ESR Analysis - Retake within 6 weeks

Question

Hi all,
I took the GMAT on Nov '22 after around 6 months of preparation - 690(Q47, V38, IR-8)
I applied with this score only to get a massive rejection from my target schools. It is now clear to me that I need to increase this score by a minimum of 30 points to have a fair shot at my dream B-Schools.

I took 5 official mock tests and here are the score ranges -
Mock 1 - 650(cold attempt)
Mock 2 - 720
Mock 3 - 730
Mock 4 - 720
Mock 5 - 730

Please note that the mock scores may be inflated by a little bit because I came across common OG questions which I had earlier practiced.

Sources I used for my prep -
1. TTP - Quant portion only - Gave in only 86 hours which completed only 37% of the Quant portion. I was not able to complete the whole course within the time frame and did only the topics I was weak at.
2. GMATNinja Videos for Verbal
3. OG 2021, Advanced OG, Quant Review 2022 and Verbal Review 2022.

I have subscribed to GMATClub Tests to practise more 700+ questions since I really want to increase my Q47 to atleast Q49.
For Verbal, I plan on doing the OG questions again.

I took a break of 3 months after my first attempt to apply to 2 schools(rejected in both without interview), and I have recently started getting back to GMAT again. I am planning on retaking the test by the end of April 2023.
Can any expert kindly guide me on what should be my major focus areas in these 6-7 weeks? Thank you.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Arka.

Your major focus for Quant should be to master one Quant topic at a time by proceeding in the following way for each topic. Review the concepts and strategies associated with the topic then practice that topic until your performance in that topic is virtually flawless.

For tips on how to practice for the GMAT for best results, see this post.

The Best GMAT Practice Methods

Regarding Verbal, you can get some key insights into how to score higher on Verbal from this video.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

HI chelseafan97,

If you want some advice on how to keep using TTP before your retake, feel free to reach out to us on live chat.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Based on your ESR, using time markers to help time management may be helpful. On Verbal Q4, for example, you spent an avg. time of less than 60 seconds per question but 2 or more minutes on the first two quarters. In case you've run out of Official-Guide questions, consider checking out the Online only question banks available through the MBA website.

To increase "this score by a minimum of 30 points", getting 4 points in total may help you comfortably do so. If you feel at a certain point it's easier to get 2 points on one section than 1 point on the other, you may want to structure your prep accordingly.

How to score high on the GMAT. Why solving approach is important.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Arka,

To start, a 690/Q47 is a strong overall Score - and you are closer to a 720+ than you probably realize. It's possible that you developed some 'bad habits' during your studies that cost you when you took the Official GMAT - so before we discuss the data in your ESR - it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How many hours did you typically study each week?
2) 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)?
3) What Schools have you applied to so far and what are your application plans going forward?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

eden099jr · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Arka,

Since you are planning to reapply to some highly-competitive Schools (that you have already been rejected from) - and you are considering some additional highly-competitive Programs - 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/

I've sent you a PM with an analysis of your ESR and some additional notes and questions.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Yes, that should be enough time to achieve your score goal.

At the same time, you achieve the increase, you need to be relentless about achieving high accuracy and long streaks in each topic you work on so that you will be sure to get correct the questions you see on test day.

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