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7jai
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 03 Jun 2012, 15:25
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Hey guys,

So I just did my first GMAT practice test (I did not study at all for it, because I wanted to gauge myself on where I stand right now).

I got back the results and scored a 510. Is this typically really bad for someone who hasn't even studied at all? I did the Kaplan Online Test.

I'm kinda really unmotivated, as I thought I could've gotten at least a 600 or so...

Would appreciate your thoughts guys, thank you so much!
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 03 Jun 2012, 16:11
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Well it really depends on what your final goal is. If you are shooting for a 550, then a 510 is a great place to start, if you're shooting for a 700+ then you have a lot of studying ahead of you, but it can be done. Typically we suggest 3-4 months maximum of intensive studying, using the best materials out there, to eventually reach your maximum score. Just to give you an idea, I score a 570 on a cold practice test, and scored a 710 9 weeks later. So jumps can be made, but you will need to study long and hard, and make the GMAT a part time job, to reach a high goal. Good luck! And GMAT club is a great place to start your journey
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? Updated on: 03 Jun 2012, 22:31
Originally posted by someone79 on 03 Jun 2012, 16:43.
Last edited by someone79 on 03 Jun 2012, 22:31, edited 1 time in total.
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When I started going to gym, I started with 10lb. As time passed, my capacity increased . Now, I lift 50lb dumbbell with one hand and that's not the limit.

It all depends upon where you want to go and what you want to be.

Your score is ok for a start. Do you expect yourself to win in a day. It will take dedication, hardwork, and above all belief.
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 03 Jun 2012, 17:55
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Same here, I scored 600 which is a hugh strike on my confidence considering that I have always been able to make on the Dean's list. (I got excuses though, I left 1/3 of my IR questions blank, forgot to pause), Anyway, my father used to tell me: always try your best no matter what the outcomes will be, at least you will have no regrets over it. By perserverance, we shall success.
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 04 Jun 2012, 05:29
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Thanks guys for the tips! I just wanted to gauge how an "average" person would do on the GMAT without prior studying. I am trying to at least get a 700 on the GMAT, and was kind of turned off when I saw that I only hit a 510 without any studying. Wasn't sure if a jump to 700 (with intensive studying) would be possible or not. But based on what everyone has been saying, it can be done if I put in the time and effort into it.

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement guys!
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 23 Aug 2012, 05:01
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7jai
Hey guys,

So I just did my first GMAT practice test (I did not study at all for it, because I wanted to gauge myself on where I stand right now).

I got back the results and scored a 510. Is this typically really bad for someone who hasn't even studied at all? I did the Kaplan Online Test.

I'm kinda really unmotivated, as I thought I could've gotten at least a 600 or so...

Would appreciate your thoughts guys, thank you so much!
Show more
from-420-to-700-it-is-good-to-be-part-of-the-700-club-35919.html
500-700-in-45-days-average-student-s-guide-to-success-106524.html
my-gmat-journey-from-490-to-700-q49-v36-62535.html
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 23 Aug 2012, 14:23
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Don't worry - first time I ever took a practice I had a 480 or something along those lines. I finished with a 710 80/80 split. It's doable with hard work.
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 18 Nov 2017, 07:16
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hookemhorns612

Don't worry - first time I ever took a practice I had a 480 or something along those lines. I finished with a 710 80/80 split. It's doable with hard work.

how much time will that take apparently?
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My first GMAT practice test - Scored a 510 is that bad? 18 Nov 2017, 20:49
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BigUD94
how much time will that take apparently?
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That post is from 2012. As for your question, the average GMAT score is 550-560, so the initial average is likely to be less than that. A 710, however, is 91% (percentile). And although we can't say that everyone will be able to get a 710, I think to get a high score like that, a test taker would need at least 2-4 months of prep, unless his/her ability level is already above 700.
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