Need Advice!!

Hi Shaw9,

I'm sorry to hear that this 3rd Official attempt did not turn out better. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) On what dates did you take your 3 Official GMATs?
2) How long have you studied in total? Over the last 3 months, how many hours did you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used over the course of ALL of your studies? 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)?

Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

Thanks Marty, I will have a look at the links you shared across.

Hi Rich,

Responding to the questions you asked:
1. The first gmat I took was almost 2.5 years ago, post which I did not pursue GMAT for long. I studied ~2 months at that time. The Second gmat I took was Nov of last year and then yesterday. For the initial two tests I did not focus on OG questions more but when in with learning more theory. However, this time I ensured to practice more standard questions for Verbal. Over the last month I spent over and above 80 hours (took 2 week off from work). Prior to which, I was studying infrequently whenever I got time from my job.

2. On study materials, I read the Manhattan SC and CR books thoroughly and practiced the GMATClub questions during my first attempt and then joined GMAT Intensive course for`the second attempt. For the third attempt , I took a one month course of TTP (where I primarily practiced Quant but looked over few Verbal sections too). During the last attempt I ensured to practice Medium and Hard level questions for Verbal (SC, CR and RC)

3. The mocks I practiced were from GMATClub and the free ones from most prep companies.I used to frequently sit for the sectional tests but I took mocks on a weekly basis. The verbal scores varied from 29 to 38.

Goals:
1. I am targetting (still) to get a score of 720 and above.
2. I currently have more than 7 years of experience and am looking to pursue executive MBA. The schools I wanted to send my scores were ISB, IIMs, IMD, McCombs, Darden and so on and so forth.

Since, I could muster only v24, I do not intend to get ESR this time around. I feel I would need improvement on all 3 sections irrespective of how it went on the exam day. I have one of ESRs with me from my previous tests. If that would be of any help to analye, I could send it to you.

Yeah...that might offer some insight.

Hi Shaw9,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

Shaw9 Rally sorry to hear about the 3rd attempt. I can understand the effort it takes to prepare for the test for so long and when you don't get to see a significant improvement in your scores. But don't lose hope. Many students face a similar challenge and come out of it strong. Very recently, we helped a student Vikhyath who was in a similar situation. He came to us after 4 failed attempts at GMAT with his scoring ranging between 600 and 640 in these attempts and even after spending over a year on these 4 attempts, he wasn't able to increase his Verbal score. We were able to help him score 710 in his next attempt.

Attaching below Vikhyath's interview if you would like to take some lessons from his experience



At GMATWhiz, we have helped many students improve their Verbal scores significantly and helped them achieve their dream score. Feel free to reach out to us for a one-on-one discussion, we would like to see how you approach questions and accordingly suggest you a focused plan of action. Who knows you could be the next person we interview

Wish you all the best for your next attempt and I hope this time you too scream out loud just like Vikhyath after seeing your dream score on the screen!

- Piyush, GMATWhiz

Dear Shaw9,
if self-studying does not work, you can try online verbal course. There are plethora of platforms from which you can choose the best one. I use the TTP service to ameliorate my verbal score, because its well structured study plan and unique approach already helped me to improve my quant score.
I have not consummated the Verbal module yet, but what do I say is that its curriculum not only covers all general topics but also provides step by step guide to cement the acquired knowledge. Moreover, I have found answers to some SC questions that were not disclosed in the Manhattan guide such as inter and outer list, delayed subject etc.