How do I prep myself for the retake?

Question

Hey everyone, 
 I started studying for the GMAT in September, but I only got really serious about it in December. Since then, I’ve taken a total of 17 mock tests, and over the past few weeks, my scores have been quite consistent around 645. My highest score was 685, and the lowest was 595 (only once) 
 Last week, I was supposed to take the actual exam, but I had a technical issue right before starting, so I couldn’t sit for it. That week, I felt extremely ready—I had taken five mock tests in a row, all above 645. Yesterday I had my test I didn't had the best night of sleep but overall everything was fine, except the were a bit late and I started to get a little anxious. I scored 615(Q82,V82,D79) 
 My strengths are Data and Verbal, where I consistently score above the 90th percentile. During the test, even though I know the algorithm doesn’t work in a straightforward way, I didn’t feel like I made significantly more mistakes than usual. However, I ended up getting four “Graphs and Tables” questions wrong, which is normally one of my strongest areas. I aim for 645, that score should make me feel safe about getting in my target school.  
 Now, as I prepare to retake the test, I’d love to hear any advice from those who have been in a similar situation. Did you make any specific adjustments before your second attempt? Any tips on maintaining performance under real test conditions? 
 Thanks in advance!

pintukr · Answer

Should attempt questions of various difficulty levels using Forum Quiz.

All the Best...

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider including any specific issues you're facing. For CR assumption questions, for example, the negation technique can be helpful to leverage. If/when possible, you could also share your score report here. A quick suggestion, if you feel it takes you a bit of time to warm up, would be to do a few questions beforehand on your next attempt (i.e. not letting the first questions you see on the day be those of the actual exam).

How to score high on the GMAT. Why solving approach is important.

Gmat750aspirant · Answer

Do mock test series

bhargavhhhhhhhh · Answer

Master the official bguide, give gmat club test series

Gibo222 · Answer

What do you mean?

Gibo222 · Answer

I don't feel like I am facing any particular issue, my mocks performed very different on various aspects. In quant there are couple of topics that I feel weak, combinatorics is one of them. In other sections is much more about "silly mistakes". I did a bit of warm up 10 Verbal question from OG, 10 Data from the OG and 20 from Verbal OG. I consistently score around 85-95% on the Official Guide. 
I attach the screenshot of the Report, as I Said the table/Graphs is very strange, maybe they were all hard but is hard to tell.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Gibo222,

I agree. You performed quite well across all sections. As for verbal, V82 is already a good score, so maybe all you need to do there is continue prepping.

Also, your ESR shows slightly weaker performance in CR. Is that something you've noticed in your official practice questions/tests as well?

bb · Answer

Another question for you  Gibo222 ,

How was your timing?

I see you spent 5 and 6 minutes on a few questions and you got both of them wrong. Are those MSR's? Those 11 minutes were not greatly invested unfortunately....

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Gibo222,

So, the good news is that you are in a pretty nice spot!

That said, you do need to continue to find your holes and fix those to help improve your score. Thus, engaging in topical practice is a great way to do so. Let's use quant as an example.

For example, let’s say you want to practice Number Properties. You can do so by answering 50 or more questions just from Number Properties: LCM, GCF, units digit patterns, divisibility, remainders, etc.

After each problem set, it's crucial to delve into the questions you answered incorrectly.

For instance, if you stumbled on a remainder question, take a moment to reflect. Was it a careless error? Did you fail to apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that eluded you? This analysis is key to your learning process.

By carefully analyzing your mistakes, you will be able to fix your weaknesses efficiently and, in turn, improve your GMAT quant skills. Number Properties is just one example; follow this process for all quant, verbal, and DI topics.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Good luck!

Gibo222 · Answer

One was MSR but I don't remember it, the second was a frequency graph, the calculation of the mean took me long time because I firstly did a mistake and I check out every thing one more. I don't know how I got it wrong sadly. But I was aware of the time, but I am sure I could figure it out faster.

bb · Answer

It is what it is, it is an opportunity now to improve with timing. 
MSR's can be tricky as you have to answer all radio buttons correctly in 1 question (and some have 3) to get it correct. 
This is the reason no question should be worth so much time so that you do not end up investing it and not getting the ROI back if you make a careless mistake or else. Better to review later (to the extent possible of course since MSR's can be confusing, conflicting, and complex)

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

How do I prep myself for the retake?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards