Hello GMAT experts,
I haven't had much luck with the GMAT and have been thinking if I should continue studying for the new GMAT (Focus) format, or cut my losses and try for GRE.
I've been studying for a combined period of 4 months (2 months per study period, with a ~9 month break in between). Arguably, for each study period I've done, I had spent about 1.5 months ramping up on knowledge but find little time to really drill the practice questions (which I know is one of the most important parts).
I'm a bit lost now, and to be honest, quite dejected. I was really banking on my recent GMAT score to be a 700 so that I would at least submit for the R2 deadline in 2023, but given I had done so badly, I've put things on hold for now.
Summary: Exam question: Continue with GMAT (Focus), or take the new GRE? •
Scenario 1: Take GMAT Focus. Get tutoring help for Quant; and leverage and build strength in verbal
•
Scenario 2: Take GRE. Start from ground up. Likely to do okay on verbal; and potentially better on quant (vs on GMAT, given it may be relatively easier)
Would be grateful for your advice and expertise!
Context:Goal: 730 (old GMAT scoring)
Study period A - Total study time: Full-period of ~2 months (Jan-Feb 2022) •
OG Practice test 1 (1st Jan 2022): Q 31, V 27
•
OG Practice test 2 (9th Feb 2022): Q 40, V 34
• Official Test (17th Feb 2022): Q 41 [30%], V 37 [81%], IR 3 (Without prep)
○ Had to leave halfway of Quant section because needed to use the washroom badly which affected my timing. Mostly guessed the tailend of quant questions to finish on time
Study period B - Total study time: Full-period of ~2 months (Nov-Dec 2023);
Had to restart afresh as took a long 10-month break from Feb 2022 test date •
OG Practice test 1 (24th Dec 2023): Q 42, V 35
•
OG Practice test 2 (1st Jan 2024): Q 45, V 38
• Official Test (17th Feb 2022): Q 40 [28%]; V 27 [42%]; IR 5 (Without prep)
○ Couldn't finish quant section on time - unfortunately didn't answer up to 5-6 questions before timer was up
○ Started with verbal section and all pens were not working which made me lose my cool. Took approx. 5 mins for the proctor to find another working pen
○ Room AC was busted so the room door had to be opened which allowed for noise to come into the testing room
○ Written in for a refund for the above testing conditions
Materials: •
Study period A: ○
Target test prep course - Was great resource, but as I was cramming, I mainly only finished the lessons, but didn't finish the practice questions, which I believe was my downfall
○ Manhattan Guides
○ Powerscore CR
•
Study period B ○
Magoosh - mainly used it as a question bank and to refresh any topics
○ Past notes from study period A
Additional context: • I've taken a mock GRE test - this was my score without any prep: 151 (Q) [33%]; 145 (V) [22%]