Suggestions on Preparation after 470

Question

Brought a course. Studied for 6 months but could score only 470. Did well in all the mock and scroed around 630. What can be done to improve?

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Jcyale.

Any idea why you scored so much lower on the actual GMAT than on your practice tests?

Generally, to increase your GMAT score, you can master one topic at a time until you've mastered enough topics to hit your score goal.

To master a topic, first learn the concepts and strategies associated with the topic and then practice as outlined in the following post.

The Best GMAT Practice Methods

For some specifics on how to master quant and verbal, see the following posts.

How to Increase Your GMAT Quant Score: Top 25 Tips

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Jcyale,

In addition to what Marty has said, here is a helpful article:

How to Improve Your GMAT Score

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jcyale,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) Back in mid-2021, you seemed to be more interested in taking the Executive Assessment. Did you study for - and take - that Exam?
2) On what date did you take your Official GMAT?
3) During your GMAT studies, how many hours did you typically study each week?
4) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
5) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
6) What is your overall goal score?
7) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

Jcyale · Answer

Hi,

Thanks Scott and Marty. One of the reasons I found from my enhancement report is I did well initially and and it went to low score in the last two halfs. All my observation during practice I did get most of the answers during individual breakdown of topic and their questions,but when I took a mock there was a drop in the score.

Jcyale · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank You for the reply.

1)After careful consideration I went with GMAT as all the EMBA/MBA accept it
2)I took it in July.Gave a small break before starting to prepare again
3)15-20 hours
4)Mocks showed a Avg score of Q43 and V31
5)As suggested by the course curriculum
6)Wanted to enter a top school(700+ - Long way though but willing to put the time and effort

)
7)Next Year

) 7)Next Year

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

430 Q30 V20

What can be done to improve?

Here's an idiom list for Sentence Correction you may find helpful . Working with a study buddy may be something to check out, too. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jcyale, I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi  Jcyale

You can check out how Maria improved her score from GMAT 460 to 710 and get some insightful tips from it for your prep:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnXX7EJnWqg

Feel free to reach out if you need strategic help for your prep. Would be happy to help!

	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

Suggestions on Preparation after 470

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