390 GMAT results after 7 months of studying

Question

Hi Guys!
I've taken the GMAT twice now and I keep getting a 390. During my practice tests 1-6, my scores were 590+. 
I've been studying daily for 4 hours, and can't seem to get the hang of it. I also do not want to run out of chances, if I happen to do an MBA later.

First Attempt:
V: 23 Q: 19
V: 20 Q: 25
Should I take the GRE? GAP semester?

My GPA is a 3.8.

AjiteshArun · Answer

That is really strange. Were your practice tests "fresh", or were you already familiar with some of the questions you got on your tests? Did you feel "off" on the days you took the GMAT? Also, you can take a look at this post . It outlines some of the reasons that your score could have gone down. Check whether some of those points apply to you. This is something that you must analyze. Score drops like this (of more than 200 points in your case) are extremely rare, and usually indicate that there is a deeper problem, with either the way the test taker took the test or the way he or she prepared for it. More immediately though, I think that a short break from prep would help. In the meantime, it'd be good if you could provide a few more details about your prep till now and your goals. As for running out of chances, the "lifetime limit" is 8 attempts, so you're not in danger of running out of chances just yet.

JohnJohnJ · Answer

There is a method to the madness...

Sit down, time and practice... pick up those books and look up random questions on GMAT club

Posted from my mobile device

baru · Answer

Hi

ground rule : Work on your basics , stick to a plan as much as possible .

Regards,
Baru

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lams123,

I'm sorry to hear that your last Official GMAT did not go as well as hoped. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) On what dates did you take the Official GMAT and what were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on each attempt?
2) How long did you study before each attempt?
3) What study materials have you used so far?
4) Over the last 3 months, how have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)? Were any of these CATs a second attempt (meaning that you reset a CAT that you had already taken)?

Goals:
5) What is your goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

lams123 · Answer

I actually studied for months and months. I watched basic videos, then took practice problems. I eventually moved to Practice tests, and I bought the 6 pack practice tests. I do get a lot more nervous when its THE actual exam, but nevertheless the point drop was significant. I've also taken GMAT private tutoring (+30 hours)

My score goal is 590+
Deadline is June 1st for my schools
My top 1 is Zicklin School of Business

My score goal is 590+ 
Deadline is June 1st for my schools
My top 1 is Zicklin School of Business

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi lams123,

I’m sorry to hear how things went with your GMAT. Since you have taken the GMAT a number of times and haven’t broken 390, you really need to look at HOW you have been preparing and make some changes, right? Furthermore, since your highest verbal score is 23 and your highest quant score is 25, you clearly don’t have the GMAT quant and verbal fundamentals you need for a high score. Rather than switching to the GRE, you need to ensure that you follow a study plan in which you learn GMAT quant and verbal from the ground up. In other words, you need a study plan that allows you to individually learn each GMAT quant and verbal topic, starting with the foundations and progressing to more advanced topics. Certainly, if you’d like more specific advice on how to improve your verbal and quant skills, feel free to reach back out.

Good luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lams123,

There are a number of different potential factors that could have contributed to your drops in Score on Test Day. To properly pinpoint what you'll need to work on though, I'll need exact answers to the questions that I asked (and likely some additional questions):

Studies:
1) On what dates did you take the Official GMAT and what were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on each attempt?
2) How long did you study before each attempt?
3) What specific study materials have you used so far?
4) Over the last 3 months, how have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)? Were any of these CATs a second attempt (meaning that you reset a CAT that you had already taken)?

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

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390 GMAT results after 7 months of studying

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