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

Question

Hi, all
I had my first test yesterday and got a 490 (Q31 V25), which makes me really sad after 6 months of preparation. I used Manhattan Prep on demand and finished all the lessons and OG questions. Now, I have no idea what to do next before my next exam. Could anyone give me some advice based on your experience? Also, should I order ESR? Will that be helpful?

My background:
- non-native speaker
- studied at least 20 hours a week for the last six months
Material used:
- Manhattan Prep on demand
- OG 2022
CAT Exams:
CAT1 500 Q37 V22
CAT2 530 Q37 V27
CAT3 580 Q43 V27
CAT4 590 Q41 V31
GMAT Practice Exam 600 Q45 V27

On the test day: I know I screwed up on Quant when I found questions were easy and I was ahead of time, but I don't know what went wrong

Hoping someone could give me some guidance

Thank you!

Hoping someone could give me some guidance

Thank you!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider purchasing/using some Official-Mocks. The ESR may be helpful to get as well. If you've run out of Official-Guide 2022 questions, see whether you can activate/use the online exclusive question bank it came with. Purchasing the Quant and Verbal review 2022 guides would be a solid choice as well (you can get e-versions of the different guides from the MBA website).

5 Verbal tips

5 Verbal tips

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi JoyceH,

Regarding how to move forward with your preparation, here is a helpful article you can check out:

How to Improve Your GMAT Score

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Archit3110 · Answer

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..

ANK99 · Answer

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.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

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: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

JoyceH · Answer

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.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

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: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

petergray · Answer

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! 📚💪😊

egmat · Answer

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 [email protected]. 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

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