GMAT Strategy

Hi Cody,

That initial CAT score is important - it helps to define your current skills, strengths and weaknesses - so to get an accurate score result, you should make sure to take the CAT in a realistic way (so take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections and don't do anything that you're not allowed to do on Test Day). Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Hi Cody,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so the fact that you planned far enough ahead to give yourself that study time was a smart move. In addition, your score goal is relatively modest (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). As such, I think that you've put yourself in a good position to accomplish these goals. This whole process will still take plenty of time and effort though, so you'll have to plan your studies accordingly and put in the necessary work.

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

Hi Cody,

Many Test Takers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but you really shouldn't be. That score is just a measure of your skills right now - and there's a good chance that you'll earn back some easy points once you re-familiarize yourself with some of the concepts that are tested. That having been said, to hit your score goal, you'll need to raise this score 300 points - and THAT will take some serious effort.

1) Did you fully complete all of the sections or did you leave any questions unanswered?
2) What time of day did you take this CAT?

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

Hi Cody,

Many Test Takers find the Integrated Reasoning section to be challenging, so you're not alone. As you continue to study, there are a couple of things to remember about the Test in general (and about IR in particular):

1) You need to make sure to answer every question in each section, even if you're just taking a guess.
2) Many Business Schools have stated that they do not factor an applicant's IR score into the application review process (even though IR has been around for 4 years), so you likely have little to worry about when it comes to this section. Thus, you shouldn't allow yourself to get 'bogged down' by any of the prompts. If you come across something that's too difficult/weird, then just take a guess and move on.

Given your score improvement needs, have you considered investing in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led)?

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

Hi Cody,

While you will certainly have to study a great deal over the next few months, you shouldn't expect to study every day (I generally advise that GMATers take one day "off" per week) - so a daily study routine wouldn't be practical. In addition, tutors tend to be most effective once you've studied for a bit and defined some of your 'weak spots' (so the Tutor can help you to improve in those select areas). When I brought up the idea of the GMAT Course, I ultimately mean the type of Program that would teach you the content, Tactics, patterns and little 'secrets' to the GMAT (so you wouldn't have to try to discover all of that on your own by just working through lots of practice questions). Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional questions, then just let me know.

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

Hi Cody,

There's a specific discount code that we offer through BeatTheGMAT that can be found here:

https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/empowergmat

If you have any additional questions, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

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

Hi Cody,

Getting to this party a little late.

Wanted state the obvious and throw into the mix that a 300 to a 500 - 600 is a big leap, considering your starting score when just 'taking' this test, is 200.

It's highly possible that you'll be able to increase quickly up to a 500 with just fortifying foundation skills, but less easy to improve beyond that without direct support from a private tutor (it seems you've got your plan ironed out right now).

Also, I highly recommend instead of studying things first, that you do the following:

1) Identify what types of questions you're getting correct now. Are you sure you understand WHY you're getting these things correct?
2) Beyond content mastery, do you need to improve strategy - - how you answer questions in the way the test rewards, including studying smart rather than hard.
3) How is your mindset? Do you feel centered, calm and focused? In this state, you're likely to be on your best game. Can you enter this state when you take the test? If not, I recommend you explore ways TO get into that state to maximize your score and minimize your stress.

Feel free if you need more specific support, and good luck!