My first GMAT Mock Test

Question

I have given my FIRST GMAT mock test. Oh -Boy, it is an eye opener to me. 
Every post talk about 500 is a disheartening score, I have scored 380 in mine(though it is mock test). 
When every story talks about 600 as a low score, i though with a little prep scores would easily reach 620. But ITS NOT the case.
I partially prepared myself on the random topics(with no proper plan). I found so so many mistakes of mine while taking the test,following are most important once to mention.

1. FUNDAMENTALS/BASIC OF Integrated Reasoning/Sentence Correction/Data Sufficiency
2. STAMINA: a. To sit for 4hrs at place in front of a system and JUST CONCENTRATE
 b. It felt impossible/impatience to concentrate on the topics which are unknown
 c. Reading a long text sucks, I randomly/BLINDLY marked answers for Verbals because of low concentration and lost focus.
3. Lack of Prep plan/Strategies.

Note to MYSELF : May be I got a disheartening score in my first practice, ever in my LIFE is won't see this score again.Now am MOTIVATED and my vision towards GMAT is clearer than before.

I will keep you people updated about my journey.....!!!

UNTIL THEN, CHAO....

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi shra1raju,

You mentioned in this other post that you've been studying for a year....

initial-steps-to-start-the-gmat-preparation-200690.html

I'd like to know a bit more about your studies so far and your plans:

1) What is your goal score?
2) What materials have you used during your studies?
3) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

The issues that you described effect many Test Takers, so you're not alone. The GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test though, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

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

shra1raju · Answer

Thanks GMAT assassins for you encouraging words.

Yes, I preparing for GMAT for more than an year. There are no issues with the materials I use, but there is an issue with my prep style.
I invest a good amount of time and energy on a selected topic and learn them. The problem starts at this stage when I learn something.
I take a small break from prep which finally leads to a break for a month which make my learnings list ZERO.

Anyways, I used and am using the following materials for my prep.

1.OG 2015
2.Kaplan GMAT premier 2015
3. Blogs for question according to the topics I learn from the above mentioned books.

My Goal Score is 640+ and Am planning to Apply in Jan'16.
And I have a Work Exp of 2.5yrs.

What are the books that you Guys are using for prep Team??

Please correct me if am using any wrong resource to prep for GMAT.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi shra1raju,

Based on everything that you have described - your studies, your recent practice CAT and your score goal - it seems that "your way" of studying for the GMAT is not working. To raise your score 260+ points, you are going to have to make some major changes to your approach. Self-studying from books has not worked for you, so you're probably going to need to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Instructor-Led). Thankfully, you have plenty of time to continue studying before your application deadlines in January.

How much time can you spend on your studies during a typical week?

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

shra1raju · Answer

Yes, I do have problem in my approach. On a typical week, I can spend 15hrs for GMAT prep.

Sometimes it feels like everything is wrong expect my desire to give GMAT exam.As you suggested, i need to join some course or a program to change my prep.

yell2012 · Answer

Hi! 
I am in the same situation. My first mock - 480, I need at least 690-700. 
I've been studying for 6 weeks (10-12 hours each day). The problem is I started learning English from zero 3 years ago (seriously started learning since last September), of course it's huge disadvantage.

I am using:
OG (it really helping me)
MGMAT SC, CR ( good, but unfortunately I don't have time)
Magoosh video lessons (very good Q, SC but CR is difficult for me).

Dear Rich, could you please kindly give a thought. Am I doing something wrong? And is it possible to achieve my target score near future?

P.S. I though I apply in first round but it seems absolutely impossible?

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi shra1raju,

There are plenty of GMAT Course options out there, depending on how you want to go about studying. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at out site (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then just let me know.

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi yell2012,

You noted that you've been studying for 6 weeks, but when did you take that 1st CAT test? If it's been a few weeks since you've taken a CAT, then it make sense to take another so that we can see how you've improved. It's possible that you're making progress with your current study plan.

Scoring 690+ in the "near future" would require a 200+ point improvement, and that's not likely to happen too quickly. You would probably need at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study to hit that goal.

What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on your first CAT?

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

yell2012 · Answer

Hi Rich, thank you for your reply!

I took my first mock 3 weeks ago (Q31, V26). 
Obviously I have to improve both Q & V, definitely I have knowledge gap.
I am going to take mock again, but a little bit worrying, if I get same score it's definitely discourage me)

Could you tell me, should I change my study schedule Or materials etc.?

I desperately would like to apply in first round.
I am thinking, to take official test in July, even if I am not ready. In my view it's important experience the real exam or is it not good plan?

Best regards

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

yell2012 · Answer

Additionally:

Rich, can I ask you, even if I spend on my studies 15 hours a day would I need at least another 3 month?

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi yell2012,

You're asking about a few different issues, so I'm going to answer your questions in order:

1) Taking FULL CATs on a regular basis is an essential part of the study process; doing so is really the only practical way to measure your progress. If it's been 3 weeks, then it's time to take another CAT.

2) Until we see those next CAT results, we won't know whether you have to change your study plans or not.

3) I think that spending $250 to take the GMAT when you're not *ready* to take it is NOT a good idea. Taking the GMAT in July won't hurt your applications, but it is unlikely that you'll improve enough in that time for that GMAT to be your last GMAT. If you're comfortable spending that money on a 'learning experience', then go right ahead.

4) Spending 15 hours a day on studying will almost certainly lead to 'burn out' and we do NOT want that to happen. Since you have not provided any information that proves that you're a 'fast learner', I have to assume that you would need 3+ months of additional study time to hit your goal scores.

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

shra1raju · Answer

Thank you so much Rich for the link. I would like to definitely try almost all the courses to know which one suits me better.

yell2012 · Answer

Rich, thank you very much

yell2012 · Answer

Hi, Rich I need your help.. Finally, I took another CAT At the beginning I would like to explain in detail: 1. Since 25.05.15 I've been doing self prep, 8-10 hours each day; 2. My Full CATs: 2.1. #1. 07.06.15. - 400 (Q11%/22%); 2.2. #2. 08.06.15 - 480 (without time limit) 2.3. #3. 07.07.15 - 520 (Q41%/V32%). I am using: 1. Magoosh video lessons; 2. CR bible, Manhattan SC; 3. OG 15 (I solved only 15% tasks). I need 700 and I have 6-8 weeks, but you already told me that I need at least 3 months :cry:

I can study at least 8-10 hours (a typical my working day), it's easy to me because I found this process interesting and I don't force myself. Could you tell me, how can I effectively use the next (hope 6 weeks or 3 month) and should I changed my schedule, approach, recourse etc? Apparently, I am doing something wrong... Please, could you suggest me effective approach, I need to apply in 1R. If it's better for me I am ready to use empowergmat, economist or GMAT pills. P.S. My biggest concern DS, CR, SC. Thank you very much in advance! https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png Posted from GMAT ToolKit

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi yell2012,

You've made some nice progress on your own, but it's unrealistic to expect to raise your score 180+ points in the next 6 weeks.

I think that the EMPOWERgmat Course would help you a great deal, but if you're going to "rush" through it, then it will be less effective. It still sounds like you're trying to do too much in a short period of time, but you have not explained WHY:

1) What dates are the specific application deadlines that you are considering (for Round 1)?
2) Besides those deadlines, are there any other reasons why you want/need to take the GMAT in August?

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

yell2012 · Answer

Hi, Rich

First deadline on 9 September 2015 (one of the top U.S. BS). 
I was told that I need at least 640-650 (I am a woman, from underrepresented country, with not bad background), but I wouldn't like take a risk, and in my view I need at least 700 (cause in this BS median GMAT 730).

I need to take official test in August, because:
1. I think the chance of acceptance reduces if applicants go for R2 compared to R1. 
2. I am changing my job and before to start working in a new place I can concentrate only GMAT prep process. Otherwise, since September I will not be able to spent more than 1 hour each day (probably one hour also too much optimistic, because I'll br at work at least 10-12 hours).

I know, 180+ it's almost impossible, but when I think that 9 month ago I almost couldn't read in English and now I spend 3-4 min. to read a passage (I'm making not much mistakes thanks to Scientific American), seems nothing impossible to him who will try.

Thank you!

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

samkhat77 · Answer

Yell,

I like your optimism. I am pulling for you to do well. A few things to note:

- Keep working on the basic concepts and specifically target the concepts to bother you. 
- Keep reading dense(r) magazines such as the Economist, New Yorker, Atlantic, etc. 
- Above all else, just keep practicing as much as possible. On the GMAT, the more questions that you can relate to questions that you have done in the past, the better you will be able to handle the GMAT.

Good luck!

yell2012 · Answer

Thank you for your feedback!!!

After your message I really started to doubt myself:)

To flesh out the training plan, could you please kindly tell me, should I take empowergmat or continue in the current program? You've mentioned that if I rush myself it would be less effective (with empowergmat) and I can't decide should i try to use this program.

Sum up, after few weeks if I don't see any progress I won't rush myself and will take min 3 month for it as you suggest me.

Best regards, Sabina

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Sabina,

When planning to apply to highly-ranked and highly-competitive programs, it often helps to discuss your applications/plans with an Admissions Expert. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

Most Experts will tell you that 'the higher your GMAT score, the better'; this is true in the general sense, but your OVERALL application and 'uniqueness' as an applicant will also play an important part in convincing the Admissions Committees whether to invite you or not. That means that rushing to submit an average application for Round 1 is not a great idea IF you can assemble a fantastic application for Round 2.

As such, you can continue studying now and get as much done as you are reasonably capable of. As you get closer to the Round 1 deadline, you can adjust your plans as needed.

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

yell2012 · Answer

Rich, hi
Thank you! I highly appreciate your feedback.

https://gmatclub.com/static/posted_from.png     Posted from    GMAT ToolKit

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