HELP! I feel completely HOPELESS!

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HELP! I feel completely HOPELESS!

by mavbar » Wed Feb 05, 2014 3:16 am
Hi everyone,

I had been studying for the GMAT for about a month not knowing how difficult preparing for this would actually be. I took the GMAT about 2 weeks ago and did ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. I scored a 390 (21% on the verbal, 11% on quantitative, 91% on the analytical writing and 37% on the integrated reasoning). That was actually the best score I had gotten since my practice scores were ranging from 310 to 315. I'm 25 years old and currently unemployed as this is my only focus as of now. I graduated with a degree in Communication so in other words, I haven't taken math in ages! I know I can better my verbal by just practicing more but I feel that math is just not my strong suit. Every time I do the practice problems I feel as though I'm not getting anywhere. Even when I'm on my medication (Ritalin) I feel that I just get more and more frustrated.

I honestly just want to give up altogether because my goal is to score AT LEAST a 630 and feel that it would literally take me years to even get to that level. I don't have that kind of time as one of the main reasons I am taking the GMAT is to get the hell out of my country and go back to the US (where I use to work until my 1 year OPT visa ran out and they were unable to renew me for a working visa) and even Canada (since I heard getting a work permit there is much easier).

So basically, my question is would it be possible, (assuming I studied at least 5 hours a day and at most 8 hours a day) to get that score in 3 months? Or should I just give up on my North American dream and basically accept the fact that I'll be stuck in my country for another couple of years dreading my life and wishing I could go back there.

By the way, I say 3 months because that is when I plan to get my application in by.

Thanks and any helpful responses would be greatly appreciated!
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Wed Feb 05, 2014 7:38 am
Don't give up; a 240-point score increase is achievable. Just check the "I Just Beat the GMAT" forum, and you'll find others who have done just that. However, such an increase will take a lot of work.


To improve your quantitative score, I believe that you should compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.). This means that, for each topic, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it

Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.

To help you focus on one topic at a time, you can use BTG's tagging feature. For example, here are all of the questions tagged as statistics questions: https://www.beatthegmat.com/forums/tags/ ... statistics
See the left side of that linked page for more tag options.

While completing questions from the Official Guide (OG), you should you use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log. This will help you identify and strengthen your weak areas.

You should also spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps one should take when tackling math problems.

In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

Finally, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by ajohnson77 » Wed Feb 05, 2014 8:42 am
Do not give up make it your mission to beat this exam. If you dont already have them get the Official GMAT quant and verbal review books.

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by [email protected] » Wed Feb 05, 2014 1:40 pm
Hi mavbar,

The short answer to your question is YES, you can significantly improve over 3 months; I've worked with Test Takers who have improved their scores over 300+ points in 3 months. You have to be ready to work hard and commit to the process (meaning you'll have to learn and practice new tactics), but since the GMAT is a standardized Test, it IS predictable and beatable.

What resources are you currently using to study?
Did you have a pacing problem on your Official GMAT? If so, then how many questions did you guess on (or not get to answer?)?

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by David@VeritasPrep » Wed Feb 05, 2014 6:05 pm
It is certainly possible for you to improve your score dramatically. I cannot recommend 8 hours per day. That is a bit to much. 5 hours is fine. You can divide that between one 3 hour and one 2 hour session. You also need to be sure to exercise, sleep, get good nutrition, etc.

The key to practicing is to be really present when you are practicing and to not be distracted in any way.

Do not let anyway say that you cannot do this. Please read the following article "imagine your success on the GMAT" https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2013/01/ ... n-the-gmat
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by mavbar » Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:52 pm
Thank you all for your encouraging replies! I'm currently using the Manhattan review as well as the Princeton Review Cracking the GMAT. I will definitely follow the advices you have given me and will work hard to achieve those scores.

Will let you guys know in a couple of months how I do!

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by [email protected] » Thu Feb 06, 2014 1:26 pm
Hi mavbar,

Studying for the GMAT is something of an adaptive process. You might find that you'll have to change your resources, approach, attitude, etc. while you're in the midst of studying. You shouldn't wait 3 months to post again. If you run into any problems or have questions along the way, you should post back here for additional advice and insight into your progress.

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