530 on GMATprep, need 700

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530 on GMATprep, need 700

by Hz » Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:55 am
Hi All,
I took my first (full) GMAT practice test today, using the GMATprep software, and scored 530- I don't remember the breakdown and the score disappeared from the software for some reason. I do remember that I did much worse in Quant than I did on Verbal. I ran out of time before answering the last 2 Quant questions.
I have been self-studying using the Master Gmat online app on and off since July 6, 2012. I covered 50.4% of Verbal in 14 hours, and 32.4% of Quant in 27 hours over that period. I decided to take the prep test today (I know it's too late) to evaluate my current status and where I need improvement. I know generally that quant is my weakest section of the test.
I am applying to Harvard, Stanford and Kellogg. I know I have strong applications and have been assured by several current MBA students in top 5 global programs that I stand a good chance, even with a weak GMAT score. But I feel that I need that 700 to be sure my applications are competitive enough. I studied design in my under-grad at a US university. Last time I studied math was 12 years ago, and that too was in Arabic. My scheduled test date is 22 Sept, 2012- less than a month left.
Would appreciate any advice on what to do moving forward from this point on. Should I reschedule the test? Can I cram enough in 3 weeks to improve by 150 point?
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by avada » Tue Aug 28, 2012 1:22 pm
I think it depends on what your constraints are. If you have the time and the money to take it twice I would. Why not study hard for this test like its going to be your last and then you will see where you are at afterwards. You could get lucky and or study enough to hit your goal. Even if you dont you will have a better idea of what you need to get there.

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by Joeitaly » Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:35 am
I think you can do it! The good news is that your verbal is stronger than your quant. Focus on touching up your verbal in easier areas like sentence correction which will quickly boost your score with little effort. Most of the next 10-12 days you should really hammer out Quant review. Nail down the basics and build from there. You can boost your score up to the high 6's and even limp into the 700 category in the next couple weeks with some serious discipline. Just study SMART by really taking the time to understand what you are doing. Do not just go through the motions by doing 1,000 practice questions. Good luck to you and keep up the good work. Sounds like you are a shoe in anyways, so just do the best you can and everything else will fall into place!

Cheers,

Joe