2 months studying for a GMAT of 580, possible?

Question

Hi everyone,

I am almost too embarrassed to ask / discuss this, but I have done a GMAT last year to get into a university but I only  scored 460 points . Now I did an official practice exam months before my actual exam, and I scored a  pretty low score of 360 . So at least, I increased pretty well but that should not be too difficult on that level.

As you might have guessed, the university did not accept me because of my GMAT score (strange, right?). Now, after two more rejections at two other universities, I am at the point again that I can apply to the first university that rejected me.

Their first deadline is the 8th of October, the second is the 8th of January.

Now my questions to you, the GMAT conquerors, are:
-- is it possible to go from a score of  460 to 580 in 2 months?  (Probably, and if yes then:)
-- what kind of books would you recommend me to purchase and study?
-- and additionally, any study plans or other tips? feel free to add!

Great, so now you have those questions in mind, please note the following: my math knowledge is worse than you can imagine, yes, worse. My previous scores on the GMAT were:  Verbal 29 (56%) (this was ok I guess) / Quantitative 23 (10%... I feel very ashamed of this) . Now you know that my math knowledge is, based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best,  a minus 13 , I would like to know your recommendation on this. Of course, I strive for an examination date before the 8th of October (2nd of October to be exact), but if you recommend me to do it later, then I am open for suggestions!

I have someone who would help me out with this as well, and she's quite smart with math so I would need to know about some GMAT books that explain the basic math around the 550-600 level, and of course an increase in Verbal is also always welcome. So basically, I would need to know which books would prepare someone that basically wants to score on the mid-level.

Sadly, universities still see more in GMAT or scores than in motivation so I have to get through with it.

Aim small, miss small.

Thanks!
Rick

GMATinsight · Answer

Point No.1: Never feel ashamed or embarrassed for any score because there are plenty like you who don't take the right guidance just due to some embarrassment and this tradition needs to end.

Point No.2: It's very easy to go from 460 to 580 with the preparation of 3 months and I can guarantee that. But I can't say that self study would suffice for you because your score already represents that you have much lesser understanding of GMAT due to which you are struggling at the score of 460 and aspiring to improve from this level. So I would suggest that you MUST take expert guidance to prepare well for GMAT and 580 is 100% possible and will be achieved by just a little effort and consistency

Point No.3: Plan to study is a lot of practice. You can refer to the books Like Official Guide, Official 440 questions of GMAC, Manhattan Books, Questions available on GMAT CLUB Forum but you need to develop the acumen to deal with GMAT questions rather than just trying to solve them. Ideally You need to practice atleast 1.5 hours to each Quant and Verbal to improve your score from the current level and please note that there is no magic wand which can enable you to get a good score in just seconds or mins or days.

Since your math score has really been on the lower side so you have great scope to improve there and please note that every point contributed to around 9 point increase in your total score(Rounded to the nearest multiple of 10). So just a little push and you shall be there.

I hope it helps!

Prosper!!!

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

I think GMATinsight has explained all the points very well. As far as my 0.02$ go, for quant , start with Manhattan GMAT Foundations of GMAT Maths (https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Editi ... 1935707590) followed by the rest of the guides in this series. The complete listing is at : https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Strategy ... C225GBSX86. Additionally, GMATCLUB offers a "tagging" feature that you can use to locate questions and theory pertaining to various GMAT Quant sections. A good place to start will be: viewforumtags.php There is no reason why you can not increase your Quant score with proper understanding and application of concepts. If you have any questions (general or math related), feel free to post it on GMATCLUB and our experts will be more than happy to answer to your query. Additionally, once you do a concept from Manhattan Guides, make sure to complete questions for that concept from the official guide and quant review guide (a collection of close to 400 PS and 300 DS questions, more than enough practice). Finally, maintain an error log so that you know where you are making most of the mistakes and for what reason. Official guide is at : https://www.amazon.com/GMAT-2016-Officia ... b_title_bk Quant review is at : https://www.amazon.com/Official-Quantita ... rm_title_1 Verbal review is at: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Verbal-R ... rm_title_2 Hope this helps.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rick,

Since your Official GMAT score is from last year, have you taken any FULL CATs since then? If not, then it would be a good idea to take one soon, so that we can get a sense of your current skills.

