Need help on what to do next-just got a 490...

given your CAT score in quant versus exam score the drop is significant..
there must be some exam day anxiety which got hold of you ... try buying gmat club tests and practise from there along with official quiz packs .. for topics in which you are weak study them from mgmat books..

It seems you made serious mistakes in 1st quarter. That can be the reason why you feel tests easy but didn't get desired score. I recommend to analyze ESR and improve weaknesses.

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Hi JoyceH,

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) Have you used any other study materials besides the course and book you listed?
2) 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:
3) What is your overall goal score?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and 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
www.empowergmat.com

Thank you so much for all your reply! Feel so supported
GmatKnightTutor : Already placed my order for Quant and Verbal review 2022 guides
ScottTargetTestPrep : I will read the article right away.
Archit3110 : You're right. I didn't "feel" nervous, but I probably did panic and just didn't realize it.
ANK99 : I will order ESR and find out what to improve (and what happened in 1st quarter ).
EMPOWERgmatRichC :
1) I also watched some YouTube for topics I'm weak at, but that's all, no other materials.
2) The first two CAT were quite far apart. CAT3&4 and official practice were each 1 week apart before my test day.
3) 600. Originally, I was targeted for 650, but I realized my verbal score was too low.
4) I'm applying to schools in Japan this year. Round 1 ends next month, so if I can't plan my next test before it, I will go for round 2.

Hi JoyceH,

If you have a list of specific Schools that you are interested in, then you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to implement those suggestions, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

I've also 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
www.empowergmat.com

To improve your score, consider focusing on specific weak areas within Quant and Verbal by reviewing your CAT and GMAT Practice Exam results. It might be helpful to supplement your preparation with targeted study materials for those areas, such as additional Quant and Verbal guides or online resources.

Ordering an Enhanced Score Report (ESR) can provide valuable insights into your test performance, pinpointing areas that need improvement. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from a GMAT tutor or joining a study group to get personalized help and strategies. Keep practicing and maintain a positive mindset; improvement is possible with dedication and the right resources. Good luck! 📚💪😊

Hi

Firstly, we are sorry to know that the test did not go well.

The score and its breakup does indicate that all the sections/subsections need improvement. We suggest that you write to us at support@e-gmat.com. Our strategy experts would help you structure your entire Roadmap for you. You can also create your prep Roadmap- https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crjuX1VQ6AX

We hope this helps