Took GMAT today and scored a lousy 510.

Question

Hi,

I finally took my test today. I had started studying last year in August with Kaplan. I will admit that I am not as dedicated to studying as some people. I attend online classes and do some occasional practice problems. I have the OG 2016 books and I was solving the quant problems. I had deferred my test date because I was scoring 500 and 510 on practice tests. So, I took the test today and my score did not improve at all. I do not know what to do at this point. I can't seem to find the motivation to commit to a study regime or schedule. As soon as I start practicing, I get a little frustrated when I don't understand something and I automatically find something else to do. My closet has now been color coordinated, the house is all labeled and I redecorated. All this happens everytime I try to study. What do you guys recommend? I have the Kaplan premier book and OG 2016 all the package. What schedule should I stick to that's not crazy hours of crunching? I scored 31 Quant and 30 Verbal. I appreciate your insight.

ltsocal · Answer

Study schedules are different for everyone and so is environment. First, sounds like you are kinda like me. Distraction is easy. What I did to study was go outside. I would study in my backyard with my dog next to me. No distractions. I used the Kaplan book too and just had that, a pen and paper. And did a few sections at a time on the quant. Going over the sections and then doing the practice problems at the end of the section. I would do maybe 2 or 3 sections a day, taking up about 1 hour. Go through it gradually.
Then to get ready for the test, I would go to a library, to get away and be in a place where all I could do was study. No food, nothing. Simulate the test and do a practice test. The week leading up to the test I did one test a day. I would start off the day by reviewing questions I missed from the practice test the day before then just head into a new test.
How are you doing with the test itself? Are you staying too long on some questions and losing time?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hugdor,

From what you've described, you haven't yet put in the necessary effort to score higher than you did, so there's some question as to why you would take the GMAT now (instead of pushing it back). Before I can offer you any advice about your studies, I'd like to know more about the work you've done so far and your goals:

1) How much of the last 6 months did you really spend on your studies? How many hours did you study during a typical week?
2) What is your goal score?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Test, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. You will have to COMMIT to the process though.

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

hugdor · Answer

No, I actually finished with plenty of time because I panic with the clock. To be honest I don't what I'm going so I have no clue if I'm getting the correct answer. I felt that way throughout the test. I guess I have to sit down an hour a day and just do problems and see what I got right or wrong and keep doing that until I raise my score.

hugdor · Answer

I haven't dedicated much time to studying. I get very frustrated and walk away. I might have worked 2-3 hours a week. I will be honest and say I wasn't working on a consistent schedule. I attended the online classes and that was pretty much it. My goal score is 650+ and I want to apply for January intake.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hugdor,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak scores'; that often means 10-15 hours per week (or more) to gain that level of familiarity and comfort with the material. It's not surprising that your scores stayed in the low-500s because you didn't put in the necessary effort and energy to earn those big gains. The GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test though, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. That process takes time though, and you have to be willing to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. If you're not planning to apply to Business School until next January, then you have plenty of time to study and improve, but you really have to look at your schedule and carve out enough time for those studies.

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

	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 GMAT today and scored a lousy 510.

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