How long will it realistically take to raise a score from 660 to 740

Question

I just took my 1st mock exams and got a 660 (37V 44Q). It feels a bit demoralizing since I am quite far from my target score (740). With that said, I'm operating with tight timelines as I want to wrap up my GMATs then focus on my application for RD 1.

Is it possible to see those improvements in 1-1.5 months? I'm taking a long 2-3 month break from work so I have time to completely devote myself (5-8 hours a day) to my application process. I've been looking at Ninja's plan and I'm wondering if anyone has made a shorter and more intense version of it.  https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-ninja-study-plan-week-400295.html . Additionally, are there good value materials that I should try getting besides (OG and Manhattan Prep)? Looking to maximize my money and time spent to get the grades up.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Depends. Had a student who reached out after getting a 650 and less than 24 hours ago let me know they got a 750 (actual exams not mocks). All in all this was 100 points in less than 4 weeks between both attempts so in absolute terms it is "possible" to significantly improve your score in the time frame you mention.

How likely such score jumps are, however, is a different matter. Consider checking out the Share GMAT Experience subforum. May help provide a sense of how long/likely different score jumps are.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi AurelianInvictus,

Given that you got a 660 on your very first practice test, you're not all that far from your target score of 740. V37 is a good score, and you could aim for something like a Q50 V40 (total 740). In other words, you may want to focus on quant for now.

pintukr · Answer

Need to prepare a topic-wise practice plan. Will surely see improvement. All the Best.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AurelianInvictus,

A 660 is a strong initial CAT score (the Average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). That having been said, if that's the only CAT/mock Score that you have, then it's tough to say for sure what your actual 'ability level' is right now (re: you might have gotten a bit lucky or unlucky when taking this CAT, meaning that you might be more likely to score lower or higher if you took the Official GMAT tomorrow).

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:

1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brand” of CATs was this?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

AurelianInvictus · Answer

I'm planning to either do an accelerated version of Ninja's plan or use TTP - I want to reduce as much cognitive load planning out the lessons if possible so I can focus on test taking. The materials I have are the Manhattan Prep + OG (so I have access to the exams). I suspect that my weakpoints would be (1) concepts especially in quant and SC; (2) being very rusty with exams.

For the score breakdown (including % correct):
RC - 10/12 (83%)
CR - 6/9 (67%)
SC - 9/14 (64%)
PS - 12/17 (71%)
DS - 6/14 (43%)
IR - 7/12 (58%)

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi AurelianInvictus,

Although 1.5 months is a pretty tight turnaround since you are focusing on the GMAT full-time, I do think you have a shot. If you want some advice on how to move forward with your prep, here is a great article you can check out:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AurelianInvictus,

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 (and the more time that you have to implement those suggestions, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

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

I've also sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

bb · Answer

So… on average people improve about 100 to 120 points. With a lot of work you can give that up to 150 to 200 points. Keep in mind getting 200 points of improvement is going to require some substantial changes to your prep patterns and maximizing your studying time, probably studying early in the morning before work and doing a lot of other focused effort, constantly analyzing your strengths and weaknesses in pursuing your mistakes.

Anyway, this range gives you an idea where you can get to with average versus substantial effort. I don’t know if this score are you god is your diagnostic or after you already been studying for a while but gives you an idea. On average people spent about 3 to 4 months preparing for the test.

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How long will it realistically take to raise a score from 660 to 740

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