Took first OG Practice Test after studying and feeling discouraged

Question

I spent the last 5 months studying for the GMAT (focusing on quant, completing TTP) and I just received a score of 590 (Q32 V38) on my first OG Practice test. I'm feeling a bit discouraged by my quant score as I had expected and hoped for a higher number after spending months intensely studying (and hitting the goals for a Q49 with) the TTP program. I'm aiming for a 680+ score so I had hoped to be in the 600s in this first test. I know I'm not that far off and a 100 point improvement is possible I just feel discouraged by seeing a 5 in front of my score.

I'm wondering if you have advice on moving from the learning phase to the test phase and/or advice for improving my score. I know that there are some things I need to improve (slowing down, and double checking my work for careless mistakes). Right now, I'm focusing on reviewing/reworking the problems I missed on the test and supplementing with OG sub-600 to 600-700 questions to keep up/strengthen my foundations. I can study for 2-3 hours every day and am not facing any application deadlines but I would obviously like this GMAT process to be over sooner rather than later.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions for improving my score (quant in particular) and successfully transitioning to the test phase portion. I'm not sure test anxiety is getting in the way or if I'm just psyching myself out and overthinking questions. Thanks in advance for reading this/offering suggestions/support!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi JL050594,

I'm happy to help. Can you please send a screenshot of your analytics page, so I can see your TTP stats and course progress? Once I have that information, I can provide some advice.

JL2822 · Answer

Thanks, Scott! Just sent you a PM with my screenshots. Appreciate your help in advance!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi JL050594,

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:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) Have you used any other study materials besides the course that you mentioned?
3) Is this the only CAT/mock that you have taken over the last 5 months? If there were others, then 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:
4) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
5) 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

JL2822 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Studies:
1) I've studied for 5 months, averaging 10-15 hours a week. Math has never been my strong suit so I spent almost all of that time on the math portion, relearn/learning everything related to the math portion
2) I've used TTP (which has been very helpful), the OG study materials (including the OG, quant review, and verbal review), and daily practice problems from Kaplan and GMAT club 
3) This is the only mock CAT I've taken but based on additional OG practice problems (mostly easy ones), I don't think this test score was a fluke unfortunately.

Goals:
4) I would like to take the GMAT in the next month or two but am flexible and can delay if needed
5) I'm planning on applying to business schools next January/March to start Jan 2023 (which is why I have the flexibility to delay/retake the test if needed)

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi JL050594,

Studying for the GMAT now - far in advance of when you will actually "need" your Score - is a smart choice. By extension, you do not need to 'rush in' to take your Official GMAT, so you should make sure that you are comfortable with the overall content, Tactics and patterns first. Statistically-speaking, raising a 590 to the point that you can consistently score 680+ will likely require that you commit to at least another 2 months of consistent, guided study. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

The Quant section of the GMAT is NOT a 'math test'; it's a critical thinking test that requires lots of little calculations as you work through it (and most of those calculations are based on standard Addition and Algebra rules). As such, you do not need to be a 'math genius' to score at a significantly higher level in the Quant section (and thus, overall), but you will almost certainly need to change how you "see" (and respond to) that section of the Test.

Since this was your first CAT result, I suggest that you study as you like for the next 1-2 weeks, then take a NEW CAT. Make sure to take it in a realistic fashion that matches-up with what you will face when you take the Official GMAT (take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, if you will be at a Test Facility, then wear a face mask, etc.). Once you have that Score, you should post back here and we can discuss the results and how you might best proceed with your studies.

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

JL2822 · Answer

Thanks, Rich! That's great insight and advice. I'll continue to study and report back with an updated CAT score in a few weeks.

Thanks!

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	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.
	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

Took first OG Practice Test after studying and feeling discouraged

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