How to improve and reach the target score?

Hi 730Target,

Before you can post any attachments to messages/PMs, you will need to post at least 5 times in the forums (as of right now, you've posted 2 times). If you would rather not go through those extra steps, then you can feel free to email me your ESR and I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

Beyond that data, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
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

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply.
I have mailed you the ESR.

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
Mostly around 3 months with uneven study habits.
Around 15 hrs in a week in a inconsistent manner.

2) What study materials have you used so far?
Only OGs and some CAT-materials.

3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs/mocks (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
Apart from actual GMAT, I gave GMATMock1 in the starting phase almost 3 months back - 530 (Q47-V19)

Goals:
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
Need to have a holistic score first. Thus, dates are not decided.
However, I will be able to devote around 50-60 days before September-R1 phase.

5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
Have not decided yet.

Hi 730Target,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. Since you have not been studying consistently or using any robust resources, it’s not too surprising that you have not achieved your 730 GMAT score goal. In order to improve your GMAT score, you’ll need to spend significant time working on both quant and verbal. A great way to improve those skills is to take a “topical approach” to your prep, so that you learn then practice each topic one-by-one until you’ve gained mastery. By studying in such a way, you ensure that you methodically improve your quant and verbal skills and move toward improving your GMAT score. Certainly, if you’d like more specific advice on how to improve your quant and verbal skills, feel free to reach out.

Regarding additional resources, you should check out the GMAT Club reviews for the best quant and verbal courses, and also read through some GMAT success stories to see what materials have worked well for other test-takers.

Lastly, I want to address your “inconsistent” studying. In order to achieve a score such as 730, one thing is for certain: you need to make GMAT prep a top priority in your life and spend whatever amount of time you need to improve your GMAT skills. I recommend studying for up to 18+ hours per week. Ideally, you want to push for 2+ hours each weekday and 4+ hours each weekend day (for a total of 18+ hours). I understand that you probably have other priorities/distractions in your life, such as work, school, family, friends, significant others, hobbies, etc.; however, you need to remove as many unnecessary distractions as possible, so that GMAT prep is near the top of your priorities list. I’m not saying lock yourself in a room and don't come out until you’ve completed your GMAT; just make smart decisions. If you’ve put in a good week of prep and want to reward yourself by doing something fun, then do it! At the end of the day, your goal should be to live as balanced a life as possible while working your tail off in your GMAT prep.

Lastly, you may find it helpful to read this article about Developing the Proper Mindset for GMAT Success.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the reply.

The links you have suggested are quite useful.
I'll take your advice and start with a structured plan after analyzing the course reviews.

Will definitely reach out if need more specific advice on how to improve quant and verbal skills.

Thanks again.
Really appreciate the supportive feedback from the members.