New study plan for retake after initial 570 performance...?

Question

Hi all,

Asking for some help here as I've just recently finished taking my first GMAT. I scored a 570 Q39/V29. I'm pretty disappointed as I have been studying since February. I also enrolled myself in a VeritasPrep class in March that finished in the middle of April and I scheduled my exam ~ 6 weeks after my last class.

I work full time so my study schedule has been ~ 1.5 - 2.5 hours every weeknight and I would study 4-6 hours on both Sat and Sun. On my practice exams, I've scored Q46-49/V29 consistently. This means that I spent almost 300 hours studying. O_o... did I just do something wrong or just completely choke. My goal score is to get a 700+

I am not sure what I am doing wrong or how I should study again. I've done all the problems in the VeritasPrep guide. I also went through the MGMAT guides several times and have done maybe 10% of the OG problems.

I could not understand my drop in quant during the actual exam and I have no idea what to do. I am going to take the exam again, but I'm wondering if the timeline of late July is too soon.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Vercules · Answer

Hi syu322,

I can understand your situation, but there must be something missing in you preparation for GMAT. I think the first and the most important point is doing only 10% questions from the OG. The official guide and other official resources are the most important resources for GMAT. The official guide should be treated as bible for GMAT and be completed thoroughly before the test. A lot of difficult GMAT questions are confusing and difficult in their very own way. I think you have a good understanding of the basic concepts and rules tested on the GMAT. I suggest that you go through the official guide thoroughly and understand which questions you are finding difficult (even if you are getting a question correct, understand why an answer choice is correct and others incorrect). Have you taken the GMAT Prep tests, if not then take one after you are done with the OG, I am sure you will see an improvement in your score.

Apart from practicing the OG and other official resources also determine your weak areas. You can use the test data from the practice tests you took previously. There is a lot of scope for improvement in your verbal score. Try to focus more on the verbal section of the test. You will surely see and increase in your score. If you feel that late July could be too soon; it may be as you have less time for study because of your job. So, be comfortable and schedule it for late August; this will give you sufficient time for your prep.. All the best !!

Hope this test,
Vercules

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

New study plan for retake after initial 570 performance...?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards