410 score December 14 1st test

Question

Hi, I am new to the forums and would like to introduce myself. So I had my first round at the GMAT and I scored a 410. Ouch. I'm curious what would be the best tips to increasing my score before application deadlines for Fall '14? Most schools deadlines are around April.

Quick background about myself, I studied sociology in undergrad (Go Cuse) and mostly played football while only halfway taking my academics seriously. I graduated with a 3.0 and while my NFL dreams were a long shot I'm now taking plan B more seriously. I'm not very good at studying so I would love to take the advice from the guys who know how to do it, and do it well. Currently, I work full time and train but I could devote 1-2 hours a day if told exactly what to do, how to do it and help me reach desired results. I'm not aiming to make a 750 score and apply to top 10 schools, but what I AM trying to do is have a respectable score which will help with my business school application to get accepted.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

GMATPill · Answer

Hi cthismoxx, 1-2 hours a day can be fine to start off with. If you want to ease into the studying, you can do 1-2 hours for 2-4 weeks just to get a feel for the questions and what your weak areas might be. But you should eventually dedicate at least 2-3 hours on weekdays and preferably, 4+ hours on weekends for at least a 1 month period. I'd say this is the minimum you should do so that you give yourself an honest effort on the exam. Your undergrad was likely 4 years -- you came out with a 3.0 GPA. Well on paper, they will see your 3.0 GPA next to your GMAT score. To adcom, each will have roughly equal weight in their minds. Look at the GMAT as your opportunity to make a positive impression on adcom without spending 4 yrs preparing for it. But at the same time, 1-2 hours a day generally won't be enough for you to give an honest, respectable effort. In terms of what exactly you should be doing -- well, you can check out our 1 month study plan: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... study-plan

mikemcgarry · Answer

Dear cthismoxx , I'm happy to respond. Here's a detailed three-month plan you may find helpful: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/3-month-gm ... beginners/ If you have more time, here's a six-month plan --- this would really give you a thorough preparation: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/6-month-gm ... -schedule/ I have a few pieces of advice. 1) Read every day, at least half an hour daily. This is over and above your GMAT preparation. Read hard challenging material. You want to take an MBA seriously? Then read the Wall Street Journal every day, and read the Economist magazine cover-to-cover every week. This will give you an invaluable background in the world you will be entering. Here are some more suggestions about what to read: https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/gmat-reading-list/ When you read, look for main ideas and organization (why did they mention that detail? why did they put things in this order?) Look at arguments and try to identify assumptions, strengtheners or weakeners. Look at sentence structure --- both the WSJ & the Economist use a high level of grammar & rhetoric, and in every article, there are sentences that could be on the GMAT SC. 2) Do mental math every day. Add & subtract & multiply & divide every day. Make sure you know your "time tables", not only single digits, but one-digits times numbers up to 20 --- know all that cold. Do not touch a calculator between now and whenever you take the GMAT. Every single iota of math you do, from here on in, has to be in your head. I think Magoosh could help you a lot. Here's a SC lesson: https://gmat.magoosh.com/lessons/932-str ... ing-splits We have 150+ video lesson, covered all the Q & V content & strategies you need. Here's a SC question: https://gmat.magoosh.com/questions/3225 Here's a DS question: https://gmat.magoosh.com/questions/1035 When you submit your answer to each of those questions, the next page will have a full video explanation. Each one of Magoosh's 750 practice questions has its own video explanation, for accelerated learning. That's a lot of resources --- I hope all this helps. Even if you decide not to take advantage of Magoosh, I hope you get everything you can from that free blog. There's a lot there that can help you. Let me know if you have any further questions. Mike :-)

TheEconomistGMATTutor · Answer

Here is what we recommend for a study schedule:

In terms of how many hours per day to study, you should look at how much time you have available versus the hours recommended above. We suggest that you study for at least 1.5 hours per weekday and 4+ hours on weekend days (assuming you have a traditional work-week schedule). You should also pay attention to your personal needs. For example, if you find that 4 hours of study is too much and you are not absorbing information, then reduce the number of hours you study at one time. It would be counterproductive to continue studying if you’re too exhausted.

You should also take short breaks after each hour of studying to clear your head and renew your energy. Ideally 10-17 study hours per week is good goal, but this can easily go up or down based on your availability and how soon your test is coming. Part of the your study time should also involve reviewing summaries and notes you take along the way. In total, it’s ideal to allow 8 to 12 weeks to study properly for the GMAT.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Elizabeth

TheEconomistGMATTutor · Answer

Here is what we recommend for a study schedule:

In terms of how many hours per day to study, you should look at how much time you have available versus the hours recommended above. We suggest that you study for at least 1.5 hours per weekday and 4+ hours on weekend days (assuming you have a traditional work-week schedule). You should also pay attention to your personal needs. For example, if you find that 4 hours of study is too much and you are not absorbing information, then reduce the number of hours you study at one time. It would be counterproductive to continue studying if you’re too exhausted.

You should also take short breaks after each hour of studying to clear your head and renew your energy. Ideally 10-17 study hours per week is good goal, but this can easily go up or down based on your availability and how soon your test is coming. Part of the your study time should also involve reviewing summaries and notes you take along the way. In total, it’s ideal to allow 8 to 12 weeks to study properly for the GMAT.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Elizabeth

Legendaddy · Answer

Go slow!
Pick up a study material, understand the content well, study from cover to cover. The score that you have obtained clearly indicates that your fundamentals are not clear. Please don't look into strategy. Whether your exams are a month away or more, your brain needs time to learn.
So please don't hurry. Take your time and take regular tests. Focus on opportunity areas.

cthismoxx · Answer

Thank you very much for the advice. I think I will take a step back and go chapter by chapter and absorb the material.

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410 score December 14 1st test

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