this forum as everyone seems so nice and just wants to help others. I will be glad to return the favor after this is all said and done haha. I just need something uplifting for the time being. I am hoping to get accepted at a German university this time next year.

Thank you!!!!

Bobby Smock
User avatar
L
bb
Founder
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Posts: 37305
Own Kudos [?]: 72879 [0]
Given Kudos: 18863
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: Please help! [#permalink] New post   03 Oct 2012, 20:57
Expert Reply
The first piece you should mention is your score distribution. What were you raw Q and V scores?

The second part - 350 is really low. That's 6th percentile (you did better than only 6% of other folks). Why did you get that score?
Is it something silly and obvious (e.g. took you too long to figure out how to use the system) - you are lucky if that's it since it is easy to fix
or are you really really rusty and long time out of college?

It does not sound as though you have a challenge with English, which is good... i think.

As to improvement, you can count on (average - very average) about 100 points due to MGMAT books. Another 50-100 if you put good effort in, and another 50 if you drill through every question you get wrong. That's 250.

So that's what you can count on. I hope you did something silly during your gmat prep and you can raise your score quite a bit within days. Otherwise, you are looking at 600 as your ceiling... there are exceptions of people from 450 to 700 but that's rare... very rare.

I hope I did not let you down - I would love to see a turn around story and be proven wrong.
These are just averages - not a reflection of every single person and improvement that they have had.... just averages - absolutely feel free to beat them!!!! and you should!!!
avatar
bsmock
Intern
Intern
Joined: 03 Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: Please help! [#permalink] New post   03 Oct 2012, 21:57
Hey bb!

Honestly, I don't know why my score was so low. I will post the results below. I did not do the AWA section based on your instructions on the beginning study plan posting, but that is not deducted from the score right? I will openly admit that I am super bad at this sort of math, having not taken a math course since my freshman year of college. Just a little history on me (so you know me a little better). I was born and raised in Oklahoma, now living in Phoenix, Arizona working as a stock broker. I am highly educated and have taken 3 FINRA exams that were not too challenging for me, so I am familiar with the pressures of studying and test taking. I can give you more accurate results once I actually begin studying. I took my first exam a few hours ago, after a long day of work and errands so I am sure that might have a little to do with it, but not much. I plan to go to the library tomorrow and spend 3-4 hours since it will be the first day of studying. Do you have any tips? I plan to follow the study plan and spent the first month on math since it my most difficult subject. I am not going to get stressed because its just the beginning. The only thing I can do is hope it was not 100% accurate and work super hard! I look forward to going on this journey with the GMAT Club!

Here are my results...
Score: 350
Q: 16
V: 21
User avatar
L
bb
Founder
Founder
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
Posts: 37305
Own Kudos [?]: 72879 [0]
Given Kudos: 18863
Location: United States (WA)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V42
GPA: 3
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User CAT Tests Forum Quiz Mode
Re: Please help! [#permalink] New post   03 Oct 2012, 22:08
Expert Reply
Tips - get a copy of the MGMAT roadmap
- studying in the library is a good idea - anywhere without internet access or phone bugging you is Great!
- Do not try coffee shops unless you are really good about not being distracted by all the commotion.
- Save every single question you got wrong - print them out or do something with them and SOLVE them. You must know why you made a mistake on every single one and how to address it and then dig a foot deeper by learning more about the area. If you feel you don't know something related to the GMAT, you need to learn it. Seek it out! Make GMAT your greatest passion. You have to take keep interest in everything and if something does not bide with you and you feel uncomfortable if I locked you in the room with Equations or Statistics, then you need to spend more time and feel that you can stand proud and tall.

The skills you gain (skills, not necessarily knowledge) while studying for the GMAT will help you tremendously in BSchool and in life - it is a good training. As to the CFA/CPA/etc - unfortunately they do not have an impact on the GMAT. That's actually one of the toughest things for those folks to come to terms with. They get baffled and frustrated. Sorry, not the same. GMAT is more of a high school/college math than anything else... and persistence and fast thinking.

Good Luck!
avatar
bsmock
Intern
Intern
Joined: 03 Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
GMAT ToolKit User
Re: Please help! [#permalink] New post   07 Oct 2012, 18:17
Hey bb,

Just thought that I would give you a little update. I decided to go with a cheaper Kaplan course (as they are the company that my investment firm uses for FINRA exams), and just completed my first practice exam that they require. It was a little more uplifting than the score above. I got a 510 Q:31 V:48. It is still no where near what I want and/or need, but it much better than the 350 as a starting point.

Best,

Bobby S.
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Please help! [#permalink]
07 Oct 2012, 18:17

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions