Unsure about my progress

Question

I gave my GMAT focus exam about 3 weeks ago, and scored 78Q, 80V, 80DI for a 595. I am applying to universities by the end of the month and have scheduled my second (and final) attempt on the 19th of November. My applications are all done, just the GMAT is left. My score target is about 625 for the universities but obviously, my target is 645.

I spent a week after the test resting and 2 weeks after that to revise and start with practice. I am currently doing forum quizzes from GMAT club and using the streaks method (where it is advised to get a streak of 15 easy, 15 medium, and 10 hard questions). I am good at sub 605 questions (almost all questions are correct), struggle slightly with 605-655 and find 655+ quite difficult (either take too long or simply cant understand how to answer the question) for problem solving. I have been told that 605-705 are medium to slightly hard, where 705+ are hard questions. I simply cannot solve 705+ questions, let alone get a streak of 10. I either get flustered, dont understand how to approach the question, or take way too long to justify even solving it.

Due to this my confidence has taken quite a hit. Everything feels so difficult when the level is raised and I feel a little hopeless when it comes to the hard questions. Am I being too harsh on myself? Or is that just the level of difficulty I need to reach to be able to get my target score. Just feeling lost and demotivated because it feels as if no matter what, my score does not seem to improve and neither does my confidence. What can I change in my approach for the last 10 days?

MBAACCOUNT2025 · Answer

Anything marked 655 and above on Gmatclub is considered hard. For the rest of your prep, focus only on easy and medium questions—this range will impact your score the most. Remember, you’re more prepared than you feel right now! Trust your practice and keep momentum steady in the final days. All the best!!

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi tiredofgmathelp,

Why are you looking to get a streak of 10 705+ questions correct? That seems like an extreme (and unrealistic) way to prep. Do it if you want to, but don't let it affect your confidence.

A better way to use your practice material may be to do a mix of hard, medium, and easy questions.

Archit3110 · Answer

Work on your weak sections evaluate ESR give mocks official & then take exam date

KarishmaB · Answer

If your target is 645, I would say you can ignore 705+ level questions. Ensure that you understand all lower than 705 level questions completely and are able to do them quickly. Look for better methods if you are taking too much time. Invest your time wisely in that which will make a difference.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi tiredofgmathelp,

You're being quite hard on yourself, and it's important to remember that you don't need to get a ton of hard questions right to hit your target score of 645. The GMAT is adaptive, and it's designed to push you to your limits, but your score goal doesn't require mastering the toughest questions. Instead, focus on performing consistently well on medium and medium-hard questions. These are the bread and butter for your score range, and excelling here will likely get you where you need to be.

Your preparation strategy seems solid with the streaks method, but you might want to shift your mindset for the final stretch. Let go of the pressure to conquer those ultra-hard questions—they're not critical for your goal. Instead, focus on refining your timing and accuracy on the easy and medium questoins. Recognize that every question you solve in that range gets you closer to your target score.

Start taking full-length practice tests immediately to get a true sense of where you stand and to fine-tune your pacing and stamina. Simulate test conditions as closely as possible, as this will not only give you a clearer picture of your performance but also help reduce anxiety on test day. After each test, review not just the questions you got wrong, but also the ones you took too long on or solved inefficiently. This will help you build better timing strategies and boost your confidence.

Lastly, take care of your mindset. Celebrate small wins—whether it's solving a tricky medium question or improving your pacing. Remind yourself that your applications are already done and the GMAT is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ve got this—keep the focus on what matters most for your score range, and trust the work you’ve already put in.

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