Seeking advice on Plan B study plan

Question

Hello everyone!

I prepared for about 6 months part time/interrupted here and there and when I was done I received a total score of 590. I was in the 84% for Verbal and 32% for quantitative. My AWA was 5.5 and I scored 5.5 on the IR.

Are there other programs that could really help me push that score into 660 or 700?

I want to go to the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business or possibly UW-Madison.

I prepared for the test following a guide on Magoosh and I watched their videos and practiced for a long time.

I am thinking at this point since it's very improbable that I will be admitted this round; apply for Fall 2017.

I am seeking input on what other program/class I could use to really get a better grade for my next attempt for the November admissions process.

Is Kaplan worthwhile?

Are there other programs that could really help me push that score into 660 or 700?

bb · Answer

What was your starting score? Did you take a test when you started out?

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AjiteshArun · Answer

You must have got a 37 or 38 in verbal. IR scoring is not like AWA scoring, so you probably got a 5 (no point 5s). So, except for quant, all your sectional scores are good. There are a  lot  of programs that can help you improve, but you might want to go through some basic math first.

You'll need approximately 44 (57%) on quant (assuming your verbal remains at around 38) to get a 660. You're currently at Q35 (32%). Definitely doable.

jdelrio22 · Answer

The very first practice test I took I scored 530 and I kept taking Manhattan practice tests getting between 550 to 590. I didn't take them all and they are available until August.

bb · Answer

That's a 60-point improvement. That's average and frankly your weakness is probably due to the time it took you - 6 months to watch a handful of videos, solve 800 questions and take all of 2 CATs that Magoosh has.

You need to be more intensive rather than long-time extended in your prep.

Kaplan will do fine or the MGMAT book set.

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Nevernevergiveup · Answer

Your verbal foundation and performace seems to be good but you may need to refresh your basics in Quant section.

Magoosh is good resource for practicing quant.

Did you mean online coaching or self preparation through books?
Kapln quant problems from premier version are simple and good.
But I doubt whether they can clear basic concepts for you!

Going for Manhattan GMAT guides is best according to me to learn things from basics.

jdelrio22 · Answer

I should clarify - I am looking at the online classroom which is about $1000.

I want to nail this thing on the second try. I feel like since I have tried the self-study that maybe it's time to be in a class. The one issue is that I work 8-5 like many on here.

Any more suggestions? BBs input on being intensive is something I am going to aim for on this second attempt.

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jdelrio22,

Any School/Program that you might be interested in will likely offer data on its website that will give you a sense of how competitive YOUR GMAT score might be. There should be a section that profiles past groups of students (with data on Average/Median GMAT scores, "middle 80%" range, etc.). If you have not yet done so, you should dig up that information. It might be that your 590 is competitive enough to get you into one of those Programs.

1) What was your overall score goal when you started?
2) Is there a particular reason why you mentioned 660 as a possible goal?

Since your Verbal performance was so strong, some focused work on the Quant, and 1-2 months of consistent study with the proper resources, could absolutely help you to score at a higher level overall.

3) Have you thought about when you might want to retake the GMAT?

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

jdelrio22 · Answer

Here is some more information:

1) What was your overall score goal when you started?

I wanted to have a score good enough to be admitted to a program (I have been admitted so far to North Dakota State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

2) Is there a particular reason why you mentioned 660 as a possible goal?

University of Wisconsin-Madison MBA program Average GMAT for Class of 2016 668 - This school has an 80% Range 610-710
My application is still in review so it could still happen.

University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business Average GMAT 695
I was surprised to be given the opportunity to interview. This school is what has made me think "Ok, I really should rethink about just going to school and instead really reconsider taking the test". The tour and class I sat in were impressive and really have made me rethink my original intent of just getting in to school.

I feel really strongly about going to UMn

Since your Verbal performance was so strong, some focused work on the Quant, and 1-2 months of consistent study with the proper resources, could absolutely help you to score at a higher level overall.

3) Have you thought about when you might want to retake the GMAT?

If I decide to just go all the way and try again for Fall 2017; Summer before June or July.

I applied for the following programs:

NDSU - accepted
UN-L - accepted
UW-Madison
UMN-Twin Cities

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jdelrio22,

It seems like your decision on whether to retake the GMAT or not will depend on what you hear back from these last two Schools? Do you have an idea about when they might be making their final decisions?

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

jdelrio22 · Answer

My decision is tied to what happens next with these schools. I will know in April at the latest.

The waiting is the worst.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jdelrio22,

Before you commit to spending another 'chunk' of time and money on this process, it would help if you could define a couple of "what-ifs"...

1) If you were rejected from each of these two Schools, would you plan to reapply again later OR would you attend one of the Schools that already accepted you?
2) If you were to reapply later, what are THOSE application deadlines?
3) Are you looking at Scholarships for ANY of the Schools that you've named (and is there a GMAT score 'component' for any of those Scholarships?)?

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

jdelrio22 · Answer

Round 1 is November for UMn. I rushed to get these apps sent out and have missed the deadline for scholarships. NDSU was just an offer for enrollment and I am waiting to see if there is more than just an offer of admission. At this time I expect to be paying full tuition through loans for any programs. When I started the application process I pictured the first year as something I would have to pay in full and then maybe work towards something like an assistantship or scholarship for the second year.

I do not know if there is a GMAT component to the scholarships.

Thanks for these questions, it's making me think that maybe I should wait and apply first round with the goal of a scholarship.

I do not know if there is a GMAT component to the scholarships.

Thanks for these questions, it's making me think that maybe I should wait and apply first round with the goal of a scholarship.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jdelrio22,

Since the cost of Business School is significant regardless of the Program that you choose to attend, there's certainly some incentive to retake the GMAT (if a higher score would lead to a Scholarship opportunity). As such, it would be worthwhile for you to explore those options a bit. With just a little more study time, and investing in the proper materials and the $250 retest fee, you could conceivably save thousands (or tens-of-thousands) of dollars in tuition by scoring at a higher level and earning a Scholarship.

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

JenniferAtKaplan · Answer

Hi jdelrio22, If you would like a chance to see what a Kaplan online classroom is like, we offer a free event called Inside the Classroom that gives attendees the chance to watch an hour of a Kaplan online class from a student perspective. You could preview Kaplan strategies and ask any questions of the teachers who are present, which is an opportunity offered at all of our events. You can find the list of our upcoming events at this link: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/enroll?tab=events Our next Inside the Classroom event is on 3/28 and is included in the list. A class would definitely help provide structure to your study schedule, and a teacher can give advice on best use of study resources outside of class. Most of our classes are offered in the evening or on weekends to accommodate work schedules. It sounds like you've done a lot of careful thinking about your next steps. However you choose to move forward, I wish you the best in your future studies! Best, Jennifer Kindy

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