GMAT in 10 days!!

Question

Hello guys. I am appearing for my GMAT test in 10 days. I've given 3-4 practice tests and I am scoring 590 on an average. I am not scoring well in the quant section (Q 39 and V31). Based on my preparation, I have set a realistic goal of 650 for the GMAT. Can someone please advice on what I should do in these 10 days for me to achieve a decent score? How can I structure my study pattern in these 10 days? I plan to give a full length practice test everyday from now till the test day.

Skywalker18 · Answer

Hi Pkaria , Since there are 6 GMAT Prep tests , you should probably stick to those as they are the most accurate representation of the GMAT . Also , you should take practice tests without skipping any of the sections . - Don't take too many practice tests - taking one every day will do more harm than good and you might well burn out before the real one . 10 days is a little less to improve by 60 points You should focus on your weak areas in the verbal - SC - e-GMAT and Manhattan SC - It can be improved in the least amount of time - CR - Powerscore , e-GMAT , MGMAT Ron's videos - RC - It will the most difficult section to improve - A score on Q39 indicates that you should work on your basics . Veritas and Manhattan have good books for Quant foundation . Quant - Consolidate on your strong areas and focus on weak areas - Statistics , Geometry , Word problems , Coordinate geometry - Can be improved with lesser effort - Number theory , Counting , Probability - Comparatively more effort is needed - Solve the questions in Bunuel's signature and GMAT Club tests for additional practice. - Relax on the last 2 days before the GMAT !! Hope this helps!!

Pkaria · Answer

Hi Skywalker18,
Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it. I hope that I can perform well on test day!

RMD007 · Answer

Hi, As you have very short time, I would say that don't try anything new.
Keep on reviewing your mistakes in quant, verbal and make sure you don't repeat them in test. In these days, give only GMAT prep mocks where you will get your exact verification and assess them thoroughly.

Review the error list : https://gmatclub.com/forum/730-q49-v41-k ... 11767.html

Go through the gmat software analysis: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-sof ... 46146.html

Solve first 10-15 mins questions with extra care in each section. This will set the range of your score.

All the best for your exam!! hope you will reach much beyond your desired score!!

Pkaria · Answer

Hi RMD007,
Thanks a lot for your advice and good wishes. Have a great day!

AndyDufresne · Answer

I would strongly recommend to not try anything new in the next 10 days. You'll make it worst by trying to put new info in the head and GMAT is all about performing for 4 hours with an optimal level of stamina.
What you can really do is starting from today:

Choose 3-4 topics where you need some conceptual clarity and with little effort you'll be able to get those questions right--> next 3-4 days
Revise whatever you have learnt so far. Don't try to memorize much...just relax and make a mental map of things while re-reading them--> uptill one week from now
Eat well, exercise, visualize to performing well, maybe visit the exam centre beforehand if possible, watch a movie. Basically less of exam related stuff and more of routine stuff-->Last 2-3 days

All the best!

Pkaria · Answer

Thank you AndyDufresne! That is great advice! It makes sense to be relaxed before the exam and not try to cram in too much. I hope to perform well in the test! Have a great day ahead of you!

uHCWB · Answer

Are there 6 of them ? i thought there are only 2 GMAT prep tests.

Skywalker18 · Answer

Hi uHCWB ,
Two of GMAT Prep are free and can be downloaded from mba.com . Also , you can purchase exam pack 1 and 2 ; each pack contains 2 tests .

LeonidK · Answer

Have you managed to increase your score?
How was the D-DAY?

uHCWB · Answer

I think one can improve something about taking GMAT in 10 days, it is the timing.

LeonidK · Answer

totally agree with you And AWA, in case one can create and remember AWA template

uHCWB · Answer

I thought creating template takes some time.

ashwink · Answer

Doing a practice test everyday would just be an overkill and not that useful. Sure, it would improve your stamina, but you'd be in the same position as the previous day and the scores would not improve by that much as well. Would sugges to take 2-3 test max and then strengthening the basics. All the best for your exam!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Pkaria,

If you took the GMAT as scheduled, then it's been a couple of weeks since you took the Test. How did you score?

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

rohan2345 · Answer

This is an interesting topic. I personally do not think one should adopt any new method on the final leg of their GMAT Preparation. It may be nice to give a couple of mocks (the official ones) and work on your weaknesses, but trying something new might not work in anyone’s favour. It would really benefit the community if you can share your experiences on the test day and if you can provide some suggestions if you were able to improve your performance on the GMAT. Thanks.

abhimahna · Answer

I donot believe so. The person who posted this was able to improve his Quant from Q35-36 to Q42 in his final exam in just 8 days. He never got Q40+ in mocks. Reason for this: He changed his strategy to solve Quant Questions. Had he changed his strategy atleast a month before, he would have been at Q49+. Nothing is Impossible my friends

Pkaria · Answer

Hi Guys!

I appeared for my test and did not manage to score dramatically better as compared to my practice tests. I was not able to achieve my target score due to lack of practice. But as  abhimahna  pointed out, I was able to get my Quant score up from 35-36 to 42 in a weeks time. If only I had started preparing for the GMAT a little earlier and with a proper plan, I could have scored better in the test. My only advice to people who are in a similar situation is that DO NOT rush to take the GMAT. It is not a test which can be tamed with a month's practice (which is what I tried to do). Practice as many questions as you can, give full length mock tests and keep improving your weak areas. As far as the test day is concerned, relax and have fun. This was a good learning experience for me and I hope to keep improving.

Regards,
Pkaria.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Pkaria,

It sounds like you have the proper perspective about your experience - and on how to continue studying. If you're looking for any additional advice/suggestions, then it would help if you could share your Official GMAT Score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores). As an aside, Business Schools really don't care if applicants take the GMAT more than once, so having a lower-than-expected score on this first attempt isn't a big deal.

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

uHCWB · Answer

At least your attitude is good after the exam.

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