ESR Evaluation - 700 (Q47 V39 IR8 AWA5)

Question

Hello, can I get some help analyzing my ESR report? Trying to score at least 740+ and would like some insight on how to do so. Also, any tips on time management for both quant and verbal sections would be greatly appreciated. TIA!

Background:
Did the exam at a local test center. I usually score Q49+ and around V40 for verbal. The testing conditions were terrible. Everyone was coughing, someone was laughing cause a bird was chirping outside, and the door, which was used every ten minutes, was incredibly noisy. Tried my best to stay on track but, as can be seen on my report, I lost time towards the end of both sections. I get easily distracted so for the next attempt I will definitely be doing the exam online. I suspect I could've done better but am happy with the score nonetheless.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gmattaker3397.

It's a little tough to tell what you need to work on from what you missed because of distraction.

In verbal, you were very strong in the first and second quartiles when you spent over two minutes per question, and you were less strong when you spent under two minutes per question. Some of the issues you experienced with regards to time may have been related to the distractions you mentioned, but probably you need to learn to answer verbal questions faster.

For some ideas for speeding up in GMAT verbal, see this post.

How to Get Faster at GMAT Verbal

Regarding quant, it appears that you still have some weaker areas to work on. You may know what they are. You ESR indicates that could be stronger in Rates/Ratios/Percent, Value/Order/Factors, and Counting/Sets/Series. Those are pretty broad categories though. So, I'm guessing that you can get a clearer understanding of what you need to focus on by considering your performance on past practice set and practice tests along with how you feel when you see certain types of questions.

Regarding time management in quant, it could be that strategic guessing could help. However, it think your main task in quant is to continue to strengthen weaker areas. By strengthening weaker areas you'll get more quant questions correct and complete the section on time.

Also, I think you'll get some key insights that will help you in both quant and verbal from this post.

The Best GMAT Practice Methods

gmattaker3397 · Answer

Hi Marty, Thanks a lot for the insights! As for verbal, I will definitely work on time management, as well as exam mindset. It usually takes me less time to solve the questions but I got in my head during the exam (+ distractions) so I took longer to read and re-check chosen answers. As for quant, I didn't practice any questions for at least two weeks prior to taking to exam due to extreme burnout. Hopefully once I am able to practice again, I can have a better shot at scoring higher in quant. As you suggested, my main focus will be on strengthening weaker areas. Hopefully I can do better the second time around! Thanks again

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gmattaker3397,

I have another question. Did you end up taking all 6 GMAC practice exams? If so, what were your score breakdowns?

gmattaker3397 · Answer

Hi Scott,

I did - the breakdown is below.

1: 680 (Q47 V35) - Sep 22nd
2: 640 (Q47 V30) - Oct 6th
3: 730 (Q50 V40) - Oct 14th
4: 680 (Q45 V38) - Oct 18th
5: 640 (Q49 V28) - Oct 27th
6: 640 (Q47 V31) - Nov 15th

5 and 6 were taken when I was extremely burned out.

Looking back, Q47 might not have been as far off from my usual range as I thought LOL but I honestly can't tell if that's true with how often I burn out. I reviewed specific quant concepts after 2 and got the Q50. Mistakes I made felt silly. I felt comfortable with quant after that but I stopped practicing when I couldn't do anymore.

Hopefully this is insightful - do let me know your thoughts!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmattaker3397,

First off, a 700/Q47 is an outstanding overall Score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. 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 and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to act on that advice, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

There's certainly no harm in retaking the GMAT - and you could pick up some meaningful points in both the Quant and Verbal sections. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for in that regard - as well as the data in your ESR - it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? Have you taken any other CATs/mocks than the 6 Official ones you listed?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

For Verbal, if you feel your fundamentals are solid, consider working on your solving approach. May boost your score a bit. Had a student, for example, who went from a V41 to V45 (retake) in about 10 days. Perhaps work with a study buddy with ace Verbal skills.

5 Verbal tips

Quick tip if you are giving the exam Online is to keep a spare marker next to your eraser just in case your primary one runs out.

gmattaker3397 · Answer

Hello Rich, thank you for your response and encouragement!

I have spoken to an admissions expert before and they were confident in my application for M7/T20 schools as I have a unique background. They suggested I aim for top schools but that may have been based on the assumption that I would get 740+ like I thought I would. I think I really need to work on my exam strategy for the quant and verbal sections to ensure I get in that range.

Answered questions below:
1) Started studying in July with about ~10-20 hours per week. 
2) I used TTP (quant and verbal) and the OG Guides. I did take the Princeton Review 700+ course earlier this year and took their mocks as well. I did not find it particularly helpful for quant as I started and ended the course with a Q43 but it did help raise my verbal from V14 to V41. I jumped from a V14 to V30's when I finished learning all the basic rules. However, I still didn't feel confident in my verbal after the course. It felt like a fluke every time I got a good score on their mocks. I took a break after that and started studying again in July with TTP and OG.
3) Planning to apply for R2 this January for all M7 and as many top 20 schools as possible. It's a bit down to the wire as I have yet to start applications but I have time to get them done so I'm not too worried.

gmattaker3397 · Answer

Don't have time to work with a study buddy, unfortunately! I usually try explaining to myself why the answer I've chosen is correct and that seems to have worked well for me so far. Hopefully, I can manage to do that faster in the exam. Thanks for the marker tip

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmattaker3397, I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

egmat · Answer

Hi  gmattaker3397 ,

I have recorded a video response to analyze your ESR and shared my recommendations on the path to improvement. Here is the link:

gmattaker3397_ESRAnalysis - Watch Video

https://e-gmat.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/gmattaker3397.png

Here is the summary for the video –
 
 To get to a 740, you should aim for a Q50 and a V41 score (considering your current score and mock test scores). 
 You must work on your timing and ability in CR. You must build the skill to understand the logical structure of arguments and also work on the ability to strengthen and weaken arguments.  
 Your ability score in Arithmetic is very low. This indicates concept gaps. You must identify these gaps and bridge them. And also work on the skill to apply these concepts.

Here is the  CR article  that I mentioned in the video.

For inspiration, here are a couple of examples of students who improved from ~700 to 740+ scores.

Christos improved from  690 to 750  in 20 days.  
 Jim improved from  700 to 770  in 3 weeks.

Hope this helps!
-Sundeep

gmattaker3397 · Answer

Thanks a lot Sundeep! This is incredibly helpful! Hopefully I can see an improvement in my score following the recommended strategies

ESR Evaluation - 700 (Q47 V39 IR8 AWA5)

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