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400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+

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inchoate
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400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+ [#permalink] New post   15 Jul 2018, 16:14
I just gave the practice test from the official GMAT website without any preparation, just to see where I stand. The result was obviously below average, and although I am disheartened, I am hoping for a solid study plan so that I can score a 650+.

My "unofficial" scores:
IR - 5
Q - 19
V - 25
Total 400

It's safe to say that I am weak at math and was burned out towards the end of the exam, whereby I lost focus and skipped the essay. A lot of silly mistakes were made in the IR section as well.
I was honestly expecting a lower score.

Regardless, I am hoping to take the exam by Oct/Nov so that I can apply to Ivey for the Jan intake. However, if I am not sufficiently prepared, then I would apply to other schools in Canada that would commence in Fall. (Any viable recommendations for MSc as I do not have work experience?)

I need a solid study plan and also want to inquire whether I should subscribe to any courses such as Magoosh Premium as it seems decently priced as compared to competitors and whether they're worth it. I also have the 2018 OG's however, I have not taken a look yet.

I have enough time available to study at least 3 hours a day. All I need now is a comprehensive guide to assist me with my goals and smash that exam!
This website seems to be the only sign of hope for now. All help is appreciated.

Thank you!
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Re: 400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+ [#permalink] New post   15 Jul 2018, 20:24
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Hi inchoate,

Many Test Takers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but you really shouldn't be. It's just a measure of your skills right now - and you'll be working over the next several months to learn the necessary content and Tactics to score higher. That having been said, raising a 400 to a 650+ will likely require at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. An October or November Test Date gives you plenty of time to study and improve though. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals:

1) Did you finish each section? Did you have to rush through any questions just to finish (or leave any questions unanswered?)? If so, then how many in each section?
2) Are you currently in School? You mentioned that you would not have any Work Experience when you applied in the Fall, so I'm like to know what else might be impacting your available study time over the next few months.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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inchoate
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Re: 400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+ [#permalink] New post   16 Jul 2018, 01:26
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:
Hi inchoate,

Many Test Takers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but you really shouldn't be. It's just a measure of your skills right now - and you'll be working over the next several months to learn the necessary content and Tactics to score higher. That having been said, raising a 400 to a 650+ will likely require at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. An October or November Test Date gives you plenty of time to study and improve though. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals:

1) Did you finish each section? Did you have to rush through any questions just to finish (or leave any questions unanswered?)? If so, then how many in each section?
2) Are you currently in School? You mentioned that you would not have any Work Experience when you applied in the Fall, so I'm like to know what else might be impacting your available study time over the next few months.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich



Hi Rich,
Thank you for the response.

I finished all the sections except the essay and I had to rush through the verbal section as I was running out of time ( around the last 10 questions )
I graduated from university and am unemployed since I'm planning on moving to Canada ASAP (GMAT holding me back and this is why I'm trying to give it in Oct/Nov). That being said, I have plenty of time to study every day, I just need a solid guide to follow on a step-by-step basis so that I use this time efficiently and preciously.
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Re: 400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+ [#permalink] New post   16 Jul 2018, 13:08
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Hi inchoate,

Many Test Takers have some type of pacing issue during their studies, so it's okay if you have to rush through some questions at this point in your studies. As you continue to study, you will learn how to be more 'efficient' with how you approach the questions in each section.

Since you have plenty of time before October, you can proceed with your studies however you choose. That having been said, if you want to be efficient from here on out, you would want to learn all of the patterns, tactics and 'secrets' of the GMAT in an organized fashion (without having to try to figure out all of that stuff on your own). As such, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some kind (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our site (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Re: 400 on the Practice test without prep, aiming for a 650+ [#permalink]
16 Jul 2018, 13:08

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