Should I be overly concerned?

sdlace · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: Should I be overly concerned?

I just took my first practice GMAT test and got a miserable 420. I am aiming to get over 700 on the exam, but my math skills are terrible. I am taking my official GMAT at the end of June. Is this goal of over 700 attainable?

Thanks,
Sean

Stuart Kovinsky · Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 10:25 am Post subject:

June is still a ways away, but yes, you should be concerned.

50% of your score is based on math. You can get a good score on test day with super high verbal and so-so math, but it's almost impossible to hit 700+ without high scores in both sections.

Without knowing more about you, it's tough to make an exact recommendation about what you should do. However, a prep course could really help you focus and build the skills you need for test day. 420 to 700 is a huge jump, however, and there's no guarantee that even with a prep course you'll hit that target (or get within 100 points of it) in 2 months, especially if your aptitude for math matches your current skill level.

If you're not under deadline pressure, I'd advise taking a once-a-week course and giving yourself a solid month after the course ends to build on what you learn. Make sure you have ample time to practice outside of class - the classes are the core of any course, but it's in practice that you'll apply what you've learned and become a GMAT expert.

If you are under deadline pressure, then I'd look for a course that's a bit more compact - but certainly not more than twice a week. One can't cram for the GMAT, one has to prepare over time. If you're working full time even twice a week is a stretch as far as having time to really practice what you learn.

Since you're in Boston, you'll have many course options. Of course, I'm going to recommend Kaplan, but talk to peers and see what courses they've taken and what results they've gotten.

Spence · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

What practice test did you take? That matters a LOT.

If you took Kaplan, that would partly explain the score, because Kaplan scores are way off. Manhattan GMAT seems to be a bit below as well, but not as bad as Kaplan. GMATPrep is the closest, and Princeton Review is generally next closest.

So, which test did you take? And, how much practice did you do before you took the test? Did you review GMAT strategy as well? All of these factors have a huge impact on your score.

Stacey Koprince · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Spence asks some good questions - there's a huge difference in what that score means if you took the test "cold" vs. if you took it after studying for a couple of months. And I agree that GMATPrep is the best indicator of the real thing.

Most people study for about 3-4 months for the test, so if you are just starting now, you've only given yourself 2 months. That, coupled with the fact that you are looking for a VERY high score (700 is the 93rd percentile)... well, that would make things pretty tough. I agree with Stuart that you should take more time if you can; hopefully you aren't running up against a deadline.