My very first attempt

Question

Hi there!
Following the suggestions mentioned here, I took a GMATprep test today and scored 490 (Q41, V17), IR 4. Since I'm very new to GMAT, I have learned only test structure for a week. Before starting preparation I should know where I am, which you adviced. Honestly, I'm unfamiliar with most of the words in Verbal questions, which demotivates me to study. I made many wild guesses in verbal questions but 490 is still above my expectation. 
What do you advice me? Is it possible to get 650 after preparing 3 hours a day for 5 months?

Ps. My vocabulary is not strong so I can't write AWA now.

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abhimahna · Answer

Hey Suhrobbek ,

Considering your base score, your goal score and the time you are devoting on a daily basis, I believe you can achieve your goal score in 2-3 months time frame, provided you follow right material, right strategies and work on all your weak areas religiously.

Don't worry about vocabulary. Unlike GRE, GMAT is not a test of difficult vocabulary. You just need to know the basic English words, which you can learn very easily during your preparation. So, consider this point a good motivation for you to prepare for verbal.

Try to push Quant as hard as possible. Quant can help you compensate the early 30s score of verbal to reach your goal score.

Good Luck for your preparation.

souvonik2k · Answer

Getting a 490 on first attempt in GMAT Prep is not bad. Now you need to learn the concepts of Verbal and Quantitative and practice as many questions as possible. Given u have a time frame of 5 months u can achieve a score of 650 or even more than that.
You can follow Bunuel for Quantitative in GMAT club and his questions and solutions.
For self study u can enrol in the newly launched self study plan of GMAT club which will give u good balance of theory and practice:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/study-plan-383/
Also, for the ultimate GMAT quantitative theory refer this:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/ultimate-gma ... 44512.html
It covers all GMAT topics of quantitative and is very exhaustive.

Hope this helps!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Suhrobbek,

To start, a 490 is a decent initial CAT Score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). With 5 months of consistent study, you could certainly improve a great deal. The amount of that improvement will be based heavily on the practice materials that you use and your ability to learn/practice the proper Tactics. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Suhrobbek · Answer

I'm a 4th year student of bachelor degree. I will finish my studies in June 2018. So I don't have work experience. That's why I'm not sure which university and what kind of program to apply. Since I'm from Uzbekistan, tuition fees of most programs are very very high for me to afford. So I'm looking forward to a scholarship, which is critical criteria for me to pick university & program. For further information, my GPA is 80-85%. 
Thanks for any suggestions.?

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Suhrobbek,

Many Business School Programs expect Applicants to have at least a few years of quality Work Experience when they apply. While there are certainly Programs that will accept applicants who don't have any Work Experience, you should do some research to make sure that you meet the necessary requirements for the Programs that interest you. That having been said, your Official GMAT Score is valid for 5 years, so even if you end up choosing to apply later on (so that you can gain the necessary WE), you can focus on the GMAT now.

Raising a 490 to a 650+ will likely take at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Considering your specific issues with the Verbal section, you would likely benefit a great deal from investing in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). 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 our website (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 questions, then just let me know.

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

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Yes it is possible with strong and effective strategies, here are some links which may help you in your prep. Best GMAT Courses https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-co ... ml?fl=menu GMAT Study Plan https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-p ... ml?fl=menu https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-self-pr ... tml?f=menu Best Books Quant https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ma ... ml?fl=menu Verbal https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... ml?fl=menu All GMAT CATs https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-gmat-pra ... ml?fl=menu GMAT Timing Strategies https://gmatclub.com/forum/timing-strat ... ml?fl=menu Good Luck

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi Suhrobbek, Do not be disheartened. It’s a good thing you have taken your GMATPREP. You now know your weakness is the verbal section and can now work to improve your accuracy in verbal. If you are willing to study dedicatedly for 5 months, you are sure to achieve your goal. For critical reasoning section, I would highly encourage you to consider Powerscore critical reasoning bible. It is a great GMAT prep book and will clear your concepts really well. Powerscore CR bible with OG will surely improve your accuracy on the GMAT. For additional practice you can use e-gmat Scholaranium which is included in your courses and is one of the best verbal practice tools in the market. You can easily track your progress in that you can identify your strengths and analyze and improve on your weak areas. You can also try out the MGMAT guides for SC and RC as they are phenomenal and cover the entire syllabus really well. Further taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas. Further another advantage of taking many mocks is to build up your stamina. Apart from the GMATPREP tests, taking practise tests of any major GMATPREP company ought to do that. Lastly I would also encourage you to purchase the latest version of OG and the verbal review for some great additional practice. Here is a link that will help you with your decision. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... 68383.html Hope this helps. All the best.

Suhrobbek · Answer

Thanks all of you for your valuable advice!

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darkman · Answer

i started off badly as well. keep at it

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