650 GMAT SCORE. NEED RETAKE STRATEGY HELP

Question

Dear friends,
 I appeared for the test yesterday ans scored a dismal 650. I had given myself 14 days of preparation time (time off from work). The 650 includes Q44, V34.

I plan to retake the test but want to know the best strategy to do so. I am thinking of taking another 1 month off from work and practice more. At the end of one month, I will retake the exam.

Any advice on whether the above approach is likely to improve the score? I think I lacked practice time for verbal and was short of time during last few questions in verbal section. Since the concepts are fresh righ now, I thought I better give it a shot now.

I am very confused whether to proceed for a 1 month unpaid leave plan. Please help with any advice you can provide.

Thanks,

mohater · Answer

Hi takeithigher, Have you read the following threads? Top books: top-20-best-gmat-books-on-gmat-club-76582.html Study plan: 650 to 700+ gmat-study-plan-go-from-650-to-80235.html Have you taken any free practice exams to figure out what your weaknesses are?

bb · Answer

650 is not a bad score. Average is 540, so you are well above the norm. Most schools will be happy with 650 though Top 10 probably will look for something higher and closer to 680 to be happy.

The strategy is likely to work but it depends on your weaknesses. Knowing that will be the key.
Agree with what Mohater suggested - also look around the forum - there are quite a few resources and guides posted by members to do pretty much anything.

takeithigher · Answer

Hi friends,
 I went through the 650 - 700+ thread. The thread addresses my issue with timing and suggests practice.

I noticed in my gmatprep test 2 that I had 6 SC mistakes and 3 mistakes each in CR and RC. As a result, in the real test I gave more time to SC and ended up having less time for the last few questions. I believe speed is my main issue. I can finish most RCs in OG in 8-10 mins. I can finish most CRs in 2 mins, a few taking 2.5 mins. If given sufficient time to choose, I can get the correct answer almost 100% of the times in CR. 
 For RC, I do make mistakes sometimes in "primary purpose of author" or "tone of author" type questions. Again, I think its practice.

Can these weaknesses can be tackled via practice within 4 weeks? I also plan to enroll for a 4-session intensive verbal course with HighQ, just to make sure I am not missing anything.

takeithigher · Answer

To add, I had not studied the MGMAT books on SC,CR and RC during my last attempt. I had gone through kaplan800, OG and OG verbal (purple book).

GautamN · Answer

anyone wants to prepare for GMAT together ? combined studies ? add my msn nigam.gautam@hotmail.co m

bb · Answer

You probably want to post that in the Buy/Sell/Do forum, just thinking out loud :roll:

bb · Answer

Get GMAT Timer and see if you can improve your timing.

As to improvement - you will have some, but it is hard to tell what it will be in 4 weeks. If your verbal foundation is weak, no matter what strategies you follow you will still suffer as long as you don't patch those holes.

Also, use Error Log - that will improve your efficiency. Understand why you made every mistake and do targeted practice - just for that specific question type.

takeithigher · Answer

Thanks bb, I will give this one month a shot.

Cheers!
takeithigher

phoenix09 · Answer

Looks like you need to improve Verbal....get MGMAT SC, CR Bible, and read The Economist (no I do not get a commission...)...work on time...narrow down, pick best choice, move on...also make sure you include AWA in simulated CATS to replicate stamina needed...good luck.

lbsgmat2012 · Answer

dont the schools put u a bit down if u retake it 2 or 3 times and only get a good score on the last try?

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