590- Looking for motivation

Question

I took GMAT for the first time today and scored a 590 (Q-34, V-37)...and then created an account with GMAT Club (wish I had done this sooner.) I'm not happy with my score, but I'm also not surprised. I took the Kaplan classroom prep course and left feeling confident that 700 or high 600's was in reach. After 3 months of studying, my CAT score did not improve much and varied from test to test. While I didn't feel like I was going to miraculously pull out a 700 today, I did feel like after so much studying I needed to just take it and see what happened. Now I know and I now I need to retake.

I've read quite a few posts today about retaking, but wanted to post my own topic since I am new to the forum. I'm looking for motivation to retake, tips, strategies, etc. While my scores are relatively balance, I definitely feel my weakness is in quant. I spent most of my time focused on that math and did very little verbal prep. I'm thinking about a math basics review and would love any recommendations on the best resources.

ANY insights, recommendations or kind words are welcome!

Thanks!

piyatiwari · Answer

Hi Rosie 2012!

I also scored 590 last November and preparing again! I'm sure with right prep material and strategic study, we will cross the 700 hurdle!

What all prep books you are using? Did you take any other mock tests than Kaplan? 590 is really humble score, you need to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Rather than saying you find quants tough, try to analyze your test scores and find out what part of quants is tougher for you. Since you have taken classroom course, GMAT is not new for you. So this time make a solid plan of what you will do different than last attempt. Make sure you stick to the plan!

Good luck!

Santanu76 · Answer

Rosie

You could find this thread on Retake Stategies pretty helpful: should-i-retake-gmat-thread-retaking-gmat-strategies-83339.html

Also, do have a look at this thread that contains information about free GMAT tests, study plans and basically, everything that you need to start your GMAT Prep: everything-you-need-to-prepare-for-the-gmat-revised-77983.html

Do let us know if you have any specific questions.

All the best!

ketavgupte · Answer

I agree. I was in the same boat and recently scored 750.

sdas · Answer

Hi Rosie,I took up studies after long gap (longer than usual), read through forum tips, spoke to people known, decided on MGMAT online class. thought I won the battle by taking the most reliable and successful course. But to my dismay, it did not happen that way. half way through my course i realized, i need to take up things myself and not bank on live classes. now that is what i am doing. after wasting about 2-3 months in that course. now i am self studying focusing only on the strategy guides of MGMAT and my own study plan. how is it helping?? cos now i understand my own competencies and weaknesses and deliberately working on those. I made mistake of banking on a generic course. wasted long time in that. but now i am more clear on the drive. preparing for may this year, and i am very confidant of getting there. u have still got a hang of the exam, i am only into basics currently, preps online will follow soon hopefully by this month end (will post in my thread)...all i intend to do is "not look back" and i see "the hill above"....

bb · Answer

How long were you studying? You took a Kaplan course and then studied some or did you take the GMAT right after the course? What were your kaplan scores?

jazzman · Answer

Stay strong. With the right amount of hard work your target score should be achievable. I've seen some vast improvements on these threads (470 => 680) so anything is possible.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

590- Looking for motivation

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards