GMAT target score 740+

Question

Hi friends,

I took GMAT on 21st Jan 2016. I got a very unexpected score of 590 (Q41, V31, IR 5, AWA 3.5).
I took 10 mock tests before final test and my score was ranging from 640 to 680 with q45 to q49 and V33 to V35. I never wrote any AWA before exam day and just read the magoosh template before appearing for test.

I am writing this post to find out what I did wrong and how I can improve?

During quant session i was left with 10+ min. To be accurate for last 3 question i took more than 3 mins for each question as I had almost 17+ min left before those questions.
I had received very bad score for my thesis just 2 days before the test day and i was already schocked because that score meant alot to me as I am planning to apply for phd in Business.

I was completely shattered and I talked to couple of my friends.
After 3 days on 24th Jan, i took out all the material and started preparing from scratch (I didn't have error log at that time).

My diagnostic test score was 480 and my target score is 740+ with q50 or 51.

I am not working at this moment and focussing only on GMAT

I would consider working on any good suggestion if it can help me to reach my target score.

Thank you.
Jay

Skywalker18 · Answer

Hi Jayeshvekariya ,
Which are the 10 mocks that you used ? Ideally you should use the GMAT Prep practise tests - there are 6 of these . Also , you should try to sit for the entire exam without skipping any of the sections .
Also , you should avoid taking a practise test 2 days before the GMAT . 
740 on the GMAT is a 97 percentile score and it is very high score . Ideally you should try to regularly score 700 and then improve gradually .

Hope this helps!!

Jayeshvekariya · Answer

Hi Skywalker18

Thanks for the reply..
I took jamboree tests and mgmat 1 and gmat prep 4.
In gmat prep i scored 560, 610, 640, and 660.

I took daily one test, though i didn't take awa.

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jay,

Test Day is a rather specific 'event' - the details are specific and they matter, so you have to train as best as you can for all of them. The more realistic you can make your CATs, the more likely the score results are to be accurate. The more you deviate, the more "inflated" your scores can become - and that's what happened here. By skipping sections the AWA section, you were taking shorter, easier Exams that required less work from you. As such, you weren't properly training for the FULL GMAT 'experience' and those practice scores were not completely accurate.

Using this Official Score as a gauge, and considering your 740+ score goal, you will likely need at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study. You might find it beneficial to invest in a new GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led).

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Keepushinalmosthere · Answer

It seems there is a lot of variables at play given your unique situation. Personally I would reevaluate if the GMAT is necessary for where you are, and where you want to be? If you believe the answer is 'yes' then I would develop a formalized study plan.

Jayeshvekariya · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply.

I am planning to apply to canadian b schools for PhD in Finance for fall 2018 intake. I must apply by Oct 2017. So I do have time to prepare for GMAT.
Mainly targeting Rotman, ivey, Queen and Sauder. As per admission statistics i need 730 gmat score. (average score for admitted students) but i guess as per my profile i will need higher score.

I took classes from Jamboree and at this moment I am sure that I can score Q47 at any given time but what I need is q50. Now about verbal, I was consistently scoring between 31 to 35, I need to improve in verbal as well.

Please let me know if I need to follow any specific plan or any tutor.

Currently I am using manhatten strategy guides for quant along with quant review 2nd ed, og 13, 15 and 17. I do have a lot of material along with this, but i am sure it is not just the quantity that matters,i need to come up with effective study plan.

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Jayeshvekariya · Answer

Keepushinalmosthere,

I have already short listed schools and i know the target scores for schools. So the answer is yes, I need GMAT. I am following the gmat club study plan. The 3 month plan given by bb.
But i don't know how effective it will be, since it is very old one.

Please let me know, if i need to change or add something in my plan.

Thank you,

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jay,

PhD Programs tend to be really competitive; since there are so few slots available, the Admissions Committees tend to really 'nitpick' the overall applications that they receive. Thus, in addition to having a strong GMAT score, you have to have a strong OVERALL application AND you have to present yourself correctly to each individual School (especially during your interviews). For a PhD in FINANCE, a high Quant Scaled Score on the GMAT will almost certainly be a must.

I assume that the Official GMAT score that you referenced is from January of THIS year (and not 2016). Based on that score, I have some concerns for how you're currently studying. Since that score is less than a month old, I don't see how you assume that you can "score Q47 at any given time" - since there isn't any evidence of that. Your current study approach also appears "book heavy." Unfortunately, many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Since you're not planning to apply to School until October of this year, you have plenty of time to study, so you can certainly proceed with your studies in any way that you choose. If you'd like to work through some of your current materials, then that's fine, but I think you'll need a more formal study routine (and a GMAT Course) at some point to hit your score goal.

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

Jayeshvekariya · Answer

Hi Rich,

I am sure that the 590 score was disaster and didn't reflect my ability. While discussing with the faculties at Jamboree (before appearing for test), they said i can expect score some where between 640 to 670. I believe i answered so many ds questions wrong without applying proper method. That's why i was left with 17+ mins in the end of the test. After test till date i have thoroughly revised all 6 mgmat quant guides and og 13. I have maintained error log and i am getting more than 90% accuracy in these books' question banks.

At the same time, i would consider taking effective gmat course. Can you recommend me any good course.
I have subscribed for magoosh video and tests. I do have veritas prep material and video lessons as well. But i do not have a personal guide. I do not feel like asking questions to my current tutor as he always seems to be annoyed and makes some facial expressions which makes me feel uncomfortable so i stopped contacting him, though I have paid a good tution fees.

Thank you rich,

Jay
So i will think twice before taking any classes based on my experience.

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