Gmat disaster in two months with only 480 scored

Question

Hi all, 
I feel so dumb with gmat. I took my first gmat in Nov 16 with 480 (Q40, V16). I had practised for 3 months ahead. Anyway, I hired a private tutor in Jan and practised for the exam again. I took the exam on the 6 of March and the scored was 480, (Q38, V19). I was very upset and depress with myself. My teacher was shocked because I did quite well, when I studied, I also felt bad. Now, I want to retake the exam again by 10 of May but I really dont know how to start. When I turn the pages of Manhatthan, Sc book, I felt so sad and quite sure that if I still read and practise in the same old way, my score will not be better. I'd like to ask for your advise, how should I prepare for gmat this time so that I will not mess it up again. I feel so bad with myself and afraid that I wont be able to get in any university right now.

My materials 
OG 2012
OG 2015
Manhatthan SC
Manhatthan Math review
Powerscore CR

Honestly, I need at least 630 but I dont think I can acheive it within May. So at least, I hope I can get 550 like other human in May tho.

Thank you in advance, 
Scuba11

ashwink · Answer

Don't give up hope. Have you followed any study plan? There are many customized study plans for 2 months which gives a methodological approach so that the prep becomes easier. Practice, practice & practice. Try to use an error log so that you can know where you're going wrong. You can definitely achieve the score if you put your mind to it! All the best for your exam.

RMD007 · Answer

Instead of feeling bad, its time for you to analyse your mistakes and your improvement areas.
Solve as much as problems available on GMAT club, prepare your errorlog. Analyze yourself timely.

Most importantly... stay strong!!

All the best....

Scuba11 · Answer

I'll use the error log as your guys advise and try to improve myself as much as I could. 
Hope its better than ast time. 
Thanks guys.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Scuba11,

Your 2 Official GMAT scores are essentially identical performances - which means that you continue to 'see' (and respond to) the Test in a certain way (regardless of how you were studying for the last few months). Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Based on these recent results though, you will clearly have to make some significant changes to HOW you study and the materials that you use. Raising a 480 to a 630 will likely take at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - but it IS achievable.

Before we can talk about how best to proceed, I'd like to know a bit more about your studies and your Official GMAT:

1) How did you score on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) Did you take the FULL CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) On the Official GMAT, did you have to 'rush' to finish any of the sections (and if you did, then how many questions did you have to rush through?)?

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

Scuba11 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for your reply. Here are all answers you're asking;

Before we can talk about how best to proceed, I'd like to know a bit more about your studies and your Official GMAT:

1) How did you score on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
Q scaled 38, verbal scaled 19

2) Did you take the FULL CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
Yes I did. I'm a slow reader for verbal esp RC.
I rushed when I took on the exam date but I answered every questions.

3) On the Official GMAT, did you have to 'rush' to finish any of the sections (and if you did, then how many questions did you have to rush through?)?
Yes I did. I think probably 5-6 questions on verbal and another 5 questions for Quant.m

Today, I read the Manhattan SC book again, not finished every lesson yet. Again, I'm not sure I can apply all the gramma rules when I'm facing the question in SC. I really think I need to make a new study strategy and pls your advise is highe appreciated.

Thank you.

DAVEexamPAL · Answer

Hey Scuba11, 
here are my thoughts - 
if you're a slow reader of verbal, this is something you can and should work on outside of solving questions. Read an English newspaper in the morning, and a good novel at night. 
However, this is a somewhat long term approach. It won't have overnight effects; but over two months, it can definitely help.

As for finding yourself rushing at the end of the section: it  is  possible that you'll find yourself guessing in the GMAT as well. There are a lot of questions and not necessarily enough time. It's better to guess a few at the end and not waste any time on them then it is to rush entire sections out of stress. What's important is to realize ahead of time what's a realistic goal for you. If you're rushing 5-6 questions now, try and cut it down to 4. Divide the section into manageable chunks with a solid goal of how many questions to solve in each chunk. Check yourself as the practice exam progresses: if you're behind schedule, try and speed up the next chunk. What's important is not to get flustered and panic, but be constantly updating your in-test strategy.

ashwink · Answer

Try reading the Scientific American online. It has helped me a lot for improving the accuracy in RC. The key is to get yourself comfortable with a lot of abstract topics so that you don't get flustered when a difficult ques comes during the exam. Moreover, there are many consolidated SC notes and docs in the forums that you can readily use. They should help you out significantly. Try taking the timers and then go through the Expert Replies for more analysis!

soulreaper9 · Answer

Very helpful posts. Have just started my GMAT journey and still only in 550 range.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Scuba11,

Many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level, so it's possible that this has happened to you too. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. Thus, it's likely that you'll need to invest in some new, non-book resources and focus on learning/practicing some new Tactics. By extension, you don't have to be a 'fast' reader to score at a higher level in the Verbal section, but you will have to change how you 'see' (and respond to) that section of the Test. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

abhi4212 · Answer

Hi scuba11

First of all I would like to say tha my case was very much similar to yours. In mocks (after so much regourous practice from many different materials) I got 480, 520, 580, 490, 510 & 650.... After first five mocks I was also depressed and was unable to understand that where i was lagging because till that time my basic concepts were also very much clear. Then I reviewed and found that TIME pas playing a big role in my case, whenever i used to give mock I got nervous which indirectly affected my performance. Wel at last but not least practice is the ultimate key, try to solve questions from gmat club using timer and set the limit within 2 min range ( intially u may pick the wrong choice in few qstns) but atlast u will come on track. Dont forget to review the all incorrect answers.
I am still doing this and getting the positive result. 
All the very best for your prep.

Sent from my MotoG3 using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Scuba11 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for your advise esp in the way I see the question not the speed I have to be concerned.
I think that is my main problem with GMAT tho. I hope that the more practices I did the better way I understand GMAT. 
by the way, below is the answer for your questions.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
Within June so my exam must be no later than the 10th of May.

2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
The University of Alberta in Canada is my goal. (I wish I could make it tho)

Thanks! 
Scuba11

Scuba11 · Answer

HI all,
Thanks for all the reply and advise.
I'll try to adapt my strategy toward time, speed and source as your guys's advise as best as I can.
All your comment are appreciated.
At least, I'm not alone on this crucial GMAT road tho. :-D

Thanks!

Thanks!

ashwink · Answer

All the best! Post your debrief once you're done with your GMAT!

Gmat disaster in two months with only 480 scored

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