Any advice to improve a GMAT score in a month?

Question

Hi everyone!

I started my GMAT preparation back in early June of this year and intend to pass the GMAT exam in early October to have time for the second round of applications for MBAs. I have read quite a few books around preparing for the GMAT, finished all the practices questions from the GMAT official book as well, and have done a lot of practice questions on the GMATclub already. However, I find myself quite lost on how to continue to prepare and if I can even improve my score before the exam. I intend to apply only for MBAs in Europe and would like to achieve a 645 or 655 score to boost my profile.

As a quick background, I got a 495 score in my first practice test in June. The last practice test I took at the end of August ended with a 615 score.

The verbal section tends to be easier for me, but I missed the third question on the test, which I think tank my score for the section (if I understood the adaptative nature of the GMAT correctly). I was thinking of mainly doing 505 to 605 questions so I can get myself a chance to attain the harder level questions. Is it a good idea or should I approach the preparation differently?

Where I am struggling is in the quant and therefore the data insights sections (for any math-related questions). I have been doing everything I can to improve there but cannot seem to have any accuracy when I attempt 605+ questions from GMATclub (the GMAT official book seemed to be easy compared to everything I saw here). I have watched numerous Youtube videos on every math topic, done multiple sheets of practice questions and kept a thorough error log but cannot seem to achieve the "conceptual fluidity" and math reasoning that are tested. I wouldn't say I'm bad at math, but highschool math heavily rewarded the math process rather than the result itself as none of our tests were quizzes and I'm wondering if it's how I approach the exam that is wrong. Is there any way for me to work on the reasoning side?

The data insights section is even worse. Graphs and multi-reasoning questions are fine, but the math-related two-part analyses and data insights tank my score everytime. I simply don't understand how to approach most of them and end up panicking. Any advice for this part?

Thank you in advance for any feedback!

MartyMurray · Answer

Nice work so far increasing your score from the 400s to the 600s.

Now, for Verbal, start with 555 - 605 questions, but keep going with harder questions, and learn to achieve high accuracy at each level. Key levels are 605 - 655 and 655 - 705. You need to be able to get almost all questions at those levels correct, as least if you're being flexible with the time per question.

How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal

For Quant, it sounds as if you need to focus on one topic at a time to give yourself a chance to truly master topics.

Also, when you practice Quant, do one question at a time, checking your answer after each question, and review how you answered the last question and consider how you can improve your process before you answer the next question.

You can get some more insights into the specifics of that process and how in general to prepare effectively from these posts.

How to Score 705+ on the GMAT

How to Ace the GMAT Using the Streaks Method

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

When reviewing questions (including those you already got correct), seeing whether there may have been a shorter/easier way to get to the correct answer choice may help a bit. Perhaps, for example, there was a way the answer choices themselves may have been helpful in some way. Consider checking out the myth vs. fact info in the beginning of the Official-Guide and the scoring factors (on the Understanding Your score page on the MBA website) for the different sections.

5 Quant tips

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Kuroe,

Great work so far!

A great way to move forward with your quant prep is with topical learning and practice. In other words, focus on just ONE topic at a time and practice that topic until you achieve mastery.

For instance, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects (formulas, properties, techniques and strategies) of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; be sure to follow this process for all Quant topics.

For some more advice, here is a great article you can check out:

GMAT Quant Preparation: Top 10 Tips

nostrumut · Answer

Your approach to quant prep by focusing on one topic at a time is excellent and highly effective. Topical learning—deeply studying all aspects of a single subject like Number Properties including formulas, techniques, and question variations—helps build true mastery. Following that with targeted practice on that topic, carefully reviewing mistakes to understand why they happened, ensures continuous improvement and solid grasp of material.

This method is strongly recommended by GMAT experts because it builds confidence, retention, and accuracy. For example, mastering one quant topic before moving on means you're prepared to handle any related question on test day. Topical learning and practice based on self-reflection of errors is key to efficient and meaningful progress.

If you want a detailed guide, there are excellent articles online explaining how focusing on one quant topic at a time leads to superior learning outcomes and better scores. Keep up the great work and use this structured approach for all quant topics!

Best wishes in your prep!

ManifestDreamMBA · Answer

You’ve improved from 495 to 615, and a 645–655 is within reach. Focus on building quant reasoning, not just solving the math. Master easy-med level questions with full accuracy before moving up. For data insights, practice untimed to understand logic, then move to timed. Take one mock per week and review deeply to find root causes of errors.

All the best!

Any advice to improve a GMAT score in a month?

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