Is it possible to improve score (+50) in three weeks?

Question

Hi all,

I'm sure you've been asked this many times (I've been rummaging through this site).

Is it possible (or more specifically, likely) to improve my score in 3 weeks?

My cold test score was 490 (Q22, V35).
GMAT (Sept 2023): 620 (Q41, V34)
OG Mock (Oct 2023): 610 (Q40, V34)
GMAT (Oct 2023): 590 (Q35, V36) 
 
My Oct 2023 score was horrible. I've been under a lot of stress recently at work (unprecedented issue at work day before the exam; working a lot of over time) and did not have a good night's sleep. That having been said, do you think it would be possible for me to improve my score to 670-680 within three weeks? I think during my prep I mostly focused on quant because of my initial score and I've been trying to improve on verbal, but only recently narrowed it down to Critical Reasoning.

How do I improve verbal without neglecting quant? What would be the best strategy for the next three weeks?

Thank you in advance for your input.

Score-Quest · Answer

improving significantly within three weeks is ambitious, but it's not impossible. Here's a strategy to help you make the most out of these weeks:

Identify Weak Spots:  You mentioned that Critical Reasoning in the Verbal section has been a challenge. Start there. Dive deep into why you're getting those questions wrong – is it because of misunderstanding the question, rushing through the passage, or another reason? Understanding your weaknesses will help you strategize better.

Balanced Approach:  While honing in on verbal, make sure to dedicate some time each day for Quant as well. Even if it's just 30 minutes to an hour, regular practice will keep those skills sharp.

Mock Tests:  Take at least 2-3 mock tests before your exam. Analyze each test thoroughly, not just to see where you went wrong, but also to understand why you got certain questions right. Recognizing your strengths can be as valuable as identifying weaknesses.

Mental and Physical Preparation:  It's not just about studying hard, but also about being in the right state of mind. Ensure you're getting proper rest, nutrition, and relaxation. Stress and fatigue can significantly hamper performance

All the best!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Although significant score jumps are "possible" (had a student for example who went from a 700 to a 760 in about 10 days), how likely is a different matter. Perhaps check out the Share GMAT Experience subforum. May help give a sense how long/likely different score jumps may take. You could also see what others have done/used to successfully improve their scores.

How to score high on the GMAT. Why solving approach is important.

pintukr · Answer

Attempt questions using Forum Quiz. Do adhere to the timers.

All the Best.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi tifftiff,

I'm sorry to hear that your 2nd attempt did not turn out better. Based on your 2 Official Scores - and the one CAT/mock Score from between those attempts - it appears that you continue to 'see' (and respond to) the GMAT in the same general ways (meaning that you have likely gotten 'stuck' right around a 610). To get to the point that you can consistently score 680, you will have to make some fundamental changes to how you approach the Exam - and that training will take some time. Statistically-speaking, you would likely need to commit to at least another 1.5 - 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you would have to make signficant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. While there's no harm in taking the GMAT in 3 weeks, if you ultimately "need" a 680 to get into your first-choice School, then THAT Score Goal has to come first - and you'll have to put in the necessary time and effort to achieve it. This is meant to say that you might want to consider pushing back that Test Date.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) On what dates did you take your 2 Official GMATs?
2) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) 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)?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi tifftiff,

You certainly can improve but the real question is, by how much? Do you have a GMAT score goal in mind?

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