GMAT Retake/Improvement Strategy and Advice
- Economist GMAT Tutor
Should I retake the GMAT exam with a 720 score?
I just took my GMAT and scored a 720, which I was thrilled about until I saw my verbal score was only in the 66th percentile.
I’m really happy about my score, but I’m also worried that my verbal will turn off the schools to which I’m applying. Should I retake my GMAT to try and improve my verbal?
Sincerely,
Unhappy with verbal
First of all, congratulations on your score! Although you’re disappointed with your performance on the verbal section, you should be very proud of your overall score.
With that in mind, what was your study plan leading up to your exam? If you scored this high with minimal preparation, rethink your plan and consider spending the next month or two focusing exclusively on improving your verbal skills. Keep track as you go and if you see steady improvement in your verbal performance, you can then consider retaking your GMAT.
However, if your study plan leading up to your most recent exam was rigid, you should consider staying put. Your 720 is absolutely a score you should be proud of, and by retaking it after a few long months of preparation, you actually run the risk of scoring lower. If this were to happen, you might also send a message to admissions committees that could affect your status negatively. More than likely, though, the schools you’re interested in are looking for students who can manage a company, and are less focused on perfection than you might imagine.
Additionally, you should consider whether the costs of retaking your GMAT outweigh its benefits, especially with your high score in tow. If you find you cannot afford to invest the time or resources in preparing to retake your exam, it might be best to stay put where you are.
How can I study for the GMAT with a full-time job?
I need your advice! I currently work full time and have two children, which makes it difficult for me to carve out enough time to study for my GMAT, so I’ve held off on scheduling an official exam.
I don’t want to hold off much longer, but also don’t want to take the exam without sufficient preparation. I feel stuck.
What should I do? Please help me plan for my exam!
Sincerely,
No time to study
Dear no time to study,
I hear you loud and clear – there are a lot of sacrifices to make when you’re juggling a full-time job and family! Obviously you understand the commitment it will take to get the score you want to get (you wouldn’t have written to us if you didn’t), so here are a few things you can consider trying to make your study plan more manageable while ensuring you’re getting the most out of your time.
Much like you manage a complex calendar of events and meetings while you’re at work, you should also consider putting your GMAT study plan on a living calendar for when you’re at home, whether it’s handwritten or on your cell phone. Having a block of time that’s reoccurring every week should alleviate any anxiety you might feel every time you aren’t studying. Even if you have to move your study block, you’ll quickly get into the habit of being reminded that at some point every week, you need to put in the time.
You can also consider breaking your study habit into chunks. Rather than throwing yourself into practice exam after practice exam, use one of your study blocks to focus on your weakest areas and filter in sections of practice exams as you go. Experiment with this a little bit and find something that works best for you, but regardless, try not to pressure yourself into conquering the world (or at least your GMAT) in just one study session.
What you’re trying to accomplish on your GMAT while juggling your family and job is admirable, and we’re all rooting for you. Best of luck!
Help! I need to improve 150 points – in a week!
Help! I currently score about a 550 on my GMAT practice exams and need to improve at least 150 points. But here's the issue... my exam is scheduled for a week from now. What can I do to increase my score this much?
Sincerely,
700 or bust
Dear 700 or bust,
You are asking a lot of yourself in only a week’s time. However, what you do have is a great opportunity to analyze and identify the areas on your practice exams that are really holding you back from the score you want.
If you’ve found the Reading Comprehension section has historically given you the most trouble, you may need to re-shift your focus. Go back to your practice exams and try understanding the author’s opinion and purpose for writing the piece, rather than getting too caught up in irrelevant details. Also, if this wasn’t obvious enough already, read as much as you can in the days leading up to your exam! The plotlines in many fiction books are intricate and can be a great way to train your mind to synthesize large chunks of text. This is also a great way to give yourself a break from studying without giving yourself too much of a break.
On the other hand, if you’re struggling with a topic from the Quantitative section, just focus on that section. Don’t waste time re-learning topics that you already know! And keep a log of what mistakes you’ve made. A couple days before your exam, go back to your log and see if there are any trends in the mistakes you’ve made. Often times, one topic will stick out like a sore thumb, making it obvious where you should focus your study efforts, especially if it’s for a second attempt on your GMAT.
That being said – if this is your first exam, try not to fret too much. Most schools will only consider your strongest score, so you’ll be able to retake the exam and improve your prospects. You’ll also have a clearer picture of what your study plan should be leading up to your next exam. Keep us posted and good luck!
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