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490 in GMAT (Q 40, 18 V) - target 700 pls advise

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490 in GMAT (Q 40, 18 V) - target 700 pls advise

by jitendragneogi » Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:20 am
Hi gurus,

I took GMAT on 22nd Jan, 2009 and scored a devastating 490 (40 Q, 18 Q). I did not expect so bad score specially when my Kaplan practice test scores were hovering around 550 a week before my actual test day. I know my verbal skill is terrible (part of the reason may be I am a non-native english speaker) and I need to really work on that. I have these follwing sets of books with me to do study, but honestly I haven't toched anything other than the GMAT OG 11 and Kaplan Premier Program :



1. GMAT OG 11

2. Manhattan SC

3. Kaplan Premier Program

4. Kaplan 800

5. PR



My target score is 700, which clearly indicates how much I am lagging behind from my target. I plan to retake GMAT in next 2/ 2.5 months.



Can you gurus please advise how to attack GMAT the next time? Do you think 700 is a pipe dream looking at my current condition? I see several success stories in this site from various test takers, but I am unsure which plan would work for me. Can you please evaluate my situation and guide me in my journey.



I really appriciate your help!



Thanks, Jitendra
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by beatthegmat » Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:35 pm
Improving to a 700 from a 490 is going to be an extremely challenging feat. There a have been reports of members making these jumps before though, so it is possible. I recommend you look at the archives of the 'I just Beat The GMAT' section to see what targeted advice these folks provided for people in your situation.

It's going to take some very smart preparation on your part to get the improvement you need. I recommend checking out the GMAT Resource Directory and take a look at the following: Beat The GMAT Blog, TwinnSplitter's Post, Ursula's Post. These example strategies outline what I consider some of the best approaches to self study.

Additionally, be sure to focus your prep largely to practice. I recommend looking at the post on 'GMAT Practice GRID' that's listed in the directory mentioned above. That post outlines a method for systematically going through prep problems and reviewing.

It's going to be tough journey for you, but it's certainly possible. Plus, always know that the friendly people at Beat The GMAT have your back!

One last suggestion: if you do have some disposable income at hand, consider a GMAT prep course or a good private tutor. Coaching in your situation may be beneficial.

Good luck!
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by VP_Jim » Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:09 pm
I agree with the above post - making the leap from 490 to 700 is not impossible but is extremely challenging.

I'd recommend doing lots and lots of reading to try to improve your verbal score. Start reading newspapers, well-written articles, different literatures and etc. to get you more used to dense passages and more practice.

I also agree that, if you have the time and money, you might want to think about hiring a tutor or taking a test prep class.

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by jitendragneogi » Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:43 pm
Thanks so much for your advise.
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