Wow this is exciting, my first post! Hi all, I would like to share my first GMAT experience with you guys.
I feel silly for saying this, as some of you get incredible 700+ scores and still feel disappointed, but my GMAT score goal is to get over 600. That's it.
This is the minimum score requirement to get into my school of choice (Erasmus in Rotterdam).
Unfortunately, I failed my first attempt. It was devastating to say the least. Especially after all the time and effort I put into it.
Here is a little debrief of all the practice tests I took and the actual GMAT score on the 21st of April:
March 8th 2017: The Economist
[590, Q37 V37]April 5h 2017: GMAT Prep
[580 Q37 V33]April 15th 2017: The Economist
[590, Q41, V31]April 18th 2017: GMAT Prep
[640, Q44, V35]April 20th 2017:
Manhattan GMAT [640, Q42, V35]April 21th 2017: REAL GMAT [580 Q42, V28] I have been studying for the GMAT 10 hours a week for 5 months straight. At the same time, I have been working 45 hours a week.
A few weeks ago a family member of mine was diagnosed with cancer, so it has been extra hard for me to focus these past weeks.
But I was still determined to get that 600+ score.
It was really hard for me to face the score that pop up after the test. I could not believe how low I had scored on the Verbal section. It just didn't make sense.
If I had scored a 30+ on Verbal, I would've had a 600+ score.
During my prep, Quant was by far the most challenging section for me. Not Verbal. But as you can see, I scored well below my practice exam average on my first GMAT.
After scoring 640 on the last two practice tests, I felt really confident taking the GMAT. Even after Quant, which was supposed to be my weak spot, I still felt good.
I was pacing myself really well and even had time to spare.
But after the 8-minute break following Quant, I flunked on Verbal. It was really hard for me to concentrate and take in the passages and text. Especially on RC and CR questions. (RC being the hardest for me) I did not feel confident in answering 80% of the questions and it took way too long for me to read the passages. I believe the nerves got the best of me and I know that my lack of focus during those last 75 minutes blew up my score.
I have one last attempt, as the application deadline for Erasmus is set on the 15th of May. I have about two weeks to prepare.
I could really use a little extra motivation and tips! How should I tackle this? Can I do it with two weeks of preparation?