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09 Jul 2026, 19:31
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Hi everyone,
I took the GMAT last week and scored 545 with the following section scores: Q79 | V76 | DI76
I studied for about 6 months, so I was a little disappointed with the result. However, since this was my first attempt, I’m trying to treat it as a learning experience and use it to improve for my next test.
My main challenge is Verbal. I come from a country where English is not widely spoken, so I feel that language proficiency is one of the biggest factors affecting my performance.
My target scores are:
Primary target: 655
Stretch target: 695+
I have about 4–5 months until Round 2 MBA applications, so I want to make the most of this time.
For those who have improved significantly from a similar starting point, especially in Verbal, I would really appreciate your advice.
What should I focus on from here? How should I structure my prep, and what resources or strategies would you recommend?
Thanks in advance!
I took the GMAT last week and scored 545 with the following section scores: Q79 | V76 | DI76
I studied for about 6 months, so I was a little disappointed with the result. However, since this was my first attempt, I’m trying to treat it as a learning experience and use it to improve for my next test.
My main challenge is Verbal. I come from a country where English is not widely spoken, so I feel that language proficiency is one of the biggest factors affecting my performance.
My target scores are:
Primary target: 655
Stretch target: 695+
I have about 4–5 months until Round 2 MBA applications, so I want to make the most of this time.
For those who have improved significantly from a similar starting point, especially in Verbal, I would really appreciate your advice.
What should I focus on from here? How should I structure my prep, and what resources or strategies would you recommend?
Thanks in advance!
10 Jul 2026, 07:50
Kudos
Bookmarks
First of all Don't be discouraged.
A 545 on your first official GMAT Focus attempt is not a bad starting point, especially considering English is not your native language. Plenty of applicants go from the mid-500s to 655–705+ on their second or third attempt - you can read so many such stories in GMATClub.
Now, the most important thing is that your score report tells a story.
For the next 4–5 months, I'd focus on the following:ng of Verbal as "GMAT Verbal." Think of it as improving academic
Read every single day.
Good sources include:
Don't just read—summarize each article in your own words and identify:
This single habit improves both Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Many students waste time memorizing tricks.
Instead, train yourself to identify:
Once you consistently see the argument structure, CR becomes much more predictable.
This is probably the highest ROI activity.
For every missed question, answer:
Reviewing mistakes is far more valuable than solving another 100 random questions.
Don't chase huge question counts.
I'd rather see someone thoroughly review:
20 official questions than rush through 100 questions
without understanding their mistakes.
Don't take a mock every weekend.
Take one only after you've improved a specific weakness.
Then spend several hours reviewing:
That's where the real learning happens.
Regarding your target score:
One final thought:
Don't compare your progress to native English speakers.
You're improving two skills simultaneously:
That means progress may feel slower initially, but once your reading speed and comprehension improve, your Verbal score can increase surprisingly quickly.
Stay patient, trust the process, and focus on becoming better at the skills the GMAT measures—not on chasing the score every week.
Best of luck! I wouldn't be surprised to see you in the mid-600s—or even higher—by Round 2 if you stay consistent.
A 545 on your first official GMAT Focus attempt is not a bad starting point, especially considering English is not your native language. Plenty of applicants go from the mid-500s to 655–705+ on their second or third attempt - you can read so many such stories in GMATClub.
Now, the most important thing is that your score report tells a story.
- Quant 79 → Your quantitative foundation is solid. This is not where you'll gain the most points.
- Verbal 76 → This is your biggest opportunity.
- DI 76 → Plenty of room for improvement here as well, especially as your reading speed improves.
For the next 4–5 months, I'd focus on the following:ng of Verbal as "GMAT Verbal." Think of it as improving academic
Read every single day.
Good sources include:
- The Economist
- Financial Times
- Scientific American
- Smithsonian
- Harvard Business Review
Don't just read—summarize each article in your own words and identify:
- Main conclusion
- Supporting evidence
- Author's assumptions
- Tone
This single habit improves both Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning.
Many students waste time memorizing tricks.
Instead, train yourself to identify:
- Conclusion
- Evidence
- Assumption
- Alternative explanation
- Logical gap
Once you consistently see the argument structure, CR becomes much more predictable.
This is probably the highest ROI activity.
For every missed question, answer:
- Why did I miss it?
- What clue did I overlook?
- How will I avoid this mistake next time?
Reviewing mistakes is far more valuable than solving another 100 random questions.
Don't chase huge question counts.
I'd rather see someone thoroughly review:
20 official questions than rush through 100 questions
without understanding their mistakes.
Don't take a mock every weekend.
Take one only after you've improved a specific weakness.
Then spend several hours reviewing:
- Questions you missed
- Questions you guessed
- Questions you got right but weren't confident about
That's where the real learning happens.
Regarding your target score:
- 655 → Absolutely realistic in 4–5 months with disciplined preparation.
- 695+ → Ambitious, but certainly achievable if your Verbal improves substantially and you maintain your Quant while strengthening DI.
One final thought:
Don't compare your progress to native English speakers.
You're improving two skills simultaneously:
- GMAT reasoning
- Academic English proficiency
That means progress may feel slower initially, but once your reading speed and comprehension improve, your Verbal score can increase surprisingly quickly.
Stay patient, trust the process, and focus on becoming better at the skills the GMAT measures—not on chasing the score every week.
Best of luck! I wouldn't be surprised to see you in the mid-600s—or even higher—by Round 2 if you stay consistent.
10 Jul 2026, 09:12
Kudos
Bookmarks
all the best with applications.. and next attempt do share your experience..
