490 -760

Question

I got 490 in my second mock test. I had studied for around 200 hours. Will I be able to get 760 if i study for another 270 hours?

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AndrewN · Answer

Unfortunately,  sneha1497 , performance (accuracy) in GMAT™ preparation is not a linear function of time spent. If you are scoring below the 500 threshold after having invested 200 hours, then you need to find a more effective way to study so that the next block of hours spent—even 10—are more productive. Something about your study approach is off. You might be under the impression that completing more questions will necessarily make you better at answering them. It is not until you take the time to figure out where your approach has gone wrong that you can take the necessary steps to correct it. Otherwise, you will keep hacking through questions, making the same mistakes over and over, not understanding why. Your gains will be marginal at best.

I do not mean to discourage you. Earlier this year, I read  the debrief of someone who raised her score from a  verified  250 to a  verified  780 , a feat I had never seen. In that debrief, the person outlined how a systematic approach helped her reach a new level of understanding of the material. This is not to say that there is only one way to raise your score, that you must use a specific book or online course. However, people who achieve 99th-percentile scores share certain characteristics, and discipline, the willingness to pursue their goals despite setbacks, lies at the heart of the matter. I can think of zero exceptions, even among the most naturally talented individuals. You may need to follow a more structured plan, find someone to bounce ideas off of (a study buddy), or even enlist the help of a professional who can set you on a better course. But one thing you must do is change whatever you are currently doing, or you will only get more of the same.

Good luck with your studies.

- Andrew

avigutman · Answer

AndrewN wrote such a terrific response, that I actually have nothing to add, other than this article which is perfectly analogous to this situation:
https://caliberstrong.com/blog/chris-pratt-weight-loss/

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi sneha1497,

Without knowing much about you or your study routine, it's tough to say what you can accomplish with another 270 hours of studying. Can you provide some more information on what you have been doing up to this point?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sneha1497,

To start, the speed with which most GMATers improve is usually not linear, so there's no way to say for sure how long it might take you to get to the point that you can consistently score at any particular level. With another 270 hours of consistent, guided study, you could potentially improve a great deal IF you are focused on learning and practicing the proper Quant and Verbal Tactics.

As an aside, the 760+ score is the 99th percentile - meaning that 99% of Test Takers never score that high (regardless of how long they study or the number of times that they take the GMAT). Thankfully, NO Business School requires a score that high - so it's important to realize that the score that you "want" and the score that you "need" are not the same thing.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

760+: What GMAT Assassins Do To Score at the Highest Levels

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

AndrewN · Answer

Many thanks for the kind words,  avigutman . I checked out the article, and I have to say, the comparison is apt. I never thought I would be reading about the weight loss habits or beliefs of Chris Pratt, the kind of tabloid fodder I typically steer clear of, but I also appreciate a point well made, and one that comes through in a less serious manner. I have been known, on occasion, to quote, among others,  The Simpsons ,  The Sopranos ,  Monty Python's Flying Circus , and  Donnie Darko  in the forums. Whatever gets the point across. And sometimes a little laughter is just what the doctor ordered in the midst of all this serious studying.

Thank you for sharing the article. Cheers.

- Andrew

EducationAisle · Answer

How much did you score in your first mock test?

How (through which  resources ) have you been preparing Sneha?

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello sneha1497,

GMAT club is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, and many more. You are recommended to visit various posts and utilize this forum in the best efficient way.

Your current mock score is shaky but you can surely do better. You can schedule a Free counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 20 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.

A score of 490 in the mock test is far indeed from the target score of 750+. It is all about raising 200+ pointers. The score tells that neither the Math nor the Verbal is above average. Hence, both sections have to be taken care of simultaneously. To improve, you will require consistent learning and practice. Also, keep your motivation high to learn. Also, please note that the number of study hours does not decide that if you can achieve your target score or not. There should be a line of action to be followed.

Since we are a math expert, we will recommend you go through our post on the GMAT club, which gives a complete Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of-gmat-math-question-types-and-patterns-on-the-gmat-211809.html#p1641411

Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve a score of 750+. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.

Possible score combinations: Q45/V41, Q46/V40, Q48/V38, Q50/V36

After visiting the post, now is the time to start with the basics. To strengthen the basic concept on various topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems, you may refer to many free materials available in GMAT Club. Our website also helps strengthen the necessary "skills of math”.

Solve as many questions as you can relate to different topics, and it is recommended that you try to connect with many proven experts. You can visit Math Revolution and get access to our 7-days on-demand course for free trial lessons.

While concept learning, try solving 600 level questions by topic and be habitual of creating the error log. Prepare a list of all the doubts you face during solving and practicing questions. This practice will help you assess the topics in which you need more time to prepare. After solving as many questions as possible, take the 1st mock test and assess your performance. You may try our free diagnostic test once. Let some experts evaluate it to make you understand it better.

Continue the process with 650+ level by topic and then 700+ level questions by topic. The entire mock test should be completed in a disciplinary manner. Since this is a bit long journey, 1-on -1 tutoring can also be helpful to shorten the study period if your study budget is affordable.

Regular tests will reflect the positive change in the score, and hence, your confidence will boost up. Gradually, with the help of mock tests, you will be able to compete with time and hence will be able to learn time management.

We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can reach us at [email protected].

Success is within your reach.

Good luck!
Math Revolution Team

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Sneha1947,

Generally speaking, it takes around 300 hours (give or take) to prepare from scratch. This includes everything from concepts to mock tests. Of course it depends on a number of things such as your target score, your strengths and weaknesses, your structure of preparation, the resources you use, your pace of learning etc. So, it would depend on all of these.

Apparently, if you are at 490 after giving 200 hours, there must be a problem with your study strategy. Such significant improvement is challenging but possible only with a structure prep with consistent efforts guided in the right direction. Before getting into details, do provide some context about

1. The type of mock taken by you, whether official mock or not, and your score breakup 
2. The time you are able to devote to studying each day 
3. Resources you used for prep 
4. The structure and study plan you followed 
5.When are you looking to retake?

You can always write back to me here or the better way would be to connect over a call and have a discussion. You can schedule a free consultation call using the below link.
    Click here to schedule a call

490 -760

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