I wrote the gmat today. I felt very sad when I saw my score.
I was aiming to apply to the 3rd round of the TOP 10. I have 10 days left. First question: could I improve my score from 470 TO 680 within 10 days (studying full time)??
I was so stressed that I could not even make simple calculation. Yet, I am so shocked by the verbal section. I thought I was doing well. I was not running out of time. I had no problem understanding the RC (I am a non native english-speaker).
I started my prep some months ago. But then got a new job and could not concentrate very much on the gmat. With the current financial crisis, I lost my job (but was happy since I could dedicate more time for the gmat prep). I had plenty of time and didn't study properly until the last 2 weeks.
I focused mainly on the quant part and worked on the verbal 4 days before the exam.
I prepared so many flashcard on quant that I could review them all before the exam. Additionally, I was busy discovering the templates and the topics for the AWA (1 day before). Anoher mistake is that I never run a full test on time except the gmatprep 1 and I got 420.
I have many weaknesses that I have to focus on but don't know which one except that I need to focus on both section specifically on the verbal.
Should I study with a private tutor? should I need more books and study on my own (I've already OG11+supplements-Iwent through all of them- MGMAT SC and recently Kaplan Math workbook).
I decided to study 2 more months full time (if I can't improve in 10 days -which is quite unrealistic-). After that, I need to go back to work...
I would greatly appreciate your advice on the plan I need to follow.

Hi,

GMAC does not allow to take the test again in 31 days time. You can confirm this on the gmat web site.
If you have a target like 680 I think you do need atleast 3 months of time.
If you have OG and MGMAT books , I think it should be enough.
Focus on understanding the basics. Make up a strategy for yourself. You can get a lot from this forum.
Try to do as many online CAT (Kaplan,princton,MGMAT) all have 1 free online CAT.
Also you should give both GMATPrep and PowerPrep tests.
The 6 online tests offered by MGMAT is just too good, it will help you analyze your week and strong areas,
your timings etc.

Only after you start getting consistent scores in these tests you should book your next test.
Keep studying, dont loose your momentum, it is hard to get back into. Once you feel confident of your scores,
book the test.

Cheers,

Blue_Lotus, I really do appreciate your insights. I've already bought MGMAT 6 tests + a book. I got so many books now: OG11+supplements, MGM SC, Kaplan800, Kaplan Math work book. I went through all of them except the last 2 books and MGM 6 tests I've just bought. I did at leat 4 Gmatprep.
1) Would I need more 3 months if I study 8 hours a day every day? I planned to retake after 2 months. Pls let me know.
2) Do you think that getting a private tutor would worth it? I don't know my weaknesses. As you told me, MGM 6 tests would me to know my weaknesses through their detailed reports. Is that enough? Otherwise, I should plan now to get a private tutor...
3) Where can I get Princeton and Powerprep tests? Can't find them on their websites.

highly appreciated!

Hi,

1. The time required for each individual may be different. You can study hard and keep monitoring your progress.
After 1 months anytime you feel that you are consistently scoring above your target score in MGMAT then try GMATPrep(always try to download the latest
as it changes sometimes). Now if you are hitting the target score in GPrep too, then you book your test in a weeks time.
So the total months required would actually depend on how fast you inprove your weakness.

2. Private tutor is good if you can afford it. They will easily identify your weekness.
Try out MGMAT free preview session, it is a virtual class . You can clarify lot of your doubts in this preview class too.
I think they ahve one preview session everyday.
If you like it you can try the 9 week prep course.

3. Princeton and kaplan on thier website, if you register you will get 1 free CAT.
Powerprep link(http://www.gorillatestprep.com/gmat_resources.html)

About the books, I think you have prettymuch all the books. One book on CR ( powerscore critical reasoning bible)
is the best for CR.

Make a strategy for each of the GMAT question type. There is a fixed set of question type. For each type compile you own strategy
notes, taken from your study material. For example a question type is Weaken the argument. The moment you see the question
apply the strategy you have for that question type and you should get it right.
If you see MGMAT SC book you will see that it does not carry question bank but classifies the questions into types( Subject verb,modifier etc) .
Then after each chapter they point you to the relevent section in OG for you to identify it yourself.

Lastly I would strongly suggest you to be part of this forum on a daily basis and look at all the questions posted and the explaination
given by Stacy and Ron.


Cheers

I forgot to put the user name in my above post

Thanks a lot!
1) I've read somewhere that kaplan delivers 4 tests. Do you know if they come with a book? Sorry for this question but again I spent so much time on the web but can't find them. Same as for Princeton review.
2) I read in a gmac doc that a candidate can retake the test beginning of the following month if he/she took it end of last month. I am really frustrated if it is not true. Anyways, I wrote to customer service.
3) I'll check out for the CR book and private tutoring...

cheers

Hi,

You can buy Kaplan Premier 2008 to get 4 tests in the enclosed CD.
Use can register using that book and also get some kind of study plan and other practice problems online.

Extract from mba site related to retaking of exams:
"You may take the GMAT® exam once every 31 calendar days and no more than five (5) times in a rolling 12-month period."

Regards,

Hi Blue_Lotus,

I started again my prep 2 days ago. How long do you think I will need to get a significant increase on my gmat score? Say from 470 to 680.
Will a period of 2 months (studying 8 hours a day) be sufficient? I studied a few weeks to get 470.... Pls feel free to provide me with any comments.
I decided to study on my own. I have all the books mentioned in this site.
Cheers

Hi,

It is very much possible to reach that target.
You have to stay focused if you really mean to achive your goal.
Here is how I see it, 210 points needs to be coverd in 60 days = 3.5 perday
So let us assume you have to make 5 point increment each day . Means the sixth day from now if you give test you should atleast score
500 (470 + 6 *5 perday) .

If you make this kind of intermidiate monitoring points then you can do correction. I mean if your target of 500 on the 6th day is not met you can
Increase the amount of study time.

Now from where will you get 5 points each day ? For this you will have to know your weak areas in each section and crack it.
Try to give a MGMAT full length test or a sectional test for getting the report. With this report you will see the areas where you are strong and weak.
For example before the next test of your 6 day period, target to master 2 weak points in DS,PS,CR,SC . (Viz, ratio,number system for Math , pronoun,modifier for Verbal)

During this each 6 day period practice 100 questions each day. Practice more of the targeted weak sections. If you are not convinced about any of the explainations post it on this forum, Stacy or Ron will give you the best answer.
Each time when you give your test in the 6 day interval consider it as a real GMAT. This way by the time you have to give your test you will be confident of what you can achieve.

I am blue_lotus on forum beatthegmat , you can message me using that site for your specific queries. I am happy to guide you though your 2 month journey.


"Winning is not one thing, It is the only thing"

Thanks a lot blue_lotus. I will follow your plan. I am also on beat the gmat forum. So I will keep you posted every week to let you know if the strategy is good or if I need to readjust. Thank you so much for your support. IT IS A REAL JOURNEY!

Hi blue_lotus

it's been a while. keep you updated on my schedule.
First, I couldn't follow your plan since I was overwhelmed with the exercices and lessons from the books you recommended me.
Second, I plan to do the test after I finish the MGMAT books and CR PowerScore. I think it will be more efficient to attack the questions after handling the lessons. What do you say?

Looking forward to reading you.
nadontheway

Hi,

Good that you are enjoying doing the materials. Those are the best.
I would still suggest that you keep giving tests at regular intervals so that you dont loose track.

Do check your messages in Beatthegmat forum.