From 500 to 330 with 9 months of studying + 25 hours of tutoring

Question

Hi Everyone,

So I am at loss of words and really don't know what to do. I took the GMAT test after 9 months of studying and got a score of 330, I kn ow I wasn't 100% there but I can't believe the score that I got. I wasn't able to finish the verbal section or the quant section. I think the anxiety during the test really killed me. I took a veritas practice test after ward and scored 440, using there analysis tool I realized I was making basic mistakes ex: not answering the right question, reading the question correctly.

What materials did I use: I finished all the Veritas books, GMAC and had 25 hours with a Veritas private tutor.

I am not sure what to do, keep at it with Veritas or change to another study plan? I have a couple more months until round 2. Any recommendations?

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Might be helpful to know what type of score you are looking to get.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmatstudier07,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day did not turn out better. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. 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) What type of study routine did you follow over the last 9 months? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) Did you use any other study materials besides the books and tutoring time that you mentioned? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gmatstudier07,

I'm sorry to hear about how things have been going with your GMAT. I'm happy to provide some advice but would like some additional information regarding your situation with the GMAT. Once you respond to the questions already asked, I help you further. In the meantime, here is a helpful article that will provide some guidance on how you should structure your GMAT study plan:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

gmatstudier07 · Answer

Hi, thanks for the response.

Answering your questions:

1. I would study only during week days 3 hours a day most days, some days 2 hours a day. I would meet with my veritas tutor 2 hours a week.
2. 2 GMAC and 1 Veritas
3. GMAC 1: Dec. 27 no studying 500, GMAC 2: May 15 420, Veritas Prep: 440

4. Overall score from the beginning was 700, as the first practice test I took without studying was 500.
5. GSB, HBS, Columbia

gmatstudier07 · Answer

Hi gmatstudier07,

I'm sorry to hear about how things have been going with your GMAT. I'm happy to provide some advice but would like some additional information regarding your situation with the GMAT. Once you respond to the questions already asked, I help you further. In the meantime, here is a helpful article that will provide some guidance on how you should structure your GMAT study plan:

I appreciate any help you can offer, just answered the questions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gmatstudier07,

To start, since you are interested in some highly-competitive Schools, 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. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

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

While it's possible that you had a bit of a 'bad day' when you took the Official GMAT, statistically-speaking, whether we're talking about a 330 or a 500, raising either of those Score to the point that you can consistently score 700+ will require that you commit to at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

1) For your next attempt, are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?
3) Are you interested in any other Schools besides the 3 that you listed?

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

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello gmatstudier07,

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.

Don't be disappointed. You can surely do better.

Your current score is shaky. I fully understand your frustration. You were not probably on the right track or wrong direction in your study plans.

You can schedule a free counseling session for 20 mins with one of our experts:https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session for detailed advice on your current study plans.

A score of 330 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 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 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 Math Revolution and get access to our 7-day 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 test 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 also try our free diagnostic test once. Let some experts evaluate it to make you understand it better.
The entire mock test should be completed in a disciplinary manner.

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 we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can reach us at [email protected].

Success is within your reach.
Good luck!

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From 500 to 330 with 9 months of studying + 25 hours of tutoring

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