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Updated on: 14 Nov 2017, 14:23
Originally posted by Plunkster82 on 14 Nov 2017, 12:43.
Last edited by Plunkster82 on 14 Nov 2017, 14:23, edited 4 times in total.
Last edited by Plunkster82 on 14 Nov 2017, 14:23, edited 4 times in total.
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I just got back from retaking the GMAT and I am disappointed. Previously, I had a 640 (Q44, V44). Today, I got a a 630 (Q47, V29, IR7). Really, all I care about is getting a Q49. That's where 100% of my prep has been. I am trying to apply to a computer science program and all they want is a quant score in the 80th percentile, but they'll accept Q49, maybe even a Q48. I have been studying for six months and I am upset that I am not closer. I am happy I've improved, but still this is not comparable with how hard I have been working.
I have used Kaplan, GMAT Club and Math Revolution. My first attempt was about five weeks ago and I just used Kaplan and GMAT Club. However, I probably used GMAT Club too late in the game for the first try. It is the hardest set of questions. It's really the only question bank that I'd endorse. That said, the questions are often poorly written, but still really challenging on the quirks of DS. It's apparent some of these questions were written by non-native speakers. Kaplan is the weakest of the group. After taking a few practice exams, I realized how poorly Kaplan prepared me and so I added GMAT Club which is much better and harder. I have been religious about keeping an error log and determining my weak points. I do make a fair amount of stupid mistakes. Also, my issue is I take too much time.
The exam itself was tough. For whatever reason, I struggle in the first ten problems and especially the second problem. This happened to me last time, as well. They're not hard questions, but I get rattled on them and take too much time to answer a basic arithmetic mean problem. I know how to solve a problem like that quickly, so why is it so hard on test day? Timing was an issue, I used Math Revolution's tip for counting the variables and using that as the primary means to solve when you have less than 2 minutes per question left. I had to guess flat out on 2 questions using those rules and that's when all my time issues disappeared. The rest of the exam was smoother, I was still getting tough questions, but not as tough as before. I knew I did better than my first attempt, but I wasn't sure it was enough for a 49. I would have guessed I got a 48, but got a 47.
Right now, I am trying to figure out how to get better and how far away I am from a Q49. Any advice would be appreciated. I really need it right now. I'd even consider tutoring. To some extant, I feel like I have been giving it my all and this still isn't enough. I am 34, so a little older and with a brain that's more rigid than when I was 22. However, I feel like I can still do this, I just need some direction.
It's hard when you've been pretty successful in your career and that isn't enough to be accepted into a program. My whole life, I have been considered pretty smart, but not a great student.
I have used Kaplan, GMAT Club and Math Revolution. My first attempt was about five weeks ago and I just used Kaplan and GMAT Club. However, I probably used GMAT Club too late in the game for the first try. It is the hardest set of questions. It's really the only question bank that I'd endorse. That said, the questions are often poorly written, but still really challenging on the quirks of DS. It's apparent some of these questions were written by non-native speakers. Kaplan is the weakest of the group. After taking a few practice exams, I realized how poorly Kaplan prepared me and so I added GMAT Club which is much better and harder. I have been religious about keeping an error log and determining my weak points. I do make a fair amount of stupid mistakes. Also, my issue is I take too much time.
The exam itself was tough. For whatever reason, I struggle in the first ten problems and especially the second problem. This happened to me last time, as well. They're not hard questions, but I get rattled on them and take too much time to answer a basic arithmetic mean problem. I know how to solve a problem like that quickly, so why is it so hard on test day? Timing was an issue, I used Math Revolution's tip for counting the variables and using that as the primary means to solve when you have less than 2 minutes per question left. I had to guess flat out on 2 questions using those rules and that's when all my time issues disappeared. The rest of the exam was smoother, I was still getting tough questions, but not as tough as before. I knew I did better than my first attempt, but I wasn't sure it was enough for a 49. I would have guessed I got a 48, but got a 47.
Right now, I am trying to figure out how to get better and how far away I am from a Q49. Any advice would be appreciated. I really need it right now. I'd even consider tutoring. To some extant, I feel like I have been giving it my all and this still isn't enough. I am 34, so a little older and with a brain that's more rigid than when I was 22. However, I feel like I can still do this, I just need some direction.
It's hard when you've been pretty successful in your career and that isn't enough to be accepted into a program. My whole life, I have been considered pretty smart, but not a great student.
mcelroytutoring
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Joined: 10 Jul 2015
Last visit: 19 Mar 2026
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Affiliations: Harvard University, A.B. with honors in Government, 2002
Location: United States (CO)
Age: 45 (10 years and counting on GMAT Club!)
GMAT 1: 770 Q47 V48
GMAT 2: 730 Q44 V47
GMAT 3: 750 Q50 V42
GMAT 4: 730 Q48 V42 (Online)
GRE 1: Q168 V169
GRE 2: Q170 V170
Expert reply
14 Nov 2017, 13:04
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Hey Plunkster82, don't give up! At least you've realized that there are far better GMAT preparation options than the big companies can provide.
I've taken the GMAT 5 times total. I scored 47, 42, 44, and 46 on Quant before I finally cracked the ceiling and scored Q50. Persistence and determination are key.
I've taken the GMAT 5 times total. I scored 47, 42, 44, and 46 on Quant before I finally cracked the ceiling and scored Q50. Persistence and determination are key.
14 Nov 2017, 13:49
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mcelroytutoring
mcelroytutoring
What suggestions would you have? I've taken it four times, total. I took it when I was 24 and did really well on verbal which got me into the master's program I wanted. Quant was a laggard then, as well. Generally, what's the difference between a 47 and 49?
How do your students improve normally? While I would gladly pay for a tutor, I am certain my wife wouldn't let me.
