Scored 420 in the Final GMAT

Question

Hi,

I have prepared for almost 2.5 months for GMAT and finally gave the exam and received a disappointing score of 420.
I lost of the hope of getting it through , or started thinking GMAT is not for me. 
But will there be any improvement if I take the exam again. What kind of strategy I need to use to achieve my dream score 650 and above. 
Please provide your suggestion. I have used OG 15 and MGMAT complete study guide to do my basics.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi karthiknix,

Sorry to hear about your score. If you prepare well with a sound strategy you can achieve your score.
Can you answer the following questions. The answers would help be give a better response to your problem:

1. What is your sectional split on the GMAT?
2. How comfortable are you with the basics?
3. Did you appear for the mock CATs. If yes, how many?
4. Did you solve the complete OG books?
5. Did you face difficulty with the concepts or with the speed during the exam?

karthiknix · Answer

Hi Optimus,

Below is the answers

1. What is your sectional split on the GMAT? Q25 and V22
2. How comfortable are you with the basics? I studied basics from MGMAT guide and referred some math sites. I belive I am better than average in Quant and Verbal
3. Did you appear for the mock CATs. If yes, how many? I did 2 Mock test in MGMAT CAT 1st attempt was 520(Q37 and V 24) and second attempt was 540(Q37,V28).
4. Did you solve the complete OG books? I did problems from OG 15 related to Word problems, Algebra and Geometry I skipped on FDP and Number properties. In verbal i did all the questions in OG. 
5. Did you face difficulty with the concepts or with the speed during the exam? I felt some problems are time consuming. I just guessed last 7 to 8 questions in the practice test due to shortage of time. In the real exam I just guessed the answers for questions which ever i felt difficult and time consuming more that 2 min and solved only questions which I could finish in time. Not sure if that is a mistake in Real GMAT exam.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi karthiknix,

Using this 420 as a basis for comparison, you'll need to raise your scores 230+ points to hit your score goals. That task will take some time. Since you've already described your studies a bit, I have a few additional questions:

1) How many hours did you study during a typical week?
2) When you took your CATs, did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?

3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

karthiknix · Answer

Hi Rich,

Below are my answers to your questions

1) How many hours did you study during a typical week? 10 to 15 hours in a week. some times i get over loaded and did not study for a week or two then I continued. 
2) When you took your CATs, did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)? I took 2 days before the GMAT. I took one test with IR and Essary and other test only Quant and Verb no IR and Essay.

3) When are you planning to apply to Business School? dec 2015.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi karthiknix,

From everything that you've described, it sounds like you didn't have a consistent, organized study plan in place for your first attempt. Given your experience, and your score goals, you're likely going to have to invest in some new materials (that include a study plan that fits your schedule).

With the Round 2 deadlines that you're considering, you still have plenty of time to study, take the GMAT and work on your applications. You're likely going to need another 2-3 months of study though.

Do you know which Schools you're planning to apply to?

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi karthiknix,

You Verbal scores seem to be inline with your mock CAT scores, Quants section is the one which has taken a hit. Going by what you have posted, I feel there is a problem understanding the concepts. You

Did you make an error log of the problems that you got wrong? If not I recommend yo to make on in this round of preparation as an error log is a tremendous resource of learning from your own mistakes and it will make sure that you do not repeat the same mistake again

The definition of difficult is different for everyone. If you get a question that is based on a concept you have not read, then the question becomes difficult. I think that guessing so many questions on the test probably left strings of wrong answers for you and did not allow your score to go up.

You can try on the online courses available as they are a good medium to build a solid foundation. After that I would recommend you to pay special attention to the Official questions.

karthiknix · Answer

Hi Optimus,

Yes, I did not maintain Error logs during my studies. I will starting making one and note down my mistakes.
Thank you...

Jeet1 · Answer

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