Based on what you described about the Quant section, I have a couple of questions:

1) Do you feel comfortable doing math 'by hand?'
2) Do you feel comfortable with your knowledge of formulas and math rules?
3) When you took the GMAT last year, did you have trouble finishing the Quant section on time?
4) Did you have to rush (and guess on a bunch of questions) just to finish the Quant section?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Zansai · Answer

Hi all, and thanks for all the answers! I've read them through and decided to go for the second enrollment date, meaning the 8th of January, which gives me enough time to study and do the GMAT without too much stress. And perhaps, when I get 600+ points I could even enroll for the CEMS Masters!

I'll answer everyone step by step.
 GMATinsight , thanks for the answer and explanation! Last year I did study everything by myself, so I think you're right when it comes to looking for some professional GMAT help. I saw the website of  Veritas , (my guess is that they aren't looking for the 'Traveller') and they really seem to have some great portfolio and classes. Any comments on this?
But it sure is nice to read that you get around 9 points per correct answer, so indeed, my score could increase tremendously if I study for the quant section way better. 
So thanks for the motivating words!

Engr2012 , as you are the second person who mentions the Manhatten GMAT book, I will buy the foundation of GMAT maths first. But that's a great tip that I should keep a log of my errors, something I most certainly missed last year while studying. I did use the GMATClub forum a lot, or at least to look for answers and explanations, but now that I created my own account, I should also start discussing and actively ask for help. 
So thanks for the tips on the several books and how-to study!

rich , thanks for the reply and let me answer your questions. I have not done any full CATs nor did I do any test or whatsoever. I finished my Bachelor (completely without any math class) in February this year and have been working ever since. 
1. by hand.. no. I haven't had any math classes in the past 5 or 6 years and I now I have always had problems with this.
2. Also no.
3. No, I finished on time. I haven't had any stress about finishing both sections on time.
4. And no. 
Hope this will help!

So, thanks everyone for the answers! As I stated, maybe this Veritas would be a good idea to follow? (this I can then also follow without having to rush it in two months.) My only problem is, as my math knowledge is really low, wouldn't I be some kind of bottleneck to the whole group? Does anyone have any experience with them or this situation?

Looking forward to hear from you!

GMATinsight · Answer

All I can say is take a FREE demo session wherever you decide to join classes so that you know what will you get before you enrol with the classes.

Have sent you a PM.

GMATinsight

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rick,

For free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. After spending a little time re-building those skills, you can re-focus your attention on your GMAT studies.

If you have any additional questions, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey Rick, Here is a customized 2-3 month study plan that can help boost your score: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... study-plan Use this as a guideline. You don’t have to follow it exactly but the structure of the study plan should be the same structure that you take in your approach. This helps to optimize your retention and learning. As you study, we recommend that you focus on one particular subsection for multiple consecutive days before moving onto the next. You can see this in our study plan where we recommend 5 days on nothing but SC -- before moving onto CR and then RC. Best of luck - and we are here to help.

Zansai · Answer

Hi all,

sorry for my late reply. I was busy with work and had some stressful days. But  rich  and  bill , thank you very much for the tips and help. I made an account on Khan to study some of the basics (which I really need). I also looked at the study guide, which looks good, but as I am working 9 hours a day, and sometimes 10 or 11, I can't make studying for my GMAT a full time commitment. But of course, I will do my best.

I am still trying to get into one university and I have until the 30th of August for my second appeal. So if I'm 100% sure, I will plan my GMAT exam and study plan.

Again, everyone thanks for the help! And motivation of course!

Kind regards,
Rick

Zansai · Answer

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to let you know that after half a year of struggles and many emails and calls, I did get accepted into the university

. So luckily, no need for a GMAT just yet! Perhaps in the future as it is always helpful of course! Anyway, I still want to thank everyone for the help! Kind regards, Rick

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Zansai,

That's great news. While you are probably thinking about stopping your GMAT studies (since you've gotten an invite without having to retake the Test), IF you anticipate applying to another Program in the next 5 years, you might want to continue with your GMAT studies. Since you've already put in some time (and learned a lot about the Test already), you could conceivably raise your practice scores, take the Official GMAT and "lock in" a higher score for later (if need be).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Congrats Rick! Wish you all the best at your university!

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