Budget Friendly GMAT Plan Please help!

Question

Hi today I took my first real GMAT and I failed to achieve my goal which is 600

Strange thing about me is I would stress out big time and feel super anxious during prep test (I did exactly how real GMAT works, only 8 minute breaks, no access to anything other than selected food and water) but I was feeling really confident and just little nervous during real test. Actually I was thinking I am getting 600 for sure.

but BAM I received 550 (Q44 V22)

I have been studying with OG 2017, OG2018 Q review and V review, Manhattan SC and I prepared for about 4 month then bought Prep exam pack 1 few weeks before real exam and received 570 (Q42 V26) 600(Q44 V28).

My issue is I really don't enjoy studying Verbal because I just don't understand what it is all about (especially SC) and only studied bare minimum for this section. Maybe this is why I finish Verbal Section so quickly. I just have no idea what I am doing or what do care. Usually I have 10 mins to spare :/

So here I am and this is my plan

I am planning to take GMAT again before june.
Are there any advise for maintaining Q score while you are focusing on V
(It's not amazing but I am happy with it and I don't think I am those smart people gets 49 but please let me know if I should still try to improve Q little bit more)

Ok Verbal section
Basically where to start?? I graduated university in UK but it was long time ago (2011) I am not native English speaker and also not using English for work so my English skill is not up to the desired level.

Thank you so much for reading my mumbling and please let me know if you have any recommendation or suggestion for me.
and please keep in your mind that I am in very tight budget and I cannot afford those online courses.

Thank you guys
Hope every one is getting closer to target scores

pushpitkc · Answer

Hi Sophiee

First off, Welcome to GMATClub

The first step which I would recommend is to get the ESR which will be beneficial in
understand exactly which section of the Verbal was the worst and the experts on the
forum will be able to help you with the course to your preparation

If I were you, going forward I would try and dedicate some time to both the sections.
This is an extremely good post which will definitely help you understand where you
might be going wrong with the Quant section and is easily improvable
https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-to-impro ... 41670.html

IMO, this is a link which is a must-read for Reading Comprehension
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-club-s- ... 83101.html

You could go through the Thursday's with Ron videos to improve your understanding
about the SC section

Last but not the least, this post might help you with a study plan to improve your score
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-self-pr ... tml?f=menu

Hope this helps you!

akela · Answer

Hi Sophiee , I believe you can boost your score by improving SC. It is the easiest part to improve in verbal. If your're done with both free official CATs, I'd recommend you practicing official questions and watching explanations by Ron. You can download all the official questions here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-most-com ... 40372.html For quant, practice makes perfect. GMATclub CATs have many high quality questions and really nice explanations by Bunuel. You can get free access to gmatclub tests when you get 25 kudos. Good luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Sophiee,

To start, GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, your 2 CAT scores - and Official GMAT Score - show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 570 +/- a few points). You're actually closer to a 600+ than you probably realize (and you could potentially score a lot higher if you put in the necessary training time in the Verbal section). You've admitted to not putting much effort into your Verbal studies - and that is likely the biggest factor in terms of why you did not score higher. Thankfully, the Verbal section of the GMAT is as consistent and predictable as the Quant section is, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

Depending on your schedule and available study time, you could potentially retest in a month and hit your goal score (so you would not have to wait until June). 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) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

Sophiee · Answer

Hi  pushpitkc  thank you so much for reply I will print out them all and study! Thank you !
Hi  Akela  Thank you so much for reply and I am sorry if I am asking something everyone should know, but where can i find explanation by ron please?????

Sophiee · Answer

Hi  EMPOWERgmatRichC 
Actually I have to get score by 15 of March. and I am applying for master degree from Business school in Europe and their minimum requirement is 600 and average from last year applicant was around 680.

So far I have been studying alone with OG 2017 and other 2 OGbooks and Manhattan SC
I track my hours spent for studying (I know it's silly but it does help you to achieve hours goal) and it's around 100hours.

For Q section I did error log (actually writing down question on the note and practice, it helps me to be familiar with mathematics in English ) and practice more with questions from GMAT Club

For Verbal section I read Manhattan SC twice maybe, few more times for sections that I was feeling confused, took some note, try to memorize rules and idioms and finished 2018 OG Verbal review. but when I study verbal section, I feel like I am not learning anything.

If I have to take exam next month I can put lots of hours but it's not a case for me or maybe it is better to push little more and get done with it.

sarah0826 · Answer

Hey there! When I first started studying I took a GMAT prep test and scored 610. After a month and a half or so of semi consistent studying, I came out with a 700. I used Magoosh online prep videos for my studying, and it cost 150 dollars (you can find promo codes and get it cheaper). I highly recommend it and it's the only reason I got so much better. Cheaper than other courses as well, and has many practice questions to use with video explanations of each answer. Definitely look into it if you haven't already!
As I got closer to my test day I also used the official GMAC prep book to do verified practice questions to make sure I was on the right track.

Goodluck!
Sarah

Sent from my LG-H873 using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Sophiee · Answer

Hi  sarah0826  Thank you for suggestion 
That is really good price and I will definitely look in to it!

akela · Answer

Hi! Paste the question to the google and open the manhattanprep link. Example: https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/foru ... t7267.html

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Sophiee,

We can certainly come up with a Study Plan for the next month or so, but it's important to be clear on the details of your situation. In your initial post, you stated that you wanted to take the GMAT "before June".... but from this recent post, you "need" to take the GMAT sometime in the next 5 weeks. To put together the best possible plan, you need to provide all of the relevant information.

1) When you say that the 'minimum requirement' for the School is a 600, does that mean that you would automatically be accepted into the Program if you scored 600? Are there any other aspects to the application? I ask because if there are other details to consider, then trying to 'rush' to make this upcoming application deadline might not be the best idea (and applying for a later Round might greatly increase your chances of your REAL Goal - to get into that Program).

2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

Aryanbht87 · Answer

Hey guys!
If you need 2018 OFFICIAL GMAT REVIEW BOOK, you can purchase it from me for just ₹750/- 
Message me if interested.

Posted from my mobile device

	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

Budget Friendly GMAT Plan Please help!

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