Last visit was: 30 Apr 2026, 01:17 It is currently 30 Apr 2026, 01:17
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
manian85
avatar
Joined: 21 May 2016
Last visit: 13 Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 Updated on: 04 Jan 2019, 19:35
Originally posted by manian85 on 02 Jan 2019, 14:12.
Last edited by manian85 on 04 Jan 2019, 19:35, edited 9 times in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi All,

I am an Indian, I wrote GMAT second time today after 3 years ,and got a score of 520. My previous score was 540. I prepared this time for over 4 months. I was extremely shocked to see my score as I got an average of 640 in GMAT PREP exams. I think, I am not fit for this exam or may be not smart enough to crack it. Please advise, whether I should retake or can I apply with a 520 score to some average b-schools in UK?

My Interests:
University of Edinburgh
Alliance Manchester Business School
Lancaster University

My profile
B.E. Computer Science (India) Gold medalist
M.S Computer Science (USA) 4.0 GPA
3- International Journals
12 years experience, currently working as a Software Architect in USA.

GMAT ATTEMPTS
1st Attempt : Quants : 38 Verbal : 25
2nd Attempt : Quants : 40 Verbal : 21
User avatar
u1983
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 24 Aug 2016
Last visit: 06 Jun 2021
Posts: 700
Own Kudos:
873
 [1]
Given Kudos: 97
GMAT 1: 540 Q49 V16
GMAT 2: 680 Q49 V33
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT 2: 680 Q49 V33
Posts: 700
Kudos: 873
 [1]
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 02 Jan 2019, 18:19
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello manian85 ......welcome to the community.

540/520 are a bit low scores. I would definitely concentrate to move this northwards. I am not sure if there are any top schools that accommodate <600. So, I would get the ESRs, pinpoint my weak areas and work on them regularly and mindfully(for Q:why I am getting them wrong and for V: why the incorrect answers are wrong).

GMAT Club has plenty of resources. I would start with the post by bb:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-p ... ml#p605856

I would try to forget about the past and go for a fresh start.

All the best !!
User avatar
akurathi12
User avatar
Read Only User
Joined: 25 Dec 2018
Last visit: 17 May 2019
Posts: 111
Own Kudos:
444
 [1]
Given Kudos: 146
Location: India
Schools: IE Sept18 Intake AGSM '21 EDHEC Sept 2019 Intake ISB '20 Cass '21 SMU '20
GMAT 1: 490 Q47 V13
GPA: 2.86
Schools: IE Sept18 Intake AGSM '21 EDHEC Sept 2019 Intake ISB '20 Cass '21 SMU '20
GMAT 1: 490 Q47 V13
Posts: 111
Kudos: 444
 [1]
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 02 Jan 2019, 22:42
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
manian85
Hi All,

I am an Indian, I wrote GMAT second time today after 3 years since last time and got a score of 520, my previous score was 540. I prepared this time for over 6 months. I was extremely shocked to see my score as I got an average of 640 in all my GMAT prep. I think, I am not fit for this exam or not smart enough to crack it. Please advise, whether I Should retake or can I apply to schools with 520 score

My profile
Undergrad Gold medalist
M.S Computer Science in USA with 4.0 GPA
3- International Journals
12 years experience, currenlty working as a Software Architect.
Show more
Dear manian85
520 is not a bad score. what is your score split? V-?, Q-? IR-?, AWA-?
If you get your ESR and post GMATClub, experts will advise you based on your area low scored subsections.
If you focus on your weak topic and continue the same focus on strong topics, it is very much possible to crack the higher.
all the best.
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,057
 [1]
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,057
 [1]
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 02 Jan 2019, 23:20
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi manian85,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day did not go as well as hoped. Earlier this year, the GMAT went through a format change (the Quant and Verbal sections were shortened), but the overall concepts/content of the Exam are still the same. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. With a 540 three years and a 520 now, these two results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 530 +/- a few points), meaning that you respond to the GMAT in the same ways as before. Before we discuss why you scored so much lower than how you were scoring on your CATs/mocks, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) What study materials did you use for this recent attempt?
2) How have you scored on EACH of your recent CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
3) What is your goal score?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
User avatar
EducationAisle
User avatar
Joined: 27 Mar 2010
Last visit: 29 Apr 2026
Posts: 3,908
Own Kudos:
3,586
 [1]
Given Kudos: 159
Location: India
Schools: ISB
GPA: 3.31
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: ISB
Posts: 3,908
Kudos: 3,586
 [1]
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 02 Jan 2019, 23:56
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
manian85

