2nd Mock 570, but targeting 680. Is it possible?

Question

Hi Guys,
I gave my 2nd mock test yesterday from MGMAT and I scored 570!! (my 1st was Gmat prep score 600) This was shocking and I am very much shattered because my actual Gmat is scheduled in next 4 weeks and I am targeting 680+. I scored Q44, V29. I have reviewed my mistakes and found that 4 questions from Quant was incorrect due to silly mistake/did not read question properly. I can definitely correct these mistakes. There are few topics on math(like Inequality,Statistics,Probability) where I need to focus more and I will definitely give my best and practice on these. Also the verbal I am weak on SC and RC and I hope to repair this too.

My question is, with next 4 weeks, If I study my weakness and prepare diligently, can I reach my target score? Did anyone who has improved 100 points within a month before the actual exam? I would really appreciate if someone can advice me so I can regain my confidence and get to my desired score.

Thanks,
Rakesh.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rakesh,

While a 110 point improvement in a month is difficult to accomplish, it is doable IF you study the right way and use the right resources. We've worked with plenty of Test Takers who have made similar improvements. If you could push back your Test Date, even a couple of weeks, then that extra time could be quite helpful and increase your chances to improve.

One of the big difficulties will be overcoming whatever "bad habits" you've developed during your studies. You've admitted to making 4 silly mistakes in the Quant section alone (on this last CAT) - to improve your score, you can't afford to be making silly mistakes any more. So part of your focus in the next month MUST be on precision (re: keeping the silly mistakes from happening), but you also have to learn and practice some new tactics. These 2 practice CAT scores are close enough to show that you're "seeing" this Test in a consistent way...a way that gets you a score in the high 500s or low 600s.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What resources have you been using?
3) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT both times (including the Essay and IR sections)?

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

manyatpr · Answer

Hi Rakesh,

This is good that you have analyzed your performance thoroughly in your last mock test.4 weeks is a slightly lesser time to improve on 100 points in a competitive exam like GMAT. Not that people have not been successful before but then those have been people with good quant skills and a decent command over English section. However, full determination can help you make the impossible into possible.

As you are left with just 1 month, focus all your energies on giving only full length practice tests, in real test taking environment and try to focus on achieving your target score in each and every test.This will help you to avoid making silly mistakes.

Now, understand that more than giving a practice test, it is critical how much time you spend on analyzing your performance in the same. Typically, if you spend 2 hours in taking a mock test, spend 4-5 hours in analyzing it. Go over each and every question and find out a better, smarter and a faster way to solve each question. Take a note of all the points and make sure you apply them in the next test. The key is to keep improving with every test.

To improve your score in verbal, you should be able to understand the vocabulary used in the GMAT CR and RC passages. However the RC passages require that you are able to understand the words used in the context of the passage.Hence it would be best if you start reading articles, science journals , business tabloids and read them online and figure out for yourself if you can understand the language and the main idea present in the passage. This would be a better way to tackle vocabulary on the GMAT.

Remember cracking GMAT is not just about working hard but working smart as well.So, focus on your strategy and you will definitely see your scores going up.Go through our blog on GMAT preparation on the link below.It will be helpful.

https://blog.manyagroup.com/detail.html?authorid=59

Let us know if you require any further advise with your GMAT preparation.
www.manyagroup.com

GMATPill · Answer

Hi Rakesh,

We've definitely had students who have improved 100+ points in 3 weeks. You can read about a few of them here: https://www.gmatpill.com/testimonials/#tabs-4

As you work on SC and RC -- focus intensely first on SC. Some of the sentence structures in SC can help you identify structure better in RC passages -- and hence read them faster with good understanding.

If you can really focus on specific sections, then combine them together, then test yourself -- then you will gain better confidence. Also - think extreme confidence. For RC passages -force yourself to be super excited about what is usually a somewhat boring topic.

egmat · Answer

Dear Rakesh,

First of all, improvement is a direct function of “diligent effort” and not that of number of days left before the exam. I have seen a student prepare for months and yet be stagnant at the same score and then improve his score substantially within days. Here are some examples of folks who have been in your shoes and have accomplished their dream scores. Here are some examples:

1. Mahesh: Gave his GMAT 3 times, was unable to ace verbal during his first 2 attempts but improved in 10 days using our course. He is now studying at Babson. You can view his audio interview here.
2. Rishi: improved from V28 to V40 in less than 30 days. Click here to read his debrief.
3. Ayesha: Took the GMAT thrice and could not improve her score much and was able to improve her score by a massive 120 points in a mere 20 days in her fourth attempt. Click here to read her story. from-480-to-400-to-490-to-610-my-journey-157800.html

Most recently, We had a couple of students who improved from 470 to 700+ scores.
470-to-740-reward-of-persistence-and-hardwork-191587.html
from-470-to-720-i-rise-like-a-phoenix-its-all-about-self-belief-190876.html

So how do you improve efficiently? The first step is targeting – you need to figure out where you need to improve. IMO GMAT Prep is the most accurate indicator of your performance. You mentioned that you scored 600 in your first GMAT Prep. Can you take another GMAT Prep test to see where you stand. Note, you can get detailed score reports with your GMAT Prep tests. Jot down your Algebra and arithmetic percentiles. Also note your SC, CR, RC percentiles. These percentiles are your respective abilities in corresponding sections.

The second thing you need to decide on is a Target Split. A Q49, V32 can give you 680. Similarly a Q51, V30 can also give you a 680. Note, unless you are a quant whiz, it’s really difficult to score above Q49. Depending on where you are as well as your natural strength, decide on a path. This should correspondingly define the amount of time you will allocate to Quant/Verbal.

The third thing is the resources that you will use to improve (Quant/Verbal). There are many prep companies that offer courses. Some of them including us offer a free trial. Spend some time evaluating the offerings. If you decide our teaching methodology then I would recommend the following courses:

=> Quant: Components of Quant Online based on your needs. If you need just two topics then purchase just those topics. Otherwise, purchase the entire Quant Online module.
=> Verbal: I recommend the Verbal Online course. You will also get access to our soon to be released Scholaranium Platform which will help you reach your goal faster.

Write to our support team (support(at)e-gmat.com) if you have any other question. BTW – attend our free session this weekend. The topic of the session is – how to improve your score by 70 points in 30 days. Click the link below to register.

https://e-gmat.com/tactical-landing-pag ... himp&id=28

Once again, your score improvement is more dependent on your diligence than on number of days left. 30 days is plenty especially if you can take a few days of vacation.

Regards,

Rajat Sadana

2nd Mock 570, but targeting 680. Is it possible?

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