How much effort is needed from 570 to pass over 600?

Question

Hi guys!

I want to start off by saying that TheGMATClub should receive a nobel prize. It is the most valuable asset I have found surrounding the GMAT experience.

My journey with the GMAT started off in November 2020, when I took my first GMAT exam, I scored a 570. Since it wasn't the score I needed I cancelled it so therefore I do not have the exact numbers in quant and verbal. However, at that time I was weak in verbal and somewhat strong in quant, so I am guesstimating that I had around 40/28.

I then took a break until June 2021, and started off studying again. I have now schedule to take the exam again on the 29th of October this year. So I'm only 2 weeks out. I started studying pretty basic in the first few months, around 10h/week. When September came around I started to really step it up, like around 20h/week. I have done 5 mock tests from the MGMAT and 3 official practice tests. My scores on the mock tests have varied from 580-670.

My question is: Am I set to score over a 600? I just need to pass that threshold to be able to apply for my dream masters program. Since I have a pretty outstanding resume and motivational letter relative to what could be expected, I just need to pass 600 on the GMAT. I guess I'm really looking for confirmation that my work will pay off and that I just get that 30 point improvement. Knowing the fact that I have spent for sure over 100 hours studying, I should be able to pass over 600. I have been able to trace back and understand that the mock tests I did that were under 600 were done under conditions when I was not mentally rested. I was feeling very tired and my eyes were heavy which resulted in re-reading passages etc.

A little knowledge background about myself: I studied natural sciences in HS in Sweden which entails some advanced math and physics, like above Calc 3 (in American terms). Though I am a non-native English speaker I am completely bilingual as I went to college in America for 4 years.

Let me know what you guys think! If you have any personal experience similar to mine please share!

SohGMAT2020 · Answer

Improving your score from 570 to 600 may not be that difficult. Just concentrate on some weak areas by looking at the errors you make and you should be good. Also, try to practice official questions of 600-700 level from GMAT Club and not focus too much on the 700+ level questions. If your basics are okay, 600+ score is not that difficult. Good luck with your exam.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

HI KarlLindoff,

If you can put in some more study time to clean up any weak areas, I do think you have a very good shot to score 600+ on your GMAT. I also have a few articles that you may find helpful as you prepare for your retake:

How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety

Why Was My GMAT Score Lower Than My Practice Test Scores?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KarlLindoff,

Based on your various Score results - including your prior Official Score - you likely have the knowledge to earn a 600+ on the Official GMAT, but that's not the only issue to consider. There are a variety of factors that can impact your performance on a Test (both on your CATs/mocks and on the Official GMAT), including the type of Exam that you're using, the time of day that you start the Exam, the testing conditions, how well-rested you are, etc. In that same way, if you have been taking your CATs/mocks in ways that do not match-up with how you will take your next Official GMAT, then those practice results might be 'inflated.'

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 so far? 
2) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
3) When you say that you only "need" a 600 to get into your first-choice Program, what is that assumption based on? Have you been communicating with an Admissions Officer from that School? Have you been granted a conditional acceptance as long as you score a 600 or higher?
4) What specific application deadlines are you facing?

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

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

A 570 to 600 shouldn't be that difficult all things being equal. All the best.

"So I'm only 2 weeks out."

I'd suggest using Official Mocks going forward.

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello KarlLindoff,

GMAT club is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, and many more. You are recommended to visit various posts and utilize this forum in the best efficient way.

You can surely achieve your target score of 600 in 2-weeks.

Learning is a continuous process, and it shines with practice. Success in GMAT Math is entirely based on vital concepts, rigorous practice, complete knowledge of math question types and patterns, quick approaches, and time management.

You can schedule a Free Counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 20 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.

Since we are a math expert, we will recommend you go through our post on the GMAT club, which gives a complete Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of- ... l#p1641411

Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve your target score. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.

Regular tests will reflect the positive change in the score, and hence, your confidence will boost up. Gradually, with the help of mock tests, you will be able to compete with time and hence will be able to learn time management.

We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can reach us at [email protected].

Success is within your reach.

Good luck!
Math Revolution Team

KarlLindoff · Answer

Hey Rich,

Thanks for your input. To answer your questions:

1) The study materials that I have used are the official guides, and I have been doing the official practice questions that are offered online through Wiley. I include a mix of easy, medium, and hard questions, and usually score in the 70% in verbal and around 60% in the quant. After my first attempt almost a year ago I concluded that my weak area was verbal, so I have spent a lot of time learning the different concepts and the way of the game. I also watched all the GMATNinja SC videos on YouTube since that was my biggest weak area.

2) My cat scores: 
MGMAT 1 7/25/2021 590, V30, Q42
MGMAT 2 8/8/2021 590 V30, Q42
MGMAT 3 8/22/202 600, V32, Q41
OG GMAT prep 09/05/2021, 570 V28, Q40
MGMAT 4 9/19/2021 600, V32, Q41
OG GMAT prep, 09/26/2021, 670, V41, Q41. This one is my best one yet. 
MGMAT 5 10/3/2021, 630, V37, Q38
OG GMAT prep, 10/10/2021, 590, V34, Q37 (I was not well rested on this one, had to re-read etc)
MGMAT 6, 10/16/2021, 600, V34, Q39
I am doing one more of the official GMAT prep tests this weekend since I am one week out from Friday.

3) The school I am looking at needs a 600 from an application to have their application considered. Apart from that the range to the program I want to attend hovers around 600-680. They value extracurricular and outside school experiences of which I have a lot. So that is one of my strong points. I would ideally need around 640 to have a good chance. I do not have a conditional acceptance.
4) The application deadline closes on January 15th of 2022. The early deadline closes on Nov 15th 2021, So I want to be able to apply before that deadline. If I am accepted during the early-app-process, I can get a verdict in December. If I am rejected in the early-app, I automatically get put in the "normal" pool of applications that applied after Nov 15th.

As you can see the range of my CAT scores varies a lot, which to me is a bit worrying since I sometimes clear the 600 hurdle, and sometimes I don't.

Hope that helps! Looking forward to your comments.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi KarlLindoff,

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

760+: What GMAT Assassins Do To Score at the Highest Levels

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

ManifestDreamMBA · Answer

Thanks for sharing this

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