NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 29 Apr 2024, 00:39 It is currently 29 Apr 2024, 00:39
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

530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice!

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
User avatar
B
5hawne3
Intern
Intern
Joined: 21 Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 81
Send PM
530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   06 Sep 2023, 07:16
Hi all,

Apologize in advance if my tone is going to be negative because I've just had my first attempt and it turned out very dreadful for me. I know it's not nice to blame everything on external factors but it did happen to me at test center. I'm writing these to seek for your advice as i'm quite lost at the moment. My goal is to reach around 650s.

*On my test day Q32 V30:
- Issue with dried markers: this was really a trivial unexpected thing that interrupted my nerves for at least first 5 questions. The proctor did inform us that we should only open the cap if we write down and close the cap right after each time. But the first time I opened the cap, I was panic and tried multiple times to see if there's still ink but they're all dried. So I had to raise my hand for this issue for 3 times. Every time she always brought another 2 markers and told me they're new ones but how come? finally she had to bring 2 alternative pens which are of different type. Can I complain this to GMAC as they should have videos recording me the entire time?
- And there's only 1 test center in my city so I have no other choices between this and an online attempt. But I'm also running out of time for applicant deadlines so I might take the test at this center again with a very negative vibe already. Any heads-up for Online test?

*Prior to my test day: studied for 3 months, slowed down for 1 month because of work and then studied for the latest 3 weeks. Had 3 mocks so far.
+ GMAC 720 (Q47 V42): i honestly think this is a fluke because i encountered like 1/3 questions that already in my practice
+ GMAC 700 (Q44 V42): another fluke but with Verbal. I think my Quant is quite accurate this time because I met only 1-2 repeated question.
+ MGMAT 610 (Q38 V35): there's no repeated question so I guess this is quite a good benchmark for me.
From these 3 mocks, I noticed that I consistently showed my weakness at Combinations/Coordinate Geometry/Overlapping sets/Functions/Inequalities. Strength is Number properties, Word Problems.
Materials used:
- Quant: reviewed some concepts from GMATClub Math Book but not thoroughly to be honest. Practiced more than 500 questions, mostly from OGs and GMATPrep
- Verbal: books referred to: SC - Manhattan SC Review, RC - Veritas Prep, CR - PowerScore Bible. Practiced more than 600 questions, mostly from OGs and GMATPrep.

Whatever things were, I feel very demotivated at the moment. I can barely trust my preparation but I'm also running out of time as I want to score around 650s to catch up with Round 1,2 deadlines for the 2024 intake.

Appreciate anyone already read this! Wish you all a smooth journey!
User avatar
L
EMPOWERgmatRichC
GMAT Club Legend
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Posts: 21846
Own Kudos [?]: 11669 [0]
Given Kudos: 450
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   06 Sep 2023, 12:55
Expert Reply
Hi 5hawne3,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) In a prior post, you stated that you were planning to take the GMAT near the end of 2021. Did you take the Official GMAT at that time (and if you did, then how did you score?)?
2) Over the last 3 months, what type of study routine were you following? How many hours did you typically study each week (and how much time did you put in when you had 'slowed down')?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks?
4) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

Since you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com
www.empowergmat.com
User avatar
L
GmatKnightTutor
GMAT Club Legend
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 31 Jan 2020
Posts: 4415
Own Kudos [?]: 1304 [1]
Given Kudos: 16
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   06 Sep 2023, 19:32
1
Kudos
Quote:
*On my test day Q32 V30:


Consider getting the ESR. If you share it here (after wiping any personal info), people may provide some specific suggestions as well. If you feel your fundamentals are solid, working on your solving approach may be helpful. Had a 6-hour student who went from a V31 to a V40 in about 30 days. Perhaps work with a study buddy who is really strong on Verbal. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub you can check out/sign up to.

