Scored horribly in the first ManhattanGMAT test, what to do?

Question

I have just taken the first CAT in Manhattan Prep and scored a 590. I have about 3 months to study and am looking for a 750. I dont even know if thats possible. Anyone with precedence?

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

It can definitely be done. We see that kind of improvement all the time! However, it's never easy, and many people never make it.

One important factor to consider is why you're getting the score you're getting. Are you already familiar with the content, or has it been years since you have done this kind of math? How are your skills in English/grammar/reading? Did you do well in one part and poorly in another? How was your timing? If you had a lot of trouble with timing or Data Sufficiency, or if you have forgotten your geometry rules, you may well be able to fix those things quickly and see an immediate improvement. If you had trouble with comprehension, you may have a harder time building up your score. Keep us posted!

KarishmaB · Answer

Just search for "going from 600 to 750 gmat" on Google and you will get links detailing experiences of people who did this. Here is a link to a similar experience of one of our students: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2014/12 ... -to-a-750/ With grit and determination, it is certainly possible - of course, no one said it was easy. Going from 500 to 650 is easier but the learning curve at higher levels gets steeper. 3 months is just enough time for the jump you are targeting. This post will give you some ideas: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2014/06 ... t-results/

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi nnishmin,

For a first CAT score, a 590 is actually pretty good (the average on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years), so I don't see anything to be too concerned about just yet. Most Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies to hit their "peak" scores, so you have plenty of time to study.

You haven't provided much information in your post though, so I have some questions:

1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this CAT?
2) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Have you done any studying at all before taking this CAT (and if so, then what did you study?)?
4) What materials are you planning to study with?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

OptimusPrep · Answer

Please share how you studied for 3 months? Which courses/books did you use? Did you have a tutor?

Please be a bit more specific. It is crucial HOW you prepare vs. how long you prepare

nnishmin · Answer

I didn't study for 3 months. I will be studying for 3 months.

nnishmin · Answer

Took the test without the IR and essay. Haven't done much studying at all. I plan to study with all the mgmat books and tests. OG too. Planning to apply for classes starting in fall 2016. Math was like 50 percentile. Verbal 76.

quote="EMPOWERgmatRichC"]Hi nnishmin,

For a first CAT score, a 590 is actually pretty good (the average on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years), so I don't see anything to be too concerned about just yet. Most Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies to hit their "peak" scores, so you have plenty of time to study.

You haven't provided much information in your post though, so I have some questions:

1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this CAT?
2) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Have you done any studying at all before taking this CAT (and if so, then what did you study?)?
4) What materials are you planning to study with?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi nnishmin,

Percentiles can vary from CAT to CAT, so I'm actually interested in your SCALED SCORES for this CAT.

As you continue on with your studies, it's important to make each CAT "experience" as realistic and test-like as possible, so you should plan to take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections), take it at the same time of day as your Official GMAT, take it away from home, etc.

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

nnishmin · Answer

Quant 37. Verbal 34.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi nnishmin,

These Scaled Scores show that you have some serious work to do in BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections (to hit a 750+ score).

You can start off your studies as planned, but most Test Takers get "stuck" at a certain point when they use a "book heavy" study approach. Since you've given yourself 3 months to study, you can spend that first month as you see fit. If you improve on this score, then you might be fine. The reality is that you'll likely need to invest in a GMAT Course of some kind (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led) to get your scores up to your goal level.

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

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