Need help to improve from 495 to 650

Question

Hello, I took my first GMAT official exam on 23th of May, and I scored a 495 overall, I'm trying to reach 630-650 or more, and I figured that it would be better to ask for some help creating a plan based on my performance or tips that can help me achieve my goal in 1 or 2 months of full time work.
Thank you in Advance!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi uiss,

Regarding how to move forward with your prep, I recommend concentrating on one subject at a time while studying. This allows for thorough understanding and practice, which is key to improving your score.

For example, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers.

This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; follow this process for all Quant, Verbal, and DI topics.

For some more tips on the best way to structure your studying, here is a great article:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

JAY523 · Answer

Did you tackle the Quant section first? It looks like a lot of your early mistakes might be concentrated there. I'd suggest dedicating a bit more time to those initial questions to boost your accuracy.

uiss · Answer

Yes I did in fact start with quant.
Thank you for your response!

uiss · Answer

Thank you for these tips, I will implement them and hopefully get to my goal in the future!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I'm happy to help!

MyGMATbuddy · Answer

Hi,
Thanks for sharing your score report. Jumping from 495 to 630–650 in 1–2 months is doable — but it requires a focused, structured approach:
- Pick one Quant or Verbal topic at a time (e.g., number properties or RC inference)
- Drill 50–100 questions on that topic until you're scoring ~90–95% consistently
- After every set or mock, log every mistake — careless, concept, timing
- For each error, figure out why you got it wrong, then revisit the concept and practice until it's fixed
- Take 1 full mock weekly
- Review it deeply — even liked-guess questions — and integrate lessons into error logs
- Use full test setup: mouse, laminated sheets, timer.

Happy to share topic drills or mock schedules if you'd like!

— Pankaj
GMAT 730 | IIM Bangalore Alum | Mentor to Working Professionals
https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-i-scored ... l#p3588949

uiss · Answer

Thank you for your valuable input and I would love to have the topic drills or mock schedules !

ManifestDreamMBA · Answer

This jump is a little ambitious but doable. Focus on areas of weakness and create a plan that best suit you. Try to study when you feel you have the best concentration and take mocks to assess your progress.

Do not try to work backwards from an exam date. Svhedule once you see the intended score in the mocks.

All the best!

uiss · Answer

Thank you for the tips!

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