My profile
Undergrad Gold medalist
M.S Computer Science in USA with 4.0 GPA
3- International Journals
12 years experience, currenlty working as a Software Architect.
Show more
Hi manian85, your score definitely does not do justice to your academic exploits. It must have been a humbling experience.

As suggested by others, please give a peek into your preparation, your score breakup, and your areas of weakness.
User avatar
ScottTargetTestPrep
User avatar
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Last visit: 29 Apr 2026
Posts: 22,299
Own Kudos:
26,556
Given Kudos: 302
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Location: United States (CA)
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 22,299
Kudos: 26,556
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 04 Jan 2019, 11:39
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi manian85,

I’m sorry to hear how things have been going with the GMAT. First off, don’t sell yourself short. I’m certain that you are an intelligent person, and with the right study plan, you can knock the GMAT out of the park. Thus, if you are up for it, retaking the GMAT would be a good idea.

I’m happy to provide some further advice regarding your GMAT, but I’d first like to learn some more about you. Once you respond to the questions already asked, I can provide some detailed advice.
avatar
manian85
avatar
Joined: 21 May 2016
Last visit: 13 Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 04 Jan 2019, 19:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
akurathi12
manian85
Hi All,

I am an Indian, I wrote GMAT second time today after 3 years since last time and got a score of 520, my previous score was 540. I prepared this time for over 6 months. I was extremely shocked to see my score as I got an average of 640 in all my GMAT prep. I think, I am not fit for this exam or not smart enough to crack it. Please advise, whether I Should retake or can I apply to schools with 520 score

My profile
Undergrad Gold medalist
M.S Computer Science in USA with 4.0 GPA
3- International Journals
12 years experience, currenlty working as a Software Architect.
Dear manian85
520 is not a bad score. what is your score split? V-?, Q-? IR-?, AWA-?
If you get your ESR and post GMATClub, experts will advise you based on your area low scored subsections.
If you focus on your weak topic and continue the same focus on strong topics, it is very much possible to crack the higher.
all the best.
Show more
Aug 2015 : Quants : 38 Verbal : 25
Jan 2019 : Quants : 40 Verbal : 21
Did not prepare for all three years second attempt prepared for 3 months.
User avatar
newyork2012
User avatar
Joined: 22 Sep 2014
Last visit: 23 Apr 2023
Posts: 121
Own Kudos:
51
 [1]
Given Kudos: 51
Location: United States (CA)
Posts: 121
Kudos: 51
 [1]
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 05 Jan 2019, 18:10
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I'm surprised to see an Indian test taker to score Q < 40
Generally ,It's not hard for an Asian college graduate to get a Q43,44 without any preparation ...at least that's my personal experience...
Remember that my maths was so rusty (had not touched maths for more than 15+ years) that i could barely remember any maths formulations ,and that it did not take much effort to reach around 48...from 48 to 50,51 takes some solid practice and good luck:)

My struggles with Q were mainly about English & basic concepts .... I picked up the basic concepts within a couple of days ,and improved Q vocabulary through working on problems.

It seems that your English is much better than mine . I don't see that you would struggle with understanding the questions.Obviously , you were a top student in school also....

