From 620 to 610 in GMAT

Question

Hi,

I need some advice on what the next step is for me in my GMAT journey.

So originally took my 1st exam back in August 2017, scored a 620 (V31 Q45) with about 2 months of studying. I took a break from work but had to go back to office for a few days due to some important work. I left the company in September 2018 to be able to focus on GMAT primarily and started working part time.

I gave my 2nd exam today and scored a 610 (V28 Q45). I got sick for a couple of months and actually dedicated 3 months of prep for this attempt. During the preparation I completed OG, brushed up some classroom coaching concepts and gave 5 mocks. I prepared an error log for the mistakes made in mocks and revised them at times. The scores below:

GMAT Prep 1- 560 (V23 Q47)
GMAT Prep 2- 690 (V32 Q50)
MGMAT - 710 (V40 Q47)
GMAT Prep 3- 730 (V40 Q50)
GMAT Prep 4- 730 (V39 Q50)

In 2nd GMAT attempt i felt that my timing was off as i guessed 7/8 questions in the end of both sections. I feel that I have the potential to hit 690/700. I am planning to buy the ESR report for this attempt. I was not sure if that could be done for the cancelled scores so i accepted the score at the test centre.

At this point I know i have to apply for MBA this year and would prefer Round 1 since I have to start working full time soon to keep my profile overall consistent.

So my question is, what can i plan for one/two months from now? Does EGMAT or any other live class help or should i go with the classroom coaching? I have seen most of my friends get good or fair scores by self prep.

Thanks for reading !

freedom128 · Answer

What course did you use so far?

Your verbal score in 610 is quite medium. You would better cancel the 610 score. It will not appear to any schools you apply for.

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Businessconquerer · Answer

Hi I cannot help you much without knowing the prep that you went through, give us more details
Also please tell us about your first attempt too
Knowing every detail is going to help you as much as you want us to
For example, all the tests that you've given before attempt 1 and all the tests you've given before attempt 2,
What materials you used, Where you coached yourself from
What books you referred, and so many more details that have all to do with GMAT
Because u have to do a lot wrong in the Main exam to fall from a 730 in practice

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi prrajvanshi

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Your 2 Official Scores show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 620 +/- a few points). You handle certain aspects of the GMAT consistently well, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. Since these Scores are 2 years apart, there's a decent chance that you've developed some 'bad habits' over time that are keeping you from scoring higher on the Official GMAT.

When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those possible issues through, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:
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:

Studies:
1) What study materials have you used for this recent attempt?
2) Were these the only 5 CATs that you took over the last 3 months? On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs?

Goals:
3) What is your overall goal score?
4) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi prrajvanshi,

I’m sorry to hear how things went with your GMAT. Regarding verbal resources, check out some of the  success stories of past GMAT students  as well as reviews of  various GMAT prep courses  to see what prep materials have worked for other test-takers.

Lastly, you may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

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