How to improve score

Question

I took my GMAT yesterday and score 540(Q44,V21). I am totally demotivated and don't know what to do to improve my score.
Somebody please help me.

TeamGMATIFY · Answer

Hi Niny25,

Your score of 540 suggests that you lacked a proper understanding of fundamentals and concepts.
Please answer the following questions, so that we can access the situation in a better way:

1. Did you solve the entire Official Guides?
2. Did you opt for any preparatory course/book?
3. Did you take the GMAT Perp mock CATs including the AWA and IR?
4. What is your target score?

You can certainly gain some points on both the sections. Make sure that you solve all the official questions in this round of preparation. 
Let us know the answers to the above questions and we can discuss further

Niny25 · Answer

Hi,

In reply to your questions:

1))70% of official guide, though was sure about my answer in the quant part, Verbal was more of guess work
2)) I went through Princeton Review class room course for around 3 months
3)) Yes I did and scored 680, 560 
4)) My target score is 700++

Thanks in advance for your help.

puneet89 · Answer

Hey I understand what you're going through. I gave my first GMAT in Aug 2014 and scored a mere 630.
I got disheartened and started focusing on my work, instead of giving the GMAT again.

A year later, during Sept of 2015, I realized it was that time of the year again. I had to do something with my life and had to score well in the GMAT.
I mocked up a 30 day plan. No matter how much research you do and how many articles you read, you always do it on your own. So you have to make a plan. I'll tell you what worked for me:
P.S: This is only for guys who find it difficult to score, who are not naturally inclined to critical thinking and who are ready to slog for 30 days.
1. Book the exam a month before the start of your preparation.
2. If you're working, take a leave of 30 days.
3. Prepare yourself for a tough month.
4. Buy 10 Kaplan, 10 Manhattan, and 2+2 Official GMATPrep tests.
Also, buy the Kaplan book and the 3 OGs.
5. Finish the Kaplan book in 2 days. Remember your mistakes. Remember the SC rules.
6. Start taking one test everyday on the exact time your GMAT is scheduled. Keep 2 GMATPreps for the last 2 days. 
7. You'll start scoring in the late 500s or early 600s. After the test, analyze each and every question. Analysis will take 1-3 hrs. Try to figure out what the examiner wants from you. 
Critical thinking and sentence correction were my weak areas. I used to get the average level and hard level questions wrong. I didn't know what to do. I later realized how to 'think' and how to use the information given in the argument. By the end of the month SC & CR were my strong areas.
8. Give 1 full test everyday, including AWA & IR. You need to make the exam day feel like a normal day.
9. Everyday schedule: 3.5hrs exam + 2-3 hrs analysis + 6-9 hrs practice.
Practice is very important. I'm asking you to study 12-16 hours a day. But believe me it will pay off.
10. By the end of week 1 you'll feel like quitting. But remember 25% of the journey and the hardest part of the journey is over. You'll start liking the studies because one likes what he/she is good at. It's like you're exercising, it's paining, but the muscles are not showing. Have patience.
11. By the end of week 2 you'll be scoring 620-660. You'll be stuck in this barrier for a long time. Keep working. Your aim is 700+. 
12. By the end of week 2 and start of week 3, you'll know exactly what to do. Trust me.
13. I started scoring 700+ by mid week3 and throughout week 4. 
But scoring 700+ just once is not enough for students like us. We need to make it a habit.
14. My GMATPrep scores 600(start), 640(week 2), 740(2 days before exam), 730(day before exam).
My GMAT score: 710(Q:49,V:38)
I'm an engineering student working in the Indian IT world. Imagine taking a 30 day leave.
I've applied to top 10-20 business schools in the US and am awaiting interview calls.

All the best.

Also, the GMAT is only a gateway to top schools. You need to work a lot harder in the applications. So, start working hard. Work hard for yourself. Be selfish.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Niny25,

Before I can offer any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about how you studied and your timeline/goals

1) How long did you study for the GMAT (was it just those 3 months with that course of was it longer)?
2) What resources (if any) did you use besides the course and the OG?

3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
4) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

TeamGMATIFY · Answer

Hi Niny25,

As you said that you did not solve the Verbal part properly. This reflects in your score too.
The official questions should be the most important parts of your preparation.

In this round of preparation, make sure that you solve the Official Guides fully. Also, I would recommend you to buy Verbal Review, Exam Pack1 and Question Pack1 to get additional practice.

1. Go back to the notes/course that you were following and revisit the concepts.
2. Solve the Official questions and make sure you understand each and every question
3. Make an error log for all the wrong questions.
4. Take every mock CAT including the AWA and IR and make sure you analyze is thoroughly.

When do you plan to retake the GMAT? I would advice you to prepare thoroughly for 1.5 - 2 months before retaking the GMAT.

If you feel that you need additional guidance, you can opt for a demo class with us and see if the course suits you.
We focus exclusively on the official questions and also offer the mock analysis for the GMAT Prep CATs.

whgrad2015 · Answer

How long did you prepare for? What was your GMAT starting point?

It's clear that there are room for improvement on both Q and V, but V is definitely the bigger source of weakness and has a lot of potential to improve. Given that your range from practice tests are so large, I suspect that you might not have your foundation set strong enough. I really loved using Magoosh and closely following its' 3 month plan (I condensed it into ~1.5 month given that I wasn't working at the time). I did the advanced (700+ plan), but given your score, I would recommend doing the Verbal oriented plan.

GMAT Club also has a great collection of questions. I loved using them!

Best of luck!

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

How to improve score

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards