GMAT 640 to 740+

Question

Hi..I have given GMAT twice..In both the cases, I got a same score including the sectional scores (q48 v31). Kindly provide me your inputs on how to improve my score to 740+...Also, confirm if it is practically possible to increase score by 100 points..

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91,

First off, a 640/Q48 is a strong score (it's just shy of the 80th percentile overall), so it might be enough to get you into Business School. In answer to your immediate question - YES, you can absolutely improve your score and hit your score goals. Since you claim to have earned the exact same score twice though, "your way" of approaching the GMAT has currently gotten you 'stuck' at this scoring level, so some significant adjustments will have to be made to how you 'see' (and respond to) the GMAT.

Before I can offer any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about how you've studied so far and your overall plans:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?

3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
4) When are you planning to apply?

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91,

Since you have already given the GMAT twice, you should be aware of the concepts/fundamentals tested on the GMAT. What you nee to change is the way in which you solve problems.

1. Did you follow any preparatory course?
2. Did you give the CATs including AWA and IR while preparing?
3. Did you finish the Official Guides?
4. Did you make an error log?
5. When do you plan to retake the GMAT?

In your next round of preparation, you should keep the following things in mind.

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

If you need additional practice of official questions, you can buy Question pack1 from mba.com

PurnaChandra · Answer

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC,

Thank you for response.
1. I have studied for 2 months in both the cases.
2.I have used OG'15 and manhattan material.
3.I have planned to apply this month(for 2016 intake), but due to a low score I have decided to wait for an year and apply for the 2017 intake. I am aiming for top 30 schools in the world, where 730 or 740+ would be a decent score to apply.

PurnaChandra · Answer

Hi Janielle Williams,

Thanks for your response

1. I haven't taken any preparatory course.
2. I have given 2 CATs before the exam (i.e.,7days and 10days before the exam).
3. I have finished the OGs.
4. I have made an error log and got a success rate of 80% in quant part and 65% in verbal section(with RC having the least success rate followed by SC and CR).

I am planning to retake the GMAT in April/May.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91,

With a 640, you have a score that is 'in the range' of most (if not all) of the Top 30 Schools that you might be considering. While a higher GMAT score would likely benefit your overall application, you have a reasonably competitive score right now. This is meant to say that you could still apply for a Fall, 2106 intake.

1) Do you know which specific Schools/Programs you plan to apply to?

If you do plan to retest, then it's worth noting that your studies so far have been 'book heavy'; many Test Takers who study in that way tend to get 'stuck' at a particular scoring level, and it's likely that this has happened to you as well. To earn that big score improvement, you're likely going to have to invest in some new non-book resources and learn/practice some new Tactics.

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91,

You have plenty of time with you and can certainly hit your target score. Following are the few suggestions for this round of preparation:

1. Enrol in a preparatory course. Till now you have studied with the help of books, a preparatory course will focus on concept building and ensure that you learn the missing concepts. Most of the companies including ours offer a free trial. You can opt for it and see if the course suits you.
2. You can download additional tests from mba.com and try to give them a bit earlier from your actual GMAT. Mock CATs are meant to prepare you for the test. Analyze your mistakes thoroughly and then work on them before taking another test.
3. Follow a study plan. Many times students wander around and do not stick to a plan. If you stick to a plan, you will have a constant goal in front of you and will be motivated to achieve it.
4. Book the test date, so that you know how much time do you have exactly.

PurnaChandra · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have applied to India School of Business. Also, my other interested schools are Tepper, IE(spain), Tuck, Duke, University of Michigan: Ross.

Kindly let me know, is it advisable to apply for these schools with my score.

PurnaChandra · Answer

Hi Janielle Williams,

Thank you very much for your inputs. I'll certainly follow them and will update you on my progress.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91,

Since you're ultimately asking Admissions questions, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi SantoshGmat91, I believe that you are from India and this puts you in the overly representative pool. And the schools that you have listed are very competitive and want high scores from Indian applicants. Hence I would recommend you to go for the retake and increase your GMAT score. Indeed people do get through with low scores too, but they have other aspects of their profile that shine out. You can get a free evaluation of your profile here: ask-admission-consultants-124/?fl=menu

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

GMAT 640 to 740+

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards