Need Advice for R2

Question

Hi everyone!

Wanted some advice and opinion on whether i should postpone my application to Sept 2024 instead

Just did my first gmat exam and devastatingly got a 400 score (V15, Q24) .

I was expecting a 650 after a mock of 600 using GMATPREP. Mind you that i spend ard 5-6 hours of studying a day. My problem right now is not knowing my weak areas.

I need at least a 680 to get into my target schools.

Ive used a few test providers but have yet to see the results. Thinking of going for private tutoring.

Need some advice thank you!

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

anisa95 - sorry that the GMAT didn't go well. Two thoughts: 1. The score improvement along with crafting strong applications would likely take longer than the timeframe until R2 (i.e. 1.5-2 months). For this reason, looking at Sep'24 cycle makes more sense. 2. We've seen candidates switch to GRE and score well (sometimes great). Taking a mock can help assess this decision. Hope this helps a bit. Let me know if you have any queries. Regards, Arvind W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

oiploiloi · Answer

The bad news: with your scores, you're definitely missing some foundational knowledge in both quant and verbal
The good news: if you study really strategically and gain that knowledge, you will see some big score gains

Although, why did you think you would see a 650 after a 600 mock? Pressure in the real test environment usually leads to lower scores, not higher.
My advice is to pick one service provider and don't waste time jumping around between them. What have you used so far? How long have you been studying? What exactly have you been doing?

MartyMurray · Answer

Hi Anisa.

What courses and resources have you used so far? A good test prep resource should provide ways for you to determine what areas you're weak in.

Overall, it sounds as if your prep so far just isn't complete. Hence your hit or miss performance on tests.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider getting the ESR. Replaying what happened during the exam as you look over the data may provide some insight. If you share the ESR here (after wiping any personal info), people may give some specific suggestions as well. In case time management was an issue, using question/time markers may help.

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi anisa95,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. 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) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) 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:
4) What is your overall goal score?
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

anisa95 · Answer

Posted from my mobile device

anisa95 · Answer

Hey there! Thanks for the response

I have actually started my prep back in June 2023 devoting 3 hours a day on a weekday and around 4-5 hours on a weekend. At that time, i was utilising magoosh syllabus and their practice questions. I find that they had a wide range of quant syllabus and it took me a while to finish it by end of august. Then, i attempted OG questions but was not getting the kind of marks i wanted to see.

Around september, i switched to e-gmat. While i find that they have a more structured approach, i didnt really fancy their CR and some quant materials. and i noticed some of their quant materials are a lot harder than the real OG. Even after completing their cementing quiz for verbal, i did not have the confidence to go forward.

I was hoping to apply for R2 but with that score i dont think i can make it. Slightly demotivated at this point knowing that I have devoted more than 200+ hours studying for gmat.

Posted from my mobile device

anisa95 · Answer

Hi Marty!
Thanks for the response. I have been using Magoosh and e-gmat. I started with Magoosh back in June 2023 , devoting around 3 hours on a weekday and 5 hours on a weekend. Thought it was going well when I attempted their practice questions. But things when a bit down south, when i tried the real OG question. So i knew i had to change providers.

I gave e-gmat a go , and this was during end of august, and my exam was schedule for november. Thought i could complete it in time, but the way they structure it, i could not complete their couses on time and just went ahead with it. I did not fancy their CR approach and some of their quant syllabus .

Posted from my mobile device

Score-Quest · Answer

Hey there!

It sounds like you're in a tough spot, but don't lose hope! If your mock score was around 600 and the actual GMAT score turned out to be 400, it seems like one of those scores might not be truly reflective of your abilities. With a score of 400, it might be challenging to apply to business schools this cycle.

My suggestion? Consider pushing your applications to the next cycle. This way, you can dedicate more time to studying and aim to finish your GMAT by March or April 2024. That way, you'll have plenty of time to focus fully on your applications with a hopefully improved score. Private tutoring could be a great way to identify and work on your weak areas.

Good luck!

KarishmaB · Answer

First of all, did something go horribly wrong during the test? Say, were you sick and couldn't think straight? Did you get stuck in traffic and get extremely anxious while reaching the test centre? Was there some persistent noise etc that irritated you throughout the test? If no such thing happened and the test went normally, then take 400 as your base score and start working upwards. If your target is 680, postponing to 2024 certainly makes sense. I would strongly advise you to not go for private tutoring just yet until and unless you plan to take 20 hrs of tutoring. There are two ways tutoring works: 1. The tutor plugs specific gaps you have identified. For example, learners take 5 hour packages to fix specific gaps they have identified during the course of their study say CR Assumptions, Work Rate and inequalities (as an example). 2. The tutor plans and runs the schedule for you. Then a learner takes 20 hrs with the tutor and lets them plan the entire schedule (first session ratios, second session percentages, third session CR conditionals etc.) The tutor goes through all concepts in detail with the learner in this case. At a score of 400, a few hours with the tutor will not make a tremendous difference. Come up to 600 and identify your weaknesses. Then a few hours will add value. Or go for 20 hrs and then you can sit back and let them plan it all for you. Figure out how you learn best and start with basics. Build your foundation from the ground up. For example, the following videos start the concepts from the beginning: https://youtu.be/5ODENGG5dvc https://youtu.be/HxnsYI1Rws8 https://youtu.be/AT86tjxJ-f0 https://youtu.be/dqoECZ41zSI https://youtu.be/PtqSBl1D_wg https://youtu.be/oSgG1HtEFxQ Take 3 months to get a strong conceptual foundation and then start testing using practice tests. Figure out your weaknesses and then consider private tutoring, if you wish.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi anisa95,

I'm sorry to hear how things went with your GMAT. Here is an article that provides some advice on how to move forward:

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