710 (45Q 42V) - Suggestions for retake strategy?

Question

Hello,

After going through 2 months of private tutoring (with an individual tutor, not a large company - I also reviewed Manhattan Prep materials, but did not find them particularly helpful), I took the official GMAT for the first time a month ago and I ended up with a 710/91% (45Q/59%, 42V/96%, IR8 AWA 6). I am not devastated about the overall score but the quant score, specifically the percentile, makes me want to retake

After taking a month long break from studying, I am planning to retake and was hoping to get some suggestions, especially for raising the quant score. My studying included taking all 6 of the official GMAT practice tests, and my scores were mainly in the 720-770 range. I think there was a degree of test anxiety when I took the test and I definitely feel like I can improve in quant as that was definitely not my best work. Verbal could potentially improve too but quant is where I feel like I truly underperformed

Any suggestions are welcomed. Interested in hearing thoughts on the best prep materials and how long to wait before retaking

Thanks all

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi tj91,

First off, a 710 is an outstanding score (it's right around the 90th percentile overall), so you should apply to any Business Schools that interest you. While a Q45 won't impress anyone, it likely won't eliminate you from competition at most Schools either. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

If you do choose to retest though, we have to examine how you were studying for the Quant section before. Once you've decided on whether to retest or not, you should post back here (or you can PM me directly) and we can talk through your study options going forward.

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

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey tj91,

Congrats! 710 is a great score.

To improve quant, we recommend examining multiple variations off of the same core question type so you are prepared when the same kind of question is asked in a slightly different way.

If you are looking for more diversity in practice tests, we recommend that you try the GMAT Pill Practice Test here: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/

However, just keep in context your overall application profile. You may not be the candidate who stands out with a 720+ score, but if you feel confident you can stand out in another way -- your background, your story, your career path -- then this should be a good-enough score for the target schools you want. If you have a clear story/path/reason for business school and can differentiate yourself based on your work experience, then you got a lot going for you.

Remember, optimize for your overall application profile - not just one local maxima.

JeffTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi tj91,

I would be happy to provide some advice but have some questions regarding your GMAT prep and test day experience:
 
1) Can you provide us with the dates and score breakdowns from your Official GMAT prep practice exams? When you took the practice tests, did you take them under realistic conditions (e.g. in a quiet environment, no extended breaks)? Did you complete the entire CAT, including the IR and Essay sections?
 
2) Describe your study routine. What resources have you been using to study? How many hours a day did you study and for how many total months?
 
3) What are the MBA programs to which you plan to apply? What deadlines are you targeting?

4) Describe your experience on test day. Did you feel nervous while taking the exam? Did you feel comfortable with the quant questions asked? Were you surprised by a Q45 score? Feel free to include any other relevant information.

mcelroytutoring · Answer

Keep trying. There is very little difference on the GMAT between a 710 and a 770. In my opinion, the difference between the two scores is somewhat attributable to luck (performance on experimental vs. counted questions, for example) and your ability to pay for re-takes, especially given the adaptive scoring algorithm, which tends to make "snap judgments" based upon your performance early in each section.

That being said, keep in mind that 700-level scores--even low 700s--are good enough for nearly any business school, given sufficient work experience and fit.

If you post your ESR, then that would be immensely helpful in giving more specific advice.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi, 710 by itself is a great score, but if you feel you can do well and improve on the Quants section, you should certainly go for it. 1. What were your Quants scores in the practise tests? You can improve on the Quants section by focussing on the individual topics and drilling down deep in them. Try to understand what you pain areas are and then remove them. Try to break the questions in topics such as Algebra, Number system (very important), Geometry, PnC etc. Go through the theory of the topics first and then practice. You can see the reviews of the various courses here: https://gmatclub.com/reviews/gmat_courses?fl=menu Most of the prep companies including ours offer a free trial of the course. You can take it and see which course fits your needs. Our On Demand course also comes with a 50 point improvement or full refund guarantee. This shows our confidence in the course.

710 (45Q 42V) - Suggestions for retake strategy?

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