just took gmat today scored 360.... feeling depressed

Question

I took gmat test today and was surprised when i saw my score of 370 Q19 V23. I work full-time and weird hours and the only time i could study was after work and on weekends. It was terrible! I was very disappointed but I'm not going to give up. I'm changing my strategy and plan to retake the exam in a month. I will dedicate 7-8 hours of study time to beat the GMAT. What are the proven strategies for both verbal and math. I was very good in math back in high school and college, graduated from college with 3.3 GPA. Next month is my last chance to tackle this test and i will whatever it takes to score 650+. Any strategies or suggestions are highly appreciated.

rovshan85 · Answer

the first time when I took GmatPrep exam without any preparation I scored 370 actually. Afetr studying for several weeks I took Peterson's Cat got 540, a week ago took MGMAT practice scored 580. I don't know what went wrong but i had 20 minutes left after i was done with math portion of gmat. I don't know what to do but i think my old strategy is no good. I have ordered veritas full set so that I can have more material to study.

rajeevrks27 · Answer

I know somebody else also who scored 360 in first attempt and 700 in second check out this link from-360-to-700-q49v37-128273.html

Impenetrable · Answer

A day or throughout the whole month? Maybe you should try to invest more than just a month

BM · Answer

We would like to help you to improve your score, but could you please elaborate on your preparation? Information on study materials, background, and length of study would be helpful.

Thanks!

AbhiJ · Answer

GMAT is not a sprint (for most people), rather its a marathon. Cramming in 1 month is not good IMHO. Better take slow and steady for 3-4 months and see how it goes.

Keynesmba · Answer

Before studying anymore any content, I guess you really need to understand what this test is all about and how it works. I wasted almost a year cramming until I realized I was studying for a test I conceived in mind but I learned from this mistake. You have a great chance to rebouce. Really spend time on the forum trying to think like gmat and then build on that content then practice iteratively learning by trial and error.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

GreginChicago · Answer

Second that.
Take a break from the GMAT for a bit and get back on the horse. This forum has fantastic advice as far as books, study plans, etc... Good luck!

rovshan85 · Answer

I'm determined to tackle the GMAT and I'm ready to dedicate 7-8 hours a day to prepare for it. I have already studied for gmat for a month now so technically it would be two month study for me. I signed up for Master the GMAT course and will work hard to get the needed score. I need to score at least 600 to get accepted into the school of my choice. The deadline is in July. I believe that 370 is not my level because I have scored higher than that on ptractice exams. I do understand that it is not all about memorizing but understanding the GMAT method but i think if I fully focus and concentrate on Verbal and Quant materials I can do it. 
During the exam i also had a problem. I took the exam 8am in the morning. First two essays were pretty easy went through those without any major issues. Before starting the math part of the GMAT i wanted to take a break because i was dehydrated. I raised my hand but exam proctor was in the backroom laughing and giggling. I did not get to take my break and that did not help my case. I'm going to take GMATPrep practice in a few days.

rovshan85 · Answer

BTW i used Kaplan 800, Peterson's MAster the GMAT, watched GMAT pill courses, some other Kaplan books and of course OG12. I'm thinking that those books (except OG12) are not any good and that's why decided to enroll in master the gmat courses. i also plan to utilize veritas prep books. It's going to be a long month for me....

GreginChicago · Answer

Have you already bought the Veritas books? If not, I would advise you to take a look at the 8 MGMAT study guides. You could either purchase them from their website (https://www.manhattangmat.com/Store.cfm), form Amazon or 2nd hand (see buy-sell-books-and-find-study-groups-4/) Also take advantage of the free resources at: https://www.manhattangmat.com/resources/index.cfm

AzWildcat1 · Answer

Good luck im in the same situation. Got a 520 1st attempt which is much lower than my practice exams ( usually high 500s low 600s ). Gonna study everyday and then taking GMAT end of April/Beg of May. Plan is to gain acceptance into a graduate school for MAcc. Applying to schools with new MAcc programs. Won't have the score for USC

rovshan85 · Answer

I already bought veritas books. I looked at reviews it seemed like a pretty successful material. I did buy Mgmat foundation of GMAT math and got a og13th Ed. Good luck to you too AzWildcat1. I'm studying 8 hours a day need to get around 620 to 650 min. Hopefully hard work will payoff

AbhiJ · Answer

Even if you veritas guides, would suggest you to get MGMAT Sentence Correction book, you would have access to 6 MGMAT cats.

frmail · Answer

The lower your score is, the more scope you have for improvement. Don't get disheartened and re-start.

saraafifiahmed · Answer

Hi, where can I find Peterson's exam? Thanks

GMATPill · Answer

Sorry to hear that.

See if this sample video helps you: https://www.gmatpill.com/sentencecorrect ... ythons.mp4

or this one: https://www.gmatpill.com/problemsolving/og/222/222.mp4

I would recommend structuring your studies from now til then. Really focus intensely on your weakest section for 5 straight days without doing anything else. Then do the same for your next weakest section. Eventually, mix it together and test yourself with GMATPrep software or with the GMAT PILL Practice Test: www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/practice-test

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi saraafifiahmed,

The Peterson products have something of a dubious reputation. BB commented on them awhile back:

--------------------------------
Yes, it is a terrible book and/or tests.

the main reason is that Peterson does not have its own Tutoring arm and only publishes books, thus its ability to develop new techniques or invest a ton of $$ into "R&D" or improvement of questions is much more limited than than that of Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Manhattan GMAT.
--------------------------------

There are plenty of sources for reputable CATs. Which ones have you used so far?

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

saraafifiahmed · Answer

Hi Rich,

For the Cats, I have tried Kaplan, MBA PREP., and some of the 800 score tests. Frankly speaking I feel terrified somehow with only 8 days left for the real exam.

What Exactly that I should consistently be doing till the test day ?

Thanks, 
Sara

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Sara,

If you're not 'in range' of your score goal, then you might want to consider pushing back your Test Date. To do that, you have to pay a $50 fee AND you have to get online at least 7 full days before your Test Date to reschedule. The extra study time could be quite valuable.

With 8 days remaining, you shouldn't be taking too many additional CATs (1-2 only) and none within 72 hours of Test Day.

What part of this is specifically 'terrifying' you?

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

just took gmat today scored 360.... feeling depressed

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards