Scored 550 in my first ever CAT GMAT test...Is it worrisome?

Question

Hi,

I appeared for GMAT Prep CAT today and have scored 550.Should i be worried?
Considering my gmat still has 3 weeks.

Please advise how should i work on ?Or are 3 weeks enough to target 690 + ?

Thanks,

Silviax · Answer

I personally don't think 3 weeks are enough to improve by 140 points although one single CAT might not be a good enough reflection of your true skills.

I got a 450 on my first "cold" CAT before I started studying and improved to 580 on the real GMAT, but I studied for 4 months not just 3 weeks.

You may want to reschedule.

shwetagoyal121 · Answer

Hey, GMAT prep CAT score may not be the best reflection of your preparation but at the same time the tolerance wouldnt be as high as 140. In my experience 3 weeks can be enough but it will depend on the accuracy of the above score in judging your preparation and it will depend on how long at a stretch can you sit to prepare each day and how well you utilize that time to analyse your weak areas and work on them to improve your score. Best next step forward would be to: 1. Take another test (may be this is the first time you gave the GMAT-like test and you weren't mentally prepared to sit for 4 hours at a stretch. That happens too). 2. Identify your problem areas: Quant or Verbal. Then go into sub-segments of these areas that require more work. 3. Take another test after 2 weeks. If you still score less than 620. Re-schedule. Else repeat step 2 and stay positive. Hope this helps!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

To help provide the best possible answer, I have some questions for you:

1) Did you complete the entire CAT, including the IR and Essay sections?
2) What was the score breakdown of your exam?
3) Did you take the practice exam under normal testing conditions? (e.g. in a quiet environment, no extended breaks)
4) How many hours a day can you commit to prepping for your upcoming GMAT?
5) If necessary, could you reschedule your GMAT for a later date?
6) What materials are you using to prepare?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ravisinghal,

You haven't provided much information in this post, so it's tough to offer any advice. If you can answer a few questions though, then I'll be happy to advise:

1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this CAT?
2) How long have you studied so far?
3) What resources have you used?

4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Using this score a a gauge though, it's not likely that you'll be able to improve 140+ points in 3 weeks. As such, you'll likely have to push back your Test Date.

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

SamirAbrahao · Answer

Hello,

I was in a similar position, scored 550 on my first CAT and had roughly a month to prepare. I was scoring 710 on official CATs the days before the actual exam, but scored 610 on the real test, possibly due to external conditions. I practiced only through GMAT Prep. I think its perfectly possible to achieve 690 in a month, but it depends on your ability to learn, how proficient you are, and your ability to stay cool under exam conditions. Read all the recomendations available on this forum about strategies for test day. Don't be discouraged by debriefs of people with sad stories.

ranaazad · Answer

Scoring 550 on first mock isn't really bad. In my opinion, you should prepare at least 2 more months before diving into the real game. Best of luck!

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Scored 550 in my first ever CAT GMAT test...Is it worrisome?

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