Am I just destined to perform poorly on the GMAT?

Question

Hello all,

I can certainly use some advice and direction on how to best move forward given my current situation. Some background on my studies first:

Study materials:  
Magoosh 
OG 2015

I started studying in early August 2015 (nearly 2.5 months now), studying an average of 3-4 hours daily during the week, and an average of 8-14 hours combined over the weekend. I only recently started following GMAT Club and have found lots of value in all the content posted here. Now to the worrisome part:

Practice Tests: 
 Test provider l Date l Score l Quant l Verbal 
 Manhattan Prep   l 7/29/15 l  510  l Q30 l V30 (no studying at all prior to this exam) 
 Magoosh  l 9/13/15 l  440  l Q23 l V28
 Veritas   l 9/20/15 l  480  l Q29 l V27
 Magoosh   l 9/27/15 l  470  l Q27 l V29
 Princeton Review  l (lost record of score but somewhere along the upper 400 range)
 The Economist  l 10/10/15 l  500  l Q33 l V27
 GMATPrep   l 10/18/15 l  430  l Q27 l V21
 
So there you have it. The highest of the 7 different practice test I've taken thus far comes from the exam that I didn't have any preparation for. There has been no improvement on what I've studied thus far. Not sure what would explain that, but that's just my reality right now.

My goal is to get somewhere within the upper 600 range. I'm not prepared to throw in the towel just yet. I am disciplined and have no trouble putting in the extra work to gain the improvement I need. I would just like to know that there is still possibility given the incredibly low nature of my scores, and that I'm not just lacking the mental aptitude required for my targeted score.

I am scheduled to take the actual exam on November 14, 2015, but will likely cancel and eventually reschedule that appointment.

Any and all advice, suggestions, tips, are welcomed and appreciated. I'm happy to share any additional background information. Thank you in advance!

KarishmaB · Answer

I sincerely believe that everybody has the mental aptitude to reach 600. It is only about the right attitude - given enough time and effort, people can reach 600. Most people who settle for a lower score do it because they are unable to put in time and energy - whatever may be the reason. I also believe that most people can reach 700 - but only a few do because they have the drive required (or they have the background). Given that your score is not budging from 500, it means you are not studying "correctly". You need to start from the basics and then move upwards. You are probably facing conceptual issues. You should check out these two websites: https://www.artofproblemsolving.com/stor ... prealgebra https://www.khanacademy.org/exercisedashboard I am fairly certain you have issues in conceptual stuff such as forming equations, solving simultaneous equations, managing fractions etc. I suggest you to first work on these before you jump into GMAT material. Once these make complete sense to you, work on GMAT material. You will be able to solve the questions till the end. Thereafter, you can also take a look at our website: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/ It provides you the links to our DS book and SC video for free. I am sure you will find those very useful.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi smanoo23,

I'd like to know a bit more about how you took these CATs:

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
2) Did you take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT?
3) Did you ever have trouble finishing any of the sections on time (and did you have to guess on a bunch of questions just to finish?)?

Given these CAT results, and your goal score, you're about 200+ points from your goal. That type of improvement takes a lot of time and effort - I suspect that you would need at least another 3 months of focused, guided study to hit your score goal.

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

smanoo23 · Answer

Karishma,

Thank you so very much for your response. I think you nailed a lot of things on point. Looks like I'll have to start from square one and I have no problem doing so.

Much appreciated!

smanoo23 · Answer

Rich,  EMPOWERgmatRichC

Thank you also for your response! Please see below responses to your questions above:

1) I took the complete GMAT exam with AWA and IR about 80% of the time (I was short on time the other 20% of the time and was not able to complete those remaining two sections) 
2) I took the exam at the same day/time as the scheduled Official GMAT about 70% of the time. 
3) I recall it was actually the very first practice test I took (where I had done no prior studying) that I was the shortest on time. I had to guess on approximately the last 6-8 questions on both the Quant and Verbal sections. I became more and more cognizant of time on subsequent practice tests; however, especially on the Quant section, I was forced to guess on many questions where I wasn't ready able to formulate a solution.

Does it sound like I have hope, Rich? Feel free to be as blunt as possible. I'm willing to put in effort to do what it takes. Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi smanoo23,

The GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. So far, the work that you've done (and "your way" of doing things) has gotten you to this level, but it hasn't been enough to get you past it. From here on, you will have to change how you 'see' (and respond to) the GMAT - and that's going to require learning/practicing some new Tactics and investing in some new resources.

You're going to need more study time than you've given yourself, so your current November Test Date should probably be rescheduled (although you could still take the GMAT as planned - it's just not likely that you'll hit your score goals on that date).

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) Do you know which Schools you plan to apply to?

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

smanoo23 · Answer

Hi  EMPOWERgmatRichC

Thank you again for your kind reply. I've already made the decision to reschedule the November exam date. I will undoubtedly make changes and incorporate new additions to my study structure.

Yes, I do have my list of schools that I plan on applying to, many of which have a second round deadline for applications in the beginning of January. Given that my prospects for gaining admittance over a third round will be slim, I will be pushing off applying until fall 2016. This way I can give my full undivided attention to GMAT prep.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi smanoo23,

Making these changes to your timeline is a smart move. While doing so was probably not how you thought your studies would go, it's ultimately in your best interest. Having the time to focus on your GMAT will give you a much greater chance to score at a competitive level and then you can move on with other aspects of your application afterwards.

You will likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some type. 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.

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

smanoo23 · Answer

Hi  EMPOWERgmatRichC

Your feedback has been very encouraging to hear, Rich. Much appreciated! I will certainly consider your prep services.

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey smanoo23, The cause of this might be your study approach. Here is a customized 2-3 month study plan that can 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. Here is a sample SC video to help you start your journey: https://www.gmatpill.com/sentencecorrect ... ythons.mp4 Best of luck- we are here to help.

Am I just destined to perform poorly on the GMAT?

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