Diagnostic Score Q31 V16 410 - Target Score 650-700 in 6-7 months!

Question

This week I took GMAT and scored 410 Q31, V16. I was feeling bad about such a low score. its been ages since I last opened course books. Since last 10 years, I have been working full-time and it seems all my concepts are rusty. I believe I would improve them and reach my target score, its just the matter of hard work and time.

I am planning to take GMAT in Aug 2016, so I have plenty of time to prepare for GMAT. Today, I started verbal from Manhattan books and covering SC. My plan is to cover verbal first and then move on to Quant.

I would like to ask experts, whats the best study plan? is this timeframe even realistic to achieve 650-700 score? If so, which books would they recommend?

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi positivity2016,

Many Test Takers are not happy about their initial CAT scores - those scores are just an initial assessment though, so you shouldn't be too upset about this first CAT score. It DOES mean that you'll have to make some BIG improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections though. With an August Test Date, you have 6 months to study, which is good.

Considering your score goal, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led).

1) How many hours do you plan to study each week?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

optmistic2016 · Answer

Thanks for the prompt response!

I have plans to study 3 hours on weekdays and 6-7 hours on the weekends, as I am working full-time.

Once I have a decent score, then I would prepare my applications and would submit it by Nov. Honestly, I haven't planned it yet as its mainly dependent on my GMAT score!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Since you have just started your preparation, you need not worry much about the score. This an certainly be improved and you can achieve your target score.
Your mock score shows a clear lack of fundamentals. In your preparation so far, how did you study? What material did you follow?

1. Did you take the test including AWA and IR?
2. Did you complete both the sections? (There is a high penalty if you do not complete a section)

Also, I would recommend you to refrain from taking tests until you have gone through all the fundamentals. 
You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the prep companies including ours offer a free trial of the course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits you.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides too and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

optmistic2016 · Answer

I skipped AWA section and literally skipped/guessed all the questions in IR section, so in short, I skipped first & 2nd sections. For Quant and Verbal I attempted all questions.

Will this really impact my GMAT score if I skip the first two sections (AWA & IR)?

Right now, I am covering verbal from Manhattan books to cover the foundations and then will move to other books later.

Thanks for your tips and suggestions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi optmistic2016,

Taking your CATs in a way that does not 'match up' with what you'll face during your Official GMAT will almost certainly lead to an unrealistic practice CAT score. You won't be skipping over the Essay on Test Day, so you shouldn't be doing that during your studies. There are certain aspects to the GMAT that you can only train for by taking your CATs in a realistic and test-like fashion. If you choose not to study in that way, then you'll likely find it harder to hit your goal score on Test Day.

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

optmistic2016 · Answer

Hi Rich,

I didn't know that it would impact the other score as every section has a separate scoring. Thats a good advise and would take full-length exam in future attempts.

Thank you!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi optmistic2016,

Each section of the GMAT produces its own isolated Score (and the percentile is calculated based off of that score). Doing well in one section has no bearing on how any of the other sections function. When I mentioned that you took a shorter/easier Test, it was because you skipped over the first HOUR of work that you will have to do on Test Day and essentially jumped straight to the Quant section. On the Official GMAT, almost 3 hours will have gone by before you see your first Verbal prompt, so you have to learn to deal with the fatigue that you'll face on Test Day. You CAN train for that though, by taking FULL-LENGTH CATs under realistic conditions.

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi optmistic2016,

No, skipping/guessing the AWA and the IR sections will not have an impact on your overall score out of 800.
But this strategy is not recommended at all.

Schools use the AWA scores all the times and IR scores also might come into picture at some point of time in the future.
Having very low scores in these two sections would raise a red flag.

It is better that you train your mind and body to suit the format of the GMAT.

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