Is it possible to go from 420 to 680 in 5 months?

Question

I took the official test with very little studying (mostly took CAT's but didn't review answers) and received a 420. I was making mid 500's on MGMAT CATs and so I thought I would get at least a 500. I suspect a lot of it has to do with my timing - I started second guessing myself and kept rechecking answers. Both my verbal and math scores were around the same, so I need practice in both. My goal was to start grad school this fall but of course it fell through and now I have to apply for next fall. This gives me more time to explore other programs as well as apply early and be considered for scholarships, assuming I won't bomb the GMAT the next time around.

With that said, is 5 months enough time to improve my score 260 points?

I already bought a Magoosh premium subscription, have 4 MGMAT CATs leftover + their SC book, and I plan on buying the official guide as well.

Side note, if I decided to cancel my score, do they grade essay still? Or would I be able to view the score breakdown again online?

With that said, is 5 months enough time to improve my score 260 points?

I already bought a Magoosh premium subscription, have 4 MGMAT CATs leftover + their SC book, and I plan on buying the official guide as well.

Side note, if I decided to cancel my score, do they grade essay still? Or would I be able to view the score breakdown again online?

KarishmaB · Answer

Consider this attempt a practice run and move on. If you took the GMAT quite recently, you might want to jot down whatever you can remember from the test and how you felt about it - the kind of RC passages - were you comfortable with the question types - the subject of the passages, the Quant topics in which you had issues, some Geometry diagrams... whatever you can remember (mind you, you cannot share the questions with anyone). This might give you clues on how to prepare better for next time. Next step is to review the practice tests you took last time. Find out your strengths and weaknesses. Next, go through the COMPLETE curriculum of a test prep company - with special emphasis on your weaknesses. Go through the theory of every topic and then do the Homework questions, practice questions, OG questions etc of that topic. Make a study plan and stick to it. You could choose to join a classroom/online program depending on how you study best. Be regular with your classes, join a study group and ensure that you understand well before you move ahead. Also be regular on blogs (such as https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/) for tips and tricks - they give you lots of ideas and motivation to work hard.

RichEconomistGMAT · Answer

Hi viiam,

At this point, it's very important to review your practice CATs. Your scores on these CATs might not be telling the whole story. I'd like to know a couple things about how you went about these practice exams:

1) How many practice CATs have you taken?
2) Did you take full-length, TIMED practice CATs?

In any case, it IS possible to get to a 680 in 5 months if you're able to dedicate a substantial amount of time to studying. Start by going through your practice CATs and take note of the question types you answered incorrectly. Not only will this help you identify where to focus your study over the next few months, but you'll also start to see patterns in where you had issues with timing and/or specific concepts you need to review more than others.

Best of luck,
Rich

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi viiam,

To raise your scores from a 420 to a 680 will take a great deal of effort. Thankfully, it sounds like you've given yourself plenty of time to study for this next attempt. With this current score, you're likely going to have to work on everything and it's important to have a structure to your studies. Considering all of these factors, you'll likely need to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Instructor-Led). Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at out site (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

I have a few questions about your Official GMAT:
1) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores?
2) Did you have to rush to finish any of the sections (and guess on a bunch of questions)? Did you leave any questions unanswered?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

If you have any additional question, then just let me know.

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

viiam · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC  I do not remember the scores exactly because as soon as I saw the 420, I canceled my scores right away, lol. My verbal was only a few points higher than the Q though, but both were close to one another. I rushed to finish Quant. I thought I was doing well the first half but then I saw that I was running out of time and started panicking, if I had to estimate, I think I completely guessed on the last 10-12 questions.

RichEconomistGMAT , I took 2 practice CATs from MGMAT in a timed setting and scored around a 550 for both. Can't remember exactly as it has been a month or so since I've completely stopped thinking about the GMAT when I received the 420. Sigh.

Do you guys know if they still grade the essay even if I canceled my score?

Thanks for all the help!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi viiam,

If you pay to have your score re-instated, then you will receive the full set of scores, including an Essay Score. The cost is currently $100, so that is probably a fee that you do not want to pay (just to get your essay score).

Having to guess on the last 10-12 questions could have significantly hurt your score, but given your Overall Score, you were probably "in trouble" before you got to the last 12 questions.

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

viiam · Answer

Oh wow, I thought canceling my scores just meant that it wouldn't send to the schools I chose. But yes, coming in I knew I wouldn't do well but I thought a 500 was at least within reach since the CAT scores on MGMAT indicated scores of mid 500's and I was reading about how accurate they were based on other people's experiences. Ready to really buckle down and study for the next 5 months though. I find a lot of topics in quant to be familiar, I just couldn't remember how to do them. Not too much geometry from what I recall, which is my worst area. Timing has to be the biggest issue for me.

Thanks!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hello viiam,

You can improve your score significantly in 5 months. To ensure this jump I would recommend you seek one-to-one tutoring. Moreover, you'll need to study consistently every day, and make good use of the practice questions and practice tests. Just getting the score at the end is not enough to make improvements. It's very important to review the answers and adjust your study plan as needed. As for the essay, it won't be graded unless you don't cancel your score or you have your score reinstated.

Best of luck!

Is it possible to go from 420 to 680 in 5 months?

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