From 520 to 700+?

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From 520 to 700+?

by DasItMayne » Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:02 pm
Hi I am new this forum.I am preparing for gmat and thinking of taking it sometime around december.I just took my first practise test cold,and scored 520.Is it possible to improve it to 700+ by december?
I have not joined any institute and doing self study.I have OG 2017 only atm and will buy the manhattan guides.
Is this enough to get to my desired score?
p.s got 39 in quant and 23 in verbal.

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by [email protected] » Wed Jun 22, 2016 9:02 am
Hi DasItMayne,

To start, a 520 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). With a December Test Date, you have given yourself plenty of time to study and improve, which is also good. Many Test Takers end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level when using a 'book heavy' study approach though, so you'll likely need to invest in some additional non-book study resources - but you can start with the materials you have and work up from there.

1) What type of study 'routine' are you planning to follow?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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by DasItMayne » Wed Jun 22, 2016 11:01 am
I am planning to apply in early november 2017.
Regarding the study 'routine',i am not sure about it.Still looking for a good study plan to follow.Would really appreciate if you could help with this.
cheers!

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by [email protected] » Wed Jun 22, 2016 8:04 pm
Hi DasItMayne,

Since you're not planning to apply to Business School for over a year, you have the freedom to begin your studies any way that you choose. If you see improvement in your practice CAT scores, then you can continue on as you planned. If your scores end up getting 'stuck', then you'll have plenty of time to change your approach, invest in some new materials and continue studying. Thus, I suggest that you study with the books that you mentioned for the next few weeks, then take a new FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections). Once you have that score result, you should post back here. That result will help to define how well you're improving and we can talk through how to adjust your study plan accordingly.

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

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by DasItMayne » Fri Jun 24, 2016 9:12 am
Hi Rich,
I only have the Official guide at the moment.So,I am going to study from the OG only for now and will take a CAT next month as you suggested.I'll post the score here.Thanks :).