What to do when you cant pass the 620 mark! Please advise

Question

Hi,

I took the GMAT last year and got a 620 (AWA was pretty good, IR was an aweful 4, quant and verbal were in the low 30s). The resources I used were Manhattan guides textbooks and Official guide solely

Given my low score I decided to apply that way and got to interview stages of all schools (even Cornell) however I didnt get any admits (Maybe being an African student with 4years experience in a multinational was to my advantage).

This year I redid the GMAT and even stayed home for 6weeks yet I got a 630! (IR remained the same, verbal increased by about 2points and quant decreased by about 2point). The resources I used were the veritas guides, a ton of the free questions on GMATCLUB and Gmatprep. Its a little confusing because when I did my mocks using GMATprep software I got 690 and 650 (although I recognised some of these questions from my study on GMATCLUB).

My question is what am I doing wrong and how do I fix it? should I reshedule another test immediately or wait? Considering the fact that I have exausted most of the questions in OG 12 and done a lot of questions in GMATclub, which other resource should I be using? should I take the risk and apply with my score? This year I am focusing on canadian schools. I will like to make second round deadlines in December/January and since I have taken all my leave days from the office, it is going to be difficult to rewrite (I work a a 12hour day job)

NB; when I did both GMATs (last year and this year) my screen blanked out a few times, probably a bug, so that may have destabilised me a little though. I have filled a complaint form to GMAT on this

Please advise

GMATPill · Answer

Practice does not make perfect.

That's what we've seen with many students. All the questions in the world won't help you break through that mid-600 barrier because this test is about how you think (as well as stamina and endurance). Only reschedule the test if you have a plan in place to do something differently than what you've done before.

How you prep needs to be different. And you should spend some time exploring what those other thinking methods might be in solving the same problem perhaps more efficiently. That's why these prep programs exist and there are many resources to check out. I highly recommend an online video approach where the tutoring simulates the private teacher experience cuz that's what you need at this stage. Someone giving you quick feedback every step of the way to train your thinking and show you things you didn't see before. Of course I recommend checking out our own course gmatpill but do your research on the instructor, the study plan, how long, and preview what the teaching is like.
Here's some videos on reading comprehension
https://www.gmatpill.com/gmatpill-releas ... -guide-rc/

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi oludayo,

Since your two Official GMAT Scores are essentially the same, you're clearly consistent with how you approach the Test. If you continue to study "your way", then you will likely score at this same general level again. As it stands, your GMAT score might be strong enough to get you into some (or even all) of the Schools in Canada that you're planning to apply to - so before you go decide on whether to retake the GMAT or not, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

If you do opt to retest, then I have some suggestions as to how you can improve your studies. You can also feel free to PM with any additional questions that you have.

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Since your test scores are just the same, I would recommend you to change the way of studying. You already have got interview calls, this means that you have a good profile. If you are eying the Top schools, you might have to stretch that score little bit. Not only will it help you with the admission, but also with the scholarship. So I would recommend you to go for a retake. But this time try to change the way you study.

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the preparatory companies including ours offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi oludayo,
 
Based on your description of how you studied for the GMAT for both attempts, it’s possible that you started practicing random practice questions prior to fully learning each GMAT topic and thus were unable to make significant improvements to your GMAT score. If you need a higher GMAT score to gain acceptance to your desired programs, you might consider re-adjusting your study routine prior to a third GMAT attempt. When studying for a retake, strive for linear and targeted learning and follow that with focused practice. In other words, you want to master one topic before you move to the next.
 
For example, if you are learning about Number Properties, you should learn everything possible about that topic: LCM, GCF, units digit patterns, divisibility, remainders, etc. After that, be sure that you practice with a lot of questions (50 or more) just on Number Properties. The results of that practice will help you to determine how well you have truly mastered that topic. You will want to follow this study routine for verbal (sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension).
 
To allows for such focused learning and practice, you may consider using a self-study course rather than a book. In comparison to GMAT prep books, self-study courses typically provide detailed study plans and have granular analytics, so you can easily track your progress as you move through the course. By being able to track your progress, you will remain more engaged, and you’ll be able to forecast when you are ready to take your real GMAT. 
 
If you are finding it difficult to find time to study for the GMAT with your busy work schedule, I welcome you to read an article that I wrote that provides some advice of  how to find time to study when working a demanding job .
 
Feel free to reach back out with any additional questions. Good luck!

What to do when you cant pass the 620 mark! Please advise

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