It's really hard to comprehend your situation . Maybe you should consult some other Indian test takers . Indians know Indians the best.
avatar
ReadytoSOAR
avatar
Joined: 22 Aug 2018
Last visit: 01 Jul 2019
Posts: 38
Own Kudos:
14
Given Kudos: 9
Location: United States
Schools: Goizueta '21 (A)
Schools: Goizueta '21 (A)
Posts: 38
Kudos: 14
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 05 Jan 2019, 18:47
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
It could have been nerves and anxiousness. Breathe and try it again

Posted from my mobile device
User avatar
redskull1
User avatar
Joined: 11 Feb 2018
Last visit: 25 Sep 2022
Posts: 287
Own Kudos:
215
Given Kudos: 115
Location: India
Concentration: General Management, Finance
Schools: Stern '22 (WA) Booth '22 (D) Tuck '22 (D) Tepper '22 (A) Kenan-Flagler '22 (A$) Jones '22 (A$) INSEAD Jan'21 Intake Duke '22 (M$)
GMAT 1: 690 Q47 V37
GMAT 2: 710 Q50 V36
GMAT 3: 750 Q50 V42
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Stern '22 (WA) Booth '22 (D) Tuck '22 (D) Tepper '22 (A) Kenan-Flagler '22 (A$) Jones '22 (A$) INSEAD Jan'21 Intake Duke '22 (M$)
GMAT 3: 750 Q50 V42
Posts: 287
Kudos: 215
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 05 Jan 2019, 22:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
See rons videos.Will surely help to ease anxiety and also improve your concepts

Posted from my mobile device
avatar
manian85
avatar
Joined: 21 May 2016
Last visit: 13 Jan 2019
Posts: 3
Given Kudos: 5
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 06 Jan 2019, 11:32
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
newyork2012
I'm surprised to see an Indian test taker to score Q < 40
Generally ,It's not hard for an Asian college graduate to get a Q43,44 without any preparation ...at least that's my personal experience...
Remember that my maths was so rusty (had not touched maths for more than 15+ years) that i could barely remember any maths formulations ,and that it did not take much effort to reach around 48...from 48 to 50,51 takes some solid practice and good luck:)

My struggles with Q were mainly about English & basic concepts .... I picked up the basic concepts within a couple of days ,and improved Q vocabulary through working on problems.

It seems that your English is much better than mine . I don't see that you would struggle with understanding the questions.Obviously , you were a top student in school also....

It's really hard to comprehend your situation . Maybe you should consult some other Indian test takers . Indians know Indians the best.
Show more

You are right, in all my four GMAT Prep tests I got Quants (44,47,48,48). I was very shocked to see a 40 in my exam. Really don't understand what's happening with me on test days.
User avatar
newyork2012
User avatar
Joined: 22 Sep 2014
Last visit: 23 Apr 2023
Posts: 121
Own Kudos:
51
Given Kudos: 51
Location: United States (CA)
Posts: 121
Kudos: 51
Got 520 now, previous score was 540 07 Jan 2019, 02:41
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Perfect practice makes perfect
Find the right approach ,and you will get there


manian85
newyork2012
I'm surprised to see an Indian test taker to score Q < 40
Generally ,It's not hard for an Asian college graduate to get a Q43,44 without any preparation ...at least that's my personal experience...
Remember that my maths was so rusty (had not touched maths for more than 15+ years) that i could barely remember any maths formulations ,and that it did not take much effort to reach around 48...from 48 to 50,51 takes some solid practice and good luck:)

My struggles with Q were mainly about English & basic concepts .... I picked up the basic concepts within a couple of days ,and improved Q vocabulary through working on problems.

It seems that your English is much better than mine . I don't see that you would struggle with understanding the questions.Obviously , you were a top student in school also....

It's really hard to comprehend your situation . Maybe you should consult some other Indian test takers . Indians know Indians the best.

You are right, in all my four GMAT Prep tests I got Quants (44,47,48,48). I was very shocked to see a 40 in my exam. Really don't understand what's happening with me on test days.
Show more

Posted from my mobile device
Moderator:
bb
Founder
43175 posts