Tips to improve my GMAT Score

Question

Hi guys,

today I attempted for the first time the GMAT (Online version) and I scored 650 (Q49, V30).

I was honestly a bit disappointed by the verbal section, in all official simulations I did I had managed to get at least 40, but during the exam I was biased by the Quant section which I thought I did badly (and instead I didn't).

I would like to take again the exam in mid-September, and I would like to aspire for a 750-760 (Q50, V at least 42). I was wondering which kind of material would be the best to improve my score given my starting point. I've used The Princeton Review guide, which is good in terms of strategy, but Math questions were honestly too easy compared to the official GMAT. I would like a book full of hard question (like starting from 650 level) to improve my skills in Q and V.

Finally, any advice on the strategy to follow or the method to use would be kindly accepted!

Thank you so much!

ramlk · Answer

Having a strong hold over Quant (or at least I believe so) I will suggest you to use the official quant review and Official advanced for quant practice. Also maybe think of getting the gmat tests subscription for additional practice.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Have suggested Manhattan-Prep's 6th Edition for SC and CR to students. Including the Official Guides/Official Mocks into your prep path would also be a solid choice. If you feel your fundamentals are solid, consider working on your solving approach. May boost your score a bit. Had a 6-hour student who went from a similar score (v31) who went to to a v40 in about 30 days. Perhaps work with a study buddy who has strong Verbal skills. You could teach them Quant in exchange.

5 Verbal tips

-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm

Archit3110 · Answer

Congratulations its a good score for first attempt
.
You should go through MGMAT sc book to improve on SC and if you want to practice hard questions official advance book is sufficient...

Posted from my mobile device

turbojuly · Answer

Thank you guys, your advice has surely been helpful!

I think that for Quant I will go with the Official Advanced Questions and the Official Guide, and instead for Verbal I'll try to look at the Manhattan Prep Guide.

In terms of studying, what do you think it is the best approach? Read and understand the basic theory and strategies, and then exercises on exercises, trying to understand mistakes and avoiding making them again in the future? And starting from 2 weeks before the exam date, starting to do simulations? I've seen the price for the additional official practice exams, and honestly they look too expensive (another $100 for 4 tests is a lot...)... I hope I'll forget the first two in the next month and a half xD

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi turbojuly, Analysing questions/explanations is an important part of prep, so your plan seems to be pretty good. And although you may be able to retake practice tests 1 & 2, you should definitely consider getting additional practice tests. Practice tests with fresh questions will help you develop your test-taking skills (including time management). Finally, you may want to start taking practice tests 3-4 weeks (rather than just 2) before your next GMAT. All the best for the retake.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi turbojuly,

To start, a 650/Q49 is a solid Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to act on that advice, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

There's certainly no harm in continuing to study (and retesting) - and you could pick up meaningful points in both the Quant and Verbal sections. 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 how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) 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)?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi turbojuly.

To learn how to master GMAT Quant and Verbal, see the following posts and video.

GMAT Quant Preparation: Top 10 Tips

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyyPP9XQBxI

turbojuly · Answer

Hi Rich,

thanks for your answer!

I will definitely check out the Admission section on the forum and ask for my profile evaluation.

I'll answer to your questions:

1) I've been studying for 3 weeks and a half, around 4 hours per day.

2) For the first week and a half, I've used The Princeton Review Premium Prep, and I revised all topics and understood the main strategies for the exam. Then, I've used the Official GMAT 2021 Guide and 2020 Quant and Verbal guides for exercises.

3) 22nd June 2023 - The Princeton Review - 650 (Q51, V29)
24th June 2023 - GMAT Official Practice Test 1 - 740 (Q50, V39)
28th June 2023 - The Princeton Review - 650 (Q50, V29)
3rd July 2023 - GMAT Official Practice Test 2 - 710 (Q48, V40)
11th July 2023 - The Princeton Review - 730 (Q51, V40)
12th July 2023 - The Princeton Review - 730 (Q49, V43)
13th June 2023 - GMAT Official Practice Test 1 retake - 730 (Q50, V39)
14th July 2023 - GMAT Official Practice Test 2 retake - 740 (Q49, V41)

4) I'm currently an undergraduate student at a target business school in Europe. I'm planning to apply this Fall to MFin at MIT, Princeton, at LSE MSc in Finance and MSc in Finance, MSc in Financial Analysis at LBS, and MIF at HEC. I'm good at academics (99th percentile of all students, merit scholarship), but I lack work experience. I would like to get into one of these schools with a merit scholarship (based on academic achievements), and I believe that to achieve that I'll need at least a 740 at GMAT. Furthermore, I believe that studying more and better I can achieve a better result than what I did. I'm aiming for Q50 (at least) and V42 (at least).

Let me know what I can do to perfect my Quant score and improve my Verbal, thanks!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Fair to say purchasing Official Mocks 3-6 would be a solid choice. Consider saving one or two in case you retake for any reason. Working with a study buddy who is strong on sections you're specifically weak on (i.e. RC or geometry) could be helpful as well. There's a study buddy thread on gmatclub you can check out/sign up to.

How to get a V40 or higher on the GMAT? What about a V51?

-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi turbojuly, 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 www.empowergmat.com

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi turbojuly,

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