Scored 560 in first GMAT Prep mock. Q47 V21 IR3

Question

I appeared for my first mock exam today from the official GMAT Prep Software without any prior preparation. I have the material from Manhattan and an online version of the Official GMAT Guide which I haven't touched yet. I do not have much idea about the exam as I've just started preparing but as I'm free from work right now, I can very well spend 6-8 hours daily. I need guidance as to how should I approach to score above 700. Also, I'm planning to appear for the exam somewhere in the next 2 months as I'll be burdened with work after that. Kindly guide me with a plan.
Thanks & Regards.

Skywalker18 · Answer

Hi vaibhav , To improve from 560 to 700+ will take more than 3 months of dedicated study . - OG and Verbal review - Magoosh on demand - decent ROI - For Quant - Manhattan or Veritas prep guides are good - GMAT Club tests are fantastic for quant practice. -Also , solve the questions in Bunuel's signature . SC - e-GMAT and Manhattan SC - It can be improved in the least amount of time . This is the best e-GMAT module . - CR - Powerscore , e-GMAT , MGMAT Ron's videos -RC - MGMAT or Veritas reading strategy Hope this helps!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Vaibhav3005,

To start, a 560 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). While raising a 560 to a 700+ is an achievable goal, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores. Thus, it's likely that you will need more time than you've allotted (even though you have the opportunity to study more per day than most Test Takers). To that last point, while you might be tempted to do lots of studying each day, you have to be careful not to 'burn out' - especially as you get closer to your Exam Date.

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

DAVEexamPAL · Answer

Hey vaibhav3005, 
2 months can definitely be enough if you have the time to put in. However, a 150 improvement is a tall order. It's clear from your scores you need a heavy focus on Verbal. 
What you need now is a study plan. It should include:

- Daily study. With 2 months to go, you don’t have the luxury of too many days off. Be realistic, though – try to and think ahead of time of all the non-GMAT things you’ll have to do over the next 2 months, and build a schedule around them. It is, however, advisable to take one day off every week and do something really fun!
- Budget about 100-120 study hours overall, the recommended amount of time. This is not so intense for two months if you are free from work.

Rank the Verbal Gmat topics from weakest to strongest. Starting with your weakest, plan a mini schedule for each subject, which looks like this: 
-Review fundamental material, while keeping two different lists going:
 -A summary of the material, if it helps you absorb the subject matter.
 - A list of practical tips for question solving.
- Solve subject-related questions.
 Review your mistakes after each section.
Continuously update practical tips list.

As far as your schedule allows, create a daily routine of reading articles and going over your vocabulary lists. This part is essential in coping with the Verbal section, and should take at least 1-1.5 hours daily.

While doing this, I suggest breaking your verbal study every 3-4 days in order to review the Quant material for a day and maintaining your high level there.

Hope this helps!

vikasp99 · Answer

you can start with MGMAT books for quant and official questions for practice and for sc read MGMAT book and for CR read powerscore bible.

vaibhav3005 · Answer

Thank you for your valuable insight, Rich! I haven't decided about the application part yet as my decision to appear for GMAT is quite recent. As I do not have much work experience, I'm looking forward to applying for MiM programs in Europe, IE and ESADE being the primary targets. I could really use your guidance and suggestions regarding the same. Also, sincere apologies for the delay in replying.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vaibhav3005,

Since you're ultimately asking Admissions questions, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission ... tants-124/

Until you have an Official GMAT Score, those Admissions Experts won't be able to offer a complete analysis of your situation - but they should be able to offer some insights/suggestions into the other aspects of your profile.

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

Scored 560 in first GMAT Prep mock. Q47 V21 IR3

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