HELP - I scored 440 on the GMAT Test prep

Question

So I took the GMAT test prep today and I scored 440 on it. I've only just begun preparing for the GMAT. I'd attempted the GMAT test prep couple of years back and I'd scored 410 on it (with pretty much 0 preparation). Firstly, 440 is not a very reassuring score. I'm starting to wonder if I can even ace this exam and currently very demotivated about acing this exam. Is there anyone out there who performed as badly as I did and scored more than 650 on the real deal?
If so, how did you prepare, what materials did you use to prepare and did you take any preparation classes? I had taken up GMAT preparation classes couple of years back, at the same time I wrote my first GMAT test prep and I did not find it useful at all. I found it too fast paced. Also, I'm terrible at Quant. I'm currently brushing up my Quant skills using MGMAT Math books.
Long story short, is there any one out there who performed as bad as I did or worse and after aced the GMAT? Is it even worth it for me to hope that I have a shot at acing GMAT?
Please advise, thanks!

GMATPill · Answer

Yes - there are people who have made the big leap -- but not without some dedicated and smart studying. We have examples with our students -- but you may trust this person's journey more from 360 to 700: a-detailed-debrief-of-my-gmat-from-real-360-to-real-128385.html

A 650 from 440 doesn't just happen by itself -- from our experience. Even if you can find stories of someone who did without putting in effort - I wouldn't necessarily follow their path.

MBA5796 · Answer

Thanks for responding! Yes I understand that getting a higher score will require some serious hard work and dedication. Thank you for posting the link to that article. I will be sure to check out other stories and hopefully I can pull through this!
Thanks =)

GMATPill · Answer

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Some key points include -- lifetime access -- complete mobile solution, and an intense focus on video at GMAT PILL.

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DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

That kind of journey will definitely take time. I once met a student who worked his way up from 300 to 600, and his plan was to keep on going, but this was a years-long process! I'm not suggesting that you will need to study for years, but don't expect this kind of change to happen in a month or two, no matter how hard you study! You will need a long-term plan to improve and some good study materials--not just a bunch of practice problems. Also, make sure to form good review habits from the beginning. I've linked to a post below that gives some tips on that.

where-to-practice-after-og-154845.html#p1239328

manyatpr · Answer

Hi,

We feel it is too soon for you to worry about your score. You have just about started your preparation. We would recommend you to visit a gmat coaching institute near your home and take a free mock test with them. After the test, sit with an expert to understand your strong and weak areas. What you need at this stage is a smart plan which can help you cover your basics and prepare you well for the exam.

To generalize and make an opinion about your ability to give gmat, just on the basis of 1 gmat prep test is not correct. Start with your gmat preparation with a big hope in your heart. Cover your basics and get on to the stage of giving as many mock tests as possible. You will certainly see an improvement. Moreover, getting an admit from a top school is not just all about GMAT score. You also need a good profile to get an admit.

Joining a coaching institute helps because it gets you connected to a mentor also similar individuals who are on the same boat. This will keep your preparation consistent and motivated. Hope the above helps. Let us know if you would have any other specific question about GMAT preparation and we would be happy to guide.

Wish you the best.

JTuquero · Answer

Hi MBA5796

Did you schedule your exam date? If so, when is it?

Since you asked for prep tips, feel free to download our six-month study guide: econgm.at/0VAWKM. Though we generally recommend that three months is a solid amount of time to prep for the GMAT, we understand that a three month prep plan isn’t right for everyone.

The plan outlines the following:
-How to set a daily or weekly study schedule
-How many hours a week you should plan to study
-How to tell if you are progressing sufficiently
-How to debrief

Also, I know that you didn't find your previous course helpful, but I encourage you explore other course options, especially since you're looking to improve your score by 100+.

I hope you find this helpful. Best of luck!

Jessica

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MBA5796,

It looks like you haven't posted in almost 3 weeks, so I'm curious about what plan you've put together.

Training to score at a high level on the GMAT is a process that's similar to learning to play an instrument - it takes time and lots of repetitions, you'll make mistakes along the way and you'll have to learn how to NOT make those mistakes again. You might be able to self-teach with some books, but people tend to do better when they have consistent guidance of some kind (from a Self-Study Course or Instructor-Led Class, for example).

We've had clients make HUGE gains over the Course of 3 months (some in excess of 300+ points), but they came in with the right attitude and energy and did the necessary work. Thankfully, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, so you CAN train to CRUSH it. You just haven't gotten to that level yet.

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

HELP - I scored 440 on the GMAT Test prep

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