Minimal Improvement from CAT Exam 1-2

Question

Hi All,

I went from a relatively cold Manhattan Prep CAT Exam 580 (Q33, V37) to a 640 (Q42, V36) with about 6 weeks of studying (Manhattan Prep course, Strategy Guides + OG Practice). I have another 6 weeks before I'm scheduled to take the GMAT and my goal is a 730+, so I have a few questions:
1) Am I being too hard on myself in my expectation of a higher score with 6 weeks of prep, and are there some strong positives to take away from the second test?
2) Is the goal of a 730+ feasible?
3) Should I significantly change something about my approach to attain that goal?

All input is appreciated, thank you!

CharlieharpeR · Answer

Hey, so the improvement you have shown is awesome. Trust me, Manhattan CATS are on the tougher side. The fact that you have shown this sort of improvement means that you are on the right track. Clearly, if you are scoring 640 in your second CAT, you will end up getting a score that is higher than this on your GMAT.

YEs, your goal is definitely achievable. Just keep preparing, working on your errors and give more mocks. To put your mind at ease, i’ll share my experience with you. I scored 640 in my first two CATS. Then I studied and kept giving more mocks and towards the end I was able to get scores of 700,710 and 730 in the CATs. I scored 780 in my GMAT exam. Surely, you can achieve much more than 730.

Just keep going. You don’t need to change anything.But it might be a good idea to start pinpointing where you are making mire errors or which sections you are weak in. Also, give some other mock exams, like official mock tests or maybe Veritas Prep mocks to keep your confidence high and to get some practice at the same time.

All the best and cheers

Posted from my mobile device

Gmatsaiyan · Answer

Follow the following study plan:-
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-p ... ml?fl=menu
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-self-pr ... tml?f=menu

Courses that can help with your prep:-
https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-co ... ml?fl=menu

Best books for Quants:-
https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ma ... ml?fl=menu
Best books for Verbal:-
https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... ml?fl=menu

u1983 · Answer

Hello  GMAT800byNIK  .....welcome to the community.

According to my experience GMAT excellence depends on where you stand now and how much you can apply your learning on the test day. Irrespective of all, your timeline is a bit tight (unless you are already at a close proximity of your goal score). Not all the test takers can exhibit 90+ ponts inprovements in 6 weeks.

Saying that ,  one can achieve anything and everything .  GmatWizard  already have shared some nice links .... let us know if you have any specific queries.

All the very best !!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jwc3694,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, but there's no way to know whether you will hit your peak in 6 weeks or not, nor what your personal peak Score is. You've clearly made some nice improvements to how you handle the Quant section, but raising a 640 to the point that you could consistently score 730+ will likely require at least another 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals:

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

AjiteshArun · Answer

You've improved quite a bit in the 6 weeks that you have been studying. It might be a good idea to start taking the official practice tests regularly now.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi jwc3694,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. First off, a 60-point improvement in just 6 weeks is certainly impressive. That said, have you taken any official GMAC practice exams to get a baseline score?

Regarding your questions:

1) For sure, there are some strong positives that you can take away from your second exam; however, you likely will need more than just 6 weeks to improve from a 640 to a 730+. If necessary, are you able to take the GMAT at a later date?

2) As long as you follow a realistic timeline and a structured study plan, YES, a 730+ is a realistic score goal.

3) Regarding your approach, its difficult to say whether what you are doing is enough for you to hit your score goal. The best thing you can do is objectively evaluate your progress so that, in the event that you are not making the improvements you need, you can consider adjusting your study plan or using additional prep materials.

Feel free to keep me updated and reach out with further questions. You also may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

Good luck!

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