Need a jump of 150-200 in 3 months, should I even bother to try?

Question

Hey everyone, I've begun my GMAT journey and after the 1st week of Magoosh-based tests, I feel very demotivated since according to the chart I will get around 530.

This is without much conceptual prep but it's very demotivating seeing that people here want to retake after scores like 730. My main worry is a low GPA (3.1 on a 4.0 scale). While I'm prepared to put in the hard work, I'm not sure if the jump to 730-750 is possible in this short period.

I'm fairly confident of other aspects such as my experience (7 years of experience in startups, 2 leadership and 1 managerial role plus a very strong recommendation from the renewable energy space) but I'm not sure about crossing this first hurdle.

For context, I want to break into the renewable energy domain, so that 10-15 years down the line I can start my own nuclear fusion company that brings unlimited sustainable energy to developing countries. That is the dream at least. For this, I need to get into the top schools that focus on sustainability and have a good track record of placements in this domain like IMD and others.

Please advise.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi gokusan,

I don't know how accurate those tests are (nonofficial tests are generally not considered very accurate).

You could take an official practice test if you want a more accurate score estimate, but I think you should continue your prep without worrying about your initial score. Study the concepts tested on the GMAT and become more familiar with GMAT question formats, and then take an official practice test (>1 month from now, if you're looking to take the test in ~3 months).

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gokusan.

As  AjiteshArun  said, your scores on those tests may not be accurate.

Meanwhile, achieving a score increase of 150+ points in three months is actually pretty common. You just need to prepare effectively.

In other words, if you waste time doing things like just answering random practice questions, you won't likely achieve your target score in three months. However, if you prepare in an organized way and practice in effective ways, there's a good chance you'll break 700 in three months.

To learn how to prepare and practice effectively, see these posts.

GMAT Quant Preparation: Top 10 Tips

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

The Best GMAT Practice Methods

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gokusan,

From what you describe, if your overall plan involve 10-15 years of specific steps/work on your part, then you should not try to 'rush' through any of the individual pieces of that plan. Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, but YOU might need to commit more than that before you can consistently score at your Goal Score level.

Your GPA might be an issue - so 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 implement those suggestions, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

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

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can access 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have that Score, you should PM me back and we can discuss the results.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
2) 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

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider taking an Official Mock through the main MBA website. The gmatclub study plan post may be helpful to check out as well. It mentions a variety of resources with some thoughts, for example.

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

bb · Answer

You spent 1 week studying and you are demotivated…

I think expectations is the problem… 530 is about 45th percentile… be thankful it is not 380 and why do you care about the 730 person? How do you know they did not start at 450? They likely did not get 730 cold (though there are people who kept their skills and knowledge sharp since college).

We all have our starting points…. And it is the work you put in and the pride you get out of it.

200 points is possible. But less than 1/2% or probably 0.1% on GMAT Club reach that level of improvement. This requires changing a lot about your approach to the test, continuous self evaluation and self improvement of your studying methods and constantly thinking what else can be done. I mean things such as changing your work schedule to start your GMAT prep in the morning, making notes for every chapter, Reviewing your mistakes and pursuing every single one of them, Etc. This is how you get 200 points of improvement.

You will probably get at least 100-120 with Magoosh. That’s about an average for a self paced course.

It is possible. It just depends on how much you want it. However, if you’re out of gas after one week, I need to find a way to motivate yourself.

Posted from my mobile device

gokusan · Answer

Since I'm new to the forum, I'm not sure how to thank everyone who has posted their replies here, but thanks to all the experts.

This is exactly the kind of guidance I was looking for, realistic and yet motivating. For others like me following this post, sharing a consolidated list of what everyone has recommended, below.

- Establish a baseline quickly with a free test from MBA (dot) com
- Be brutally honest about what you're good at and what you're not
- Constantly tweak your schedule to see what's working and what isn't
- Even with a good score, you will need to offset an average GPA with a stellar application, reach out to an expert for help

Hopefully, I can share some solid progress in the coming months. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to reply to this stranger.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gokusan,

Honestly, 530 is not a bad start! Remember, this is just the beginning, so there is no reason to think you can't improve. Regarding how to move forward, here is a great article you can check out:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

Need a jump of 150-200 in 3 months, should I even bother to try?

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