Hi All

Ever since I came out of my first GMAT attempt on Oct 22nd, 2018, I have pondering this question about how to improve my Quant score from 38 to 48. The Q38 that I see in my attempt was initially a shocker for me, but then upon deeper analysis I think it was par for the course. My GMAT Prep 1 & 2 scores were 47 (in Aug 2018) and 39 (couple days ago). I took about 12 or more GMAT club Quant CAT's in the past 2 months and my scores ranged from 20 to 44. I am trying to find a reason for such variances and also determine a study plan to ensure that I get to Q48.

My Quant prep for the first attempt included going through the MGMAT quant books 1 through 5 in July and Aug. I took the first GMAT prep test right after that and got a 47. At that point I felt comfortable and then was not revising Quant everyday till early October. I had some job situations to handle in the mean time that kept my mind away from the GMAT exam, to the point that even if I was revising topics I was just going through the motions rather than focusing. The GMATClub Quant tests in early October reflects this slump as I saw a nadir of Q20. By that time, some of the concepts/tips/tricks that I learned until Aug deserted me. I had to restart the MGMAT book study again and gave GMAT Club tests almost every other day. The scores gradually improved from Q20 to Q28 to Q33 to Q44 and then finally in the last GMAT club test it came back to Q38. I gave my next and last GMAt prep test a couple days before the exam and got a Q39. Even though I was averaging only in the high 30's I was somehow under a false impression that I would be hitting a Q47 in the real attempt. But I did not and ended up with a Q38 in the real GMAT.

I would like to know what would be the best strategy here to consistently hit Q48 in prep tests at which point I can confidently retake the GMAT test. I now understand that an extended break definitely takes me way back in the score. What I also know is that I tend to panic while taking the timed tests. If I get stumped on a question, I tend to guess an answer, but worse, I end up brooding over the 'spilled milk' while attempting the next question and things get from bad to worse. It could be certainly because I am lacking in concepts, but each time I go back and review the incorrect answers, I am able to accurately answer all the 500 & 600 level questions in a pressure free environment. So definitely any suggestions for coping with the 'TEST' pressure would help me a lot.

Please suggest some paths I could go from here. In my mind, I plan to review the MGMAT concepts one more time, use the GMAt club Math pdf for review and then start giving GMAT club tests every other day till I consistently hit Q48. If I reach that stage, I'll retake my GMAT. Does this sound like a plan or is there a different strategy to employ? Any help (except marketing) is welcome.

Once again - GREAT Forum - GREAT people and Lot of HELP! GMATCLUB rocks.

Hi MiscReg,

From what you describe, it sounds like you're planning to study in a fairly similar fashion to how you studied before, so it's unclear what type of adjustments you might make to how you handle the overall Quant section or Test Day itself. Considering the type of improvement that you're after, your plan might not be as effective as you want it (or need it) to be. 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 study materials have you used besides the books that you listed?
2) How have you scored on EACH of your FULL-LENGTH CATs - not the ClubTests (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

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

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