Hi, GMATters,
I gave my first attempt at the exam last week and it bombed - (580)
On review of how my preparation was for the first attempt which lead to this disaster, I have come up with the following:
1. Didn't complete
OG2. Did not root cause/analyze why my mock scores were not improving. (My mocks were in the range of 580-610 - eventually not different from my final score)
3. Patchy preparation - I think I put in less than 100 hours in total despite clearly seeing the need for a more focused effort. I went through the
MGMAT Strategy Guides and then only about 50-60 odd independent questions from GMATClub and Grockit combined.
My target is to apply for
Fall 2014 and my target score is between 690-720, which I really think is more reflective of my ability
With the first attempt down the drain, I am now looking to give my second shot by mid October and would really appreciate some critique of the plan below.
Quant (Target Score Q45-48):
Math has always been a tough subject for me but I was pleased to find GMAT Math definitely more easy to understand than all that I had studied in my 11th-12th Grade or Engineering but given my previous allergy towards math, I feel the above score is reachable. My score in GMAT last week was Q37.
1. Complete
OG and GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2nd Edition
2. Mock CATs
3. 10- 12 PDF Sectional Tests
Verbal (Target Score V40-44):So this is my cross. English has always been my strength, so this is part ego and part indignation at my current score of V32
. My first GMATPrep 1 attemp about 2-3 years ago had V44
, so I really think I am doing something terribly wrong here.
1. Complete
OG and GMAT® Verbal Review
2. Mock CATs
3. 10- 12 PDF Sectional Tests
The first idea is to just put in brute effort and time and to go through the
OG between today and 7th September. I then want to give my first
MGMAT on 8th Sept and evaluate if there have been any improvements. I would love to get feedback on whether I should do something else, anything more or if the above plan can get me to my target range.
Look forward to any thoughts on how others have nailed this GMAT beast in 30-40 days.