5 Verbal tips
User avatar
B
5hawne3
Intern
Intern
Joined: 21 Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 81
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   06 Sep 2023, 21:02
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:
Hi 5hawne3,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) In a prior post, you stated that you were planning to take the GMAT near the end of 2021. Did you take the Official GMAT at that time (and if you did, then how did you score?)?
I did not take the Official GMAT at that time. I remember I did take a 570 mock (Q42 V27) after quick review of math concepts for 1 month (accum time ~ 16hrs). I then was diagnosed with major depression so it was like a setback and I completely withdrew from studying to focus on mental health.
2) Over the last 3 months, what type of study routine were you following? How many hours did you typically study each week (and how much time did you put in when you had 'slowed down')?
During that 3 months, I studied and practiced on my own using the materials I listed. But honestly I spent like 1-2 hours each night after work or maybe 3 hours during weekend (Accum time should be around 40-45 hours) I must say I'm not a very vigorous student, I'm not the ones that sit for 3hrs straight without touching my phone or getting distracted by other stuff.
During slowed down time (mid-Jun to mid-Aug - so 2 months, my bad I said it's just 1 month), I just spent like 2-3 hours a week to scan by questions I got wrong as I got busy with work and had to travel for field trips.
On an important note, I'm working as a data analyst and I know it's such a shame to have this terrible Quant performance. But I guess, heavy reliance on computing tools may also dull the ability to approach math intuitively, at least for me.
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks?
From my official test day:
D-19 afternoon: GMAC 720 Q47 V42. Full test length with order Q>V>IR>AWA. I know this is unrealistic score right away because I met 1/3 questions in my practice test.
D-10 afternoon: GMAC 700 Q44 V42. Full test length with order Q>V>IR>AWA. I still see practiced questions in verbal section so it's unreal. I did pause 1 question on Quant section.
D-5 late afternoon: MGMAT 610 Q38 V35. Full test length with order Q>V>IR>AWA. It's near the test day and I don't see any repeated questions so I think this is more accurate.

4) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
My highest hope so far: Foster (but it's too far from my reach after this)
Then: Simon, Olin WashU, Cox, Babson.

Since you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com
www.empowergmat.com

Hi Rich,
Thanks for replying. I already ordered the ESR, will post here soon once it arrives. This is to provide more information as per your question (my answers are in blue).


GmatKnightTutor thanks for advice. I'll take a closer look at the ESR.
User avatar
B
5hawne3
Intern
Intern
Joined: 21 Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 81
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   07 Sep 2023, 00:13
Hi,
This is my ESR for your evaluation. Thanks in advance!
Attachments

5hawne3_ESR.pdf [764.44 KiB]
Downloaded 44 times

User avatar
L
ScottTargetTestPrep
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Posts: 18769
Own Kudos [?]: 22079 [0]
Given Kudos: 283
Location: United States (CA)
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   07 Sep 2023, 06:21
Expert Reply
Hi 5hawne3,

Honestly, your low score seems to have a lot to do with how things went during your GMAT rather than anything else. So, why don't you regroup and then take an official GMAT practice exam? If things go well, you can retake the GMAT ASAP.
User avatar
L
EMPOWERgmatRichC
GMAT Club Legend
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Posts: 21846
Own Kudos [?]: 11669 [0]
Given Kudos: 450
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   07 Sep 2023, 11:55
Expert Reply
Hi 5hawne3,

Since you have a specific list of Schools that you are interested in, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to implement those suggestions, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

I've also sent you a PM with an analysis of your ESR and some additional questions.

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com
www.empowergmat.com
User avatar
B
mrtripathyy
Intern
Intern
Joined: 15 Dec 2022
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: 0 [0]
Given Kudos: 4
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   07 Sep 2023, 22:39
Hii 5hawne3,

How did improve your SC score?

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
B
5hawne3
Intern
Intern
Joined: 21 Oct 2016
Posts: 8
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 81
Send PM
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink] New post   09 Sep 2023, 07:14
mrtripathyy wrote:
Hii 5hawne3,

How did improve your SC score?

Posted from my mobile device


hi, I still need to work on SC timing but the materials I used are Manhattan's SC Guide and OG's practiced questions. You can also check out the Gmatclub's GMAT Ultimate Grammar. I find the two books are quite similar.
I also practiced questions by topics (for eg. 10 Modifiers questions then move on to 10 Pronouns questions). It's best to go through all topics if you have time, but if not then the focus can be prioritized for: Subject/Verb Agreement, Modifiers, Pronouns, Verb/Tense Form, Parallelism, Comparisons. And btw, just go for any other methods that work for you.

rich thanks alot for the thorough ESR analysis
scott thanks for encouraging. I'm regrouping to have a retake!
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: 530 on first attempt, target is 650. Feel dreadful, need advice! [#permalink]
09 Sep 2023, 07:14

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