When do I schedule my exam?

Question

Hi All,

I have Scheduled my exam on 8th March 2021 and was targeting for a score in the range of 690-720. However, my most recent mock score was 620. I need to improve this score by another 80-100 points for my target score and I am not sure when do I re-schedule the exam.
Currently my sectional marks are Q43 and V33. I am a working professional who can dedicate 2 hours a day on Weekdays and 6 hours or so on weekends. 
Hence, looking for guidance on when to schedule my exam and how do I plan my further studies to bridge that Gap.
Eagerly awaiting you expert opinion on this subject.

Regards,
Shashank Singh

EducationAisle · Answer

How have you been preparing Shashank?

I would suggest that you should postpone by around 45 days.

s1804singh · Answer

Hello Mr. Ashish,

Started my prep using Wizako for Quants Concept. For Verbal Concepts I chose Magoosh.

For practice questions I have been using OG, Magoosh and Wizako. Very recently I have also started with gmatclub forum questions.

I would also draw your attention that I started my prep in June 2020, but procrastination got the best of me. So I have resumed the full throttle prep only since January 2021.

I am hoping to re-schedule the exam to Last Week of April 2021. (At the same time I am worried that if I delay it for a longer time, it may have negative effect)

Thank you for your time,
Regards,
Shashank Singh

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

s1804singh  - To reschedule the GMAT appointment at this point in time, you would need to pay a rescheduling fee of $150. A 620 score says that you still need to learn concepts and strategies to approach individual question types. I do not want to sound difficult of discouraging, but a 100 point increase would require at least 1-2 months of dedicated study.

EducationAisle · Answer

Thanks for providing a detailed account of your preparation Shashank. Please stay invested in these resources. Make error log, spend time in building strong conceptual foundations, and thoroughly analyze the questions that you get wrong. Things should hopefully turn around the corner. Good luck with your preparation

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Shashank,

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) What type of study routine have you followed over the last 2 months? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
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?

Statistically-speaking, raising a 620 to the point that you can consistently score 690+ will likely require that you commit to at least another 1.5 - 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam so you CAN train to score at a higher level. While there's no harm in taking the GMAT on March 8th, that is only about 1 week away - so you could potentially save some time, money and effort if you pay the rescheduling fee and push back your Exam date.

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

Hatakekakashi · Answer

Hi, I looks like you are struggling with Quant more than Verbal. Here's my approach for the same. Begin with the basics for quant - https://gmatclub.com/forum/all-you-need ... l#p1130136 Again here you can notice a link - https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-to-impro ... 41670.html This should set you up for Quant, if you religiously prepare. I'd say start with understanding the concepts once and then focus on retaking the gmat prep exam and then see how you perform For Verbal - I have made a post long back - https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-to-impro ... l#p2021378 do check it out And if you try to bump your score for Verbal to 35 Q 50, V 35 should land you in the 690-720 range As far as re-scheduling it depends on when you apply. If you are applying in Fall 2021 then the deadlines are in September so around May should be good and you have 3 months to prepare your application if not it try to increase your preparation on the weekends and give it asap Remember it is never about the quantity but quality Regards, HK

s1804singh · Answer

To reschedule the GMAT appointment at this point in time, you would need to pay a rescheduling fee of $150. A 620 score says that you still need to learn concepts and strategies to approach individual question types. I do not want to sound difficult of discouraging, but a 100 point increase would require at least 1-2 months of dedicated study.[/quote]

I completely agree with you that jumping my score by 100 points will require more time. Thank You for your feedback.

Regards,
Shashank Singh

I completely agree with you that jumping my score by 100 points will require more time. Thank You for your feedback.

Regards,
Shashank Singh

s1804singh · Answer

Hello Rich,

Below are the requested details :

1) What type of study routine have you followed over the last 2 months? How many hours do you typically study each week?
Usually, I am able to dedicate 2 hours a day on the weekdays and 6 hours on the weekends. So this sums up to 22 hours a week.

2) What study materials have you used so far?
For building concepts I have used Wizako for Quants and Magoosh for verbal. For practice problems, I have used OG, Magoosh and Wizako.

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)?
a. 21-02-2021: Scored 610 (Q 41 V33)
b. 7-02-2021: Scored 590 (Q41 V30)
c. 24-01-2021: Scored 620 (Q44 V33)
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
I am planning to apply in Fall 2021 and targeting the following schools
a. USC Marshall School of Business
b. Babson College
c. UC Davis School of Management
d. IIM Lucknow
e. Indian School of Business

I understand that a minimum of 1.5 to 2 months of prep is essential before I start hitting my target score. However, one of the observations during my entire prep until now is that my scores start declining whenever I miss my preparations for 2 days or so (I am a working professional and at times I need to pull extra hours).

Hence, I want to understand how much delay would be ok so that I am able to hit those score and not drop down instead.

Looking forward for your guidance.

Thank You,
Regards,
Shashank Singh

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Shashank,

It's always better to schedule your exam only after you start getting your desired score consistently in the mocks. And the exact date to reschedule depends on how well you prepare and the approach. I can guide you in a much better way if you can provide me a bit more information about your weak areas, the way you prepared for GMAT till now and the approach you use to solve questions.

I think getting in touch over a call and discussing this would be a lot more interactive. You can use the below link to schedule a call with me.

Click here to schedule a call

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Shashank,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi s1804singh,

I'm glad to see that you plan to push back your test date. Do you need some advice regarding your plan moving forward?

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