Advice on How to improve my GMAT score?

Question

Dear GMAT experts,

I gave my first GMAT attempt on Sunday and got a score of 570(q47, v22) after 3 months of preparation. I am feeling highly demotivated after such low score. I followed e-gmat verbal resources for preparation but still I was not able to score any good. What should I do now to improve my score. I want to achieve atleast 650+ in my second attempt. How should I go about on improving my score. How much time I should devote for preparation? What resources I should follow now? Also, I think I face problem in Critical reasoning. Please help!
Thanks in advance!

nigina93 · Answer

Hi. Can you please tell me when do you plan to give official gmat?

eshitajuneja · Answer

I plan to give official GMAT after 3-4 months now. But I am flexible with spending time on preparation as I do not want to give exam before I am consistently scoring 650+ on GMAT prep

egmat · Answer

Hi eshitajuneja , I am sorry to know that you could not perform as well as you had hoped in the test. But do not be demotivated, instead, rise like a phoenix! Take this test as a stepping stone in your endeavor to reach your target score. What Went Wrong? I see that you used our course for Verbal preparation. I have gone through your Scholaranium data, and from it, I can see that you should be at a V30 at least . Given that, I would like to know a few things from you to be able to understand what went wrong – a) Did you follow the process taught in the course during preparation and the test? b) What were your mock test scores? Did you give these mock tests in a single sitting? c) Was there anything else that impacted your performance during the test? Do share your ESR with us on support@e-gmat.com for our experts to analyze and share the way forward for you. We want to help you reach your target score. Looking forward to your response! Regards, Aditee

eshitajuneja · Answer

Hi  egmat

Yes, I followed the process and I think I was still Ok in SC questions but CR questions was a problem. Moreover, I find it a bit difficult to align with e-gmat CR approach.
The highest I could score on GMAT prep was 650 (q49, v32), that I gave 3 days before the actual exam. So, I was really shocked after seeing my low score. I will share my ESR. Thank you!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I’m glad you reached out and I’m happy to help.

I'd be happy to provide some advice but first would like to learn some more about you and your GMAT goals. I have some questions:

1) How many practice GMAT tests have you taken? Please list the dates on which you’ve taken any practice GMATs, the total scores, and the quant, verbal, and IR scores, as well as how you were feeling while taking the tests. Also, please tell me where these tests came from (ex: mba.com).

2) Please describe how you have been studying. For how many hours a day have you been studying and for how many months?

3) To what programs will you be applying? What are the deadlines for these programs?

4) By when would you LIKE to take the GMAT? By when MUST you take the GMAT?

5) How many hours a day, on average, can you study between now and your next GMAT?

6) Have you ever had accommodations on any test? For example, extra time, a private room, or extra breaks? Do you have any medical diagnoses that could impact your studying or GMAT performance, such as ADHD, generalized anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities?

7) your opinion, how prepared were you for the GMAT? It's important that you answer this question as objectively as possible.

Thanks!

Arro44 · Answer

Hello my friend, by far not all hope is lost, actually you seem to head for your second attempt with a quite solid foundation when it comes to the quant section. With regards to improving some of your verbal issues maybe the following strategies are of help to you: https://gmatclub.com/forum/verbal-strat ... l#p2082192 Moreover I would suggest to have a look at the verban explanation videos from Veritas Prep and GmatNinja those are both two great ressources with regards to improving ones verbal score. While does videos are no replacement for dedicated prep and solving actual questions, some of the hints and tips provided might come in very handy during your next GMAT adventure. Nonetheless make sure to check some of the questions and their respective answers in this forum, than can be a great source of insight with regards to some topics you might struggle in. Best of luck for your prep, Chris

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi eshitajuneja,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Almost 4 months ago, you stated (here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/advice-on-ho ... l#p2031807) that you had scored 570/Q49/V19 in January and 590/Q45/V27 in March. Recently, you've scored 570/Q47/V22. These 3 Official Scores show that you essentially performed the same on all 3 of your attempt (about 580 +/- a few points), even though you've taken these 3 attempts over the course of 6 months. These results imply that you have developed some 'bad habits' during your studies that will take time to fix (and replace with new 'good habits').

With a Score Goal of 650+, you will likely need at least 2 months of consistent, guided study to score at that level - and you will have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

egmat · Answer

Hi  eshitajuneja ,

I have sent you a personal message on the way forward. Be rest assured that we are committed to help you succeed.

Regards,
Aditee

Advice on How to improve my GMAT score?

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