First Time GMAT Practice Test

Question

I scored a 220. I was distracted and I was rushing because of time even though I was left with 10 extra mins for each section. Does anyone recommend certain GMAT prep? I am just rusty and need to brush up on my verbal/quant. A little discouraged given the fact I am not a good standardized test taker.

bb · Answer

Eeek... That's a tricky score to have. 220 is probably one of the lowest scores you can get so you have a windy road ahead of you but the only way is up! It depends on what you are thinking/consideration in terms of prep (books or online courses or possibly in person as MGMAT is doing in New York now). I can definitely see a need to start with the fundamentals before you jump into strategies and revisit arithmetic operations/etc since you probably have not done them since high school... I had to relearn them recently with my kids

going through school. I can see using the MGMAT Math Foundations / MGMAT Verbal Foundations or EMPOWERgmat course or TTP (mostly quant at this time) to get you into it. However, you are probably looking into months of studying. Not sure if you are prepared for that.... a shorter course is Magoosh but you are trading off speed for details

BuschLeague22 · Answer

I know it’s low but I’m not concerned. I was rushing through most of it. I will look into the resources you gave me so I can have a better foundation coming in for the next practice test.

Thank you.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi BuschLeague22,

Many GMATers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but you really shouldn't be. If you were rushing so much that you finished each section 10 minutes EARLY, then you likely moved too quickly through a number of prompts that you could have correctly answered (if you had slowed down, taken more notes, double-checked your work, etc.). As such, this 220 might not be a completely accurate assessment of your 'ability level' at this point - and you'll improve on that result over time as you learn more about the content, Tactics and little 'secrets' of the Exam.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) Have you done any studying yet for the GMAT or are you just getting started? 
2) What study materials - if any - do you currently have access to?

Goals:
3) What is your overall goal score?
4) 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

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi BuschLeague22,

You diagnostic score is pretty low but do not take this score too seriously as it's just to assess your current level. I have a couple of articles for you which can help you understand the right way to prepare for GMAT.

How to start your GMAT Preparation?   
    How to effectively plan your studies for GMAT?    
    The 3 key skills you need to develop to score well on GMAT    
I would suggest you to choose a resource which can help you:
  Learn the concepts 
 Learn the methodology (Most important) 
 Practice questions 
 Analyze detailed solutions 
 Follow a study plan 
 Work on your weak areas

The best thing to do would be to check out the free trials of the online courses out there and choose the one which suits you the most. But make sure you choose the one which can help you with the above factors. You can check out the below article to know more about the factors to consider while evaluating an online course.

Key factors to consider while evaluating an online course    
And I would suggest you to check out the free trial of GMATWhiz before taking a decision. It is an AI driven course which focuses on the application and strategy. If you wish to have a detailed discussion regarding the study strategy, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

kntombat · Answer

Hey  BuschLeague22 , Welcome to GMATClub. 
I agree with what  bb  has said above. I would recommend that you go through the reviews of the various on-demand courses that you can find on our forum.
Then take a trial of whatever courses interests you. I think then you are in a position to take a call on what course do you want to opt for.

I would recommend that you can try Target Test Prep, the way they teach quant and verbal is amazing.
 ScottTargetTestPrep ,  MartyTargetTestPrep .

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello BuschLeague22,

Welcome to the GMAT club. It is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, and many more. You are recommended to visit various posts and utilize this forum in the best efficient way.

Learning is a continuous process, and it shines with practice. Success in GMAT is entirely based on vital concepts, rigorous practice, complete knowledge of math question types and patterns, quick approaches, and time management.

Your current mock score is shaky. You can schedule a free counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 20 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.

A score of 220 in the mock test tells that neither the Math nor the Verbal is above average. Hence, both sections have to be taken care of simultaneously. To improve, you will require consistent learning and practice. Also, keep your motivation high to learn.

Since we are a math expert, we will recommend you go through our post on the GMAT club, which gives a complete Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of-gmat-math-question-types-and-patterns-on-the-gmat-211809.html#p1641411

Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve your target score. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.

After visiting the post, now is the time to start with the basics. To strengthen the basic concept on various topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems, you may refer to many free materials available in GMAT Club. Our website also helps strengthen the necessary "skills of math”.

Solve as many questions as you can related to different topics, and it is recommended that you try to connect with many proven experts. You can visit the Math Revolution and get access to our 7-days on-demand course for free trial lessons.

While concept learning, try solving 600 level questions by topic and be habitual of creating the error log. Prepare a list of all the doubts you face during solving and practicing questions. This practice will help you assess the topics in which you need more time to prepare. After solving as many questions as possible, take the 1st mock test and assess your performance. You may try our free diagnostic test once. Let some experts evaluate it to make you understand it better.

Continue the process with 650+ level by topic and then 700+ level questions by topic. The entire mock test should be completed in a disciplinary manner. Since this is a bit long journey, 1-on -1 tutoring can also be helpful to shorten the study period if your study budget is affordable.

Regular tests will reflect the positive change in the score, and hence, your confidence will boost up. Gradually, with the help of mock tests, you will be able to compete with time and hence will be able to learn time management.

We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can reach us at [email protected].

Success is within your reach.

Good luck!
Math Revolution Team

SalahT · Answer

You can start by reading this awesome guide by BB  GMAT Study Plan - 2021 Edition  . This discusses what are the different ways to prepare, which different resources are available, which ones to pick etc.
Also you can opt in for GMAT Club partners course at a trial basis then choose the one that you like the most  Master List of all Free GMAT Course Trials 
Best of luck!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Regarding prep courses, in addition to seeking advice in this thread, take a look at the GMAT Club reviews for  the best quant  and  verbal courses , and also read through some  GMAT success stories  to see what materials have worked well for other test-takers.

Also, would you like some general advice on how to improve your verbal and quant skills?

You also may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

Good luck!

homersimpsons · Answer

Go for a good online course.
TTP for Quant and VErbal.

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