This is my first post on GMATclub and I'm looking for a little bit love and help from this great community.

I've been studying over a year for the GMAT and mostly suffer from the sheer ANXIETY that comes with test taking. But it's also probably technique as well. I took a 5 month GMAT course and went through private tutoring but am still stuck in the 530-560 range. I finally decided to bite the bullet and take the exam, only to come away with a 540. I'm disappointed and broke.

At this point, I'm looking for some advice and perhaps some shared experience from anyone who has overcome this great hurdle that is the GMAT. My goal is a 700, or at least anything from 690-710 range by May so that I can start thinking about applications in June, given what is realistic.

Thoughts anyone? Is this 540 the sound of my dreams crumbling before my eyes?

Hi,
By resolving to take the test again you are showcasing immense tenacity especially after a horrible first experience.
Its never easy.


Is 540 low ?
YES

Can 700 be achieved ?
YES

Time you would need?
Depends on your diligence. But I would say set aside 3 month for the GMAT prep.


Next, Identify your weakness.
What is your Verbal and Quant Split ?


I dont mind to sound rude, but have you given a thought to the GRE? Do you know almost all B-schools treat them equally.
GRE isn't easier than the GMAT. The quant part is a bit easier(although the timings can be painful) Especially if you a native student, GRE might be helpful. Plus a 315 on the GRE looks better than a 640 on the GMAT



So at the end of the day, everything depends on where you are and what you want and off course where you want to pursue your MBA.

_________________

Hiii stonecold!

Thank you so much for the response and advice.

My breakdown was V27/Q37 with an IR of 3 and I've been hovering around the same score for about a year now with one exception of a 630 on a practice test. I've just started compiling a list of all the gmatclub materials, but am worried that my nerves will get the best of me when the day finally comes.

I considered the GRE, but have invested so much time and money, in addition to blood, sweat, and tears, into the GMAT that I feel determined to accomplish it. I know that's an awful reason not to consider the GRE, in fact I'm pretty sure I'm in a sunk cost trap, but I worry the amount of time it would take me to ramp up and take the GRE would be far longer than it would take for me to power through the GMAT. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts though, because I've heard the GRE isn't necessarily "easier," it's just different. Is this true? Would you recommend it?

Hi phoebe23ST,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, your Official Score is in line with the 2 CAT score results - and they show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 550 +/- a few points). Raising a 550 to a 700+ will likely take at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. 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) What study materials have you used so far?
2) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?
3) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on the Official GMAT?

Goals:
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC!

Thanks so much for the response. I've been using pretty much every resource out there it feels like...LSATs, MCATs, a little Veritas, and a ton of OG materials (11th, 13th, and 2017 editions).

I've been getting the same score with most of my practice tests. With about a years worth of review, I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. I'll shoot you a message with some more information and would love your advice if you're open to.

Also, is a great sign off

Hi phoebe23ST ,

Any progress on your score? I just helped bring a private student from 520 to 700 and am feeling very confident about my ability to help.

The single most helpful thing that you could do in order for us experts to help you most effectively is to purchase the ESR from your 1st attempt for $25, and share it here.

-Brian
_________________