How can I improve my GMAT score from 510 to 730 ?

Question

Hello,

I have been preparing for GMAT for a while, most seriously I am studying from last 3 weeks. 
I gave Manhattan test 1 on June 13, scored 530 (Q-35, V-28). 
Today July 4, I gave Manhattan test 2, scored 510 (Q-37, V-23).

I am not able to complete maths section, but I am hoping that I will improve in next week. 
I have 1.5 month left for my exam.

Any guidance how can I improve score will be really helpful for me. I cannot compromise with the score. 
Please suggest me how shall I proceed ?

Thanks a lot!

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey Kusha In the next 1.5 months, try using this customized one month study plan to help boost your score: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... study-plan Use this as a guideline. You don’t have to follow it exactly but the structure of the study plan should be the same structure that you take in your approach. This helps to optimize your retention and learning. As you study, we recommend that you focus on one particular subsection for multiple consecutive days before moving onto the next. You can see this in our study plan where we recommend 5 days on nothing but SC -- before moving onto CR and then RC. Best of luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kusha,

Raising your score 200+ points in 1.5 months will be difficult. You say that you cannot compromise on this score goal, so do you have the flexibility to push back your Test Date?

You mentioned that you've been studying for the GMAT for "awhile", so you've likely developed some 'bad habits' that we need to get you out of. What resources have you been using during your studies?

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

kusha25 · Answer

Hello Rich,

Thanks a lot for your reply.
I am solving OG 2015, and using Manhattan SC book. 
While giving maths text, I am not able to complete the test. Yesterday I could finish only 27 questions out of 37. 
In verbal, critical reasoning is turning out as the most weak area. I got only 3 questions correct out of 12. It was pretty disappointing.

I cannot push back date. I am hoping that I ll improve maths.

Thanks!
Kusha Agrawal

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kusha,

If you could only choose one of the two 'goals', would you rather score 730+ or take the GMAT in 1.5 months?

I ask because the problems that you're describing are probably going to take 3 months (or more) to fix. Many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level and I think that's part of what is happening here. Beyond needing more study time, you're likely also going to need to invest in some new, computer-based resources that will teach you the tactics that you need to know to raise your scores.

Are you on any deadlines? Why can't you push back your Test Date?

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

kusha25 · Answer

Hello Rich,

Thank you!
I will prefer to score 730, because that's the minimum score I need. 
I am on one deadline, that is October 15. 
There is definitely something wrong the way I am approaching to solve questions. 
Could you please suggest me how can I improve score if I am delaying exam.

Thanks!
Kusha Agrawal

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kusha,

With an October deadline, you have far MORE time to study than you originally mentioned (and that extra time can be quite useful). While it's understandable that you might want to get your GMAT done sooner rather than later, your score goal is what matters.

Given your current scores and your goals, I think that you would benefit greatly from using 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 product that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

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

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

KarishmaB · Answer

Hey Kusha, If you cannot compromise on the score and must take the test in the next 2 months, you will probably need some expert guidance. Not that self study cannot achieve this feat but it will certainly be unusual. It will need a lot of time and effort on your part. Focus on the theory first before you delve into practice questions. Learn what is expected of you and the various strategies you can use. If you are taking too much time in Quant, it means you are not taking the right approaches. Most GMAT quant questions can be done in less than one minute. On the forum, search the questions in which you ended up wasting too much time and go through the various alternative solutions you find. Practice using conceptual approaches to save time. Check out my blog for conceptual approaches: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/categor ... er-wisdom/ Also, on this link you will find an SC video and a free download of our DS book. Both resources will be quite helpful to you, in my opinion: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hello Kusha,

1.5 months is enough time to make considerable improvement as long as you make the most of your studies. By that I mean study every day consistently and learn from your mistakes. Instead of focusing on the score try to understand why you got that score. Try to first identify whether you missed questions because you need to review content or because your approach to the questions needs tweaking. Study guides can definitely help you with content, as well as strategy if you make sure you apply what you learn. You could also seek a private tutor to guide you and help ensure that you make the fastest progress in the shortest amount of time. Either way, start with reviewing your previous exams!

I hope that helps!

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