First, I want to thank anyone in the future who offers any advice on this topic.
So I started preparing and learning the material for GMAT back at the end of June this year. I admit that this was wishy washy review. It was during some summer classes and family vacations and I could have invested more into the process. I would read the lesson and then do the practice questions. Towards mid September I picked up the pace after finishing the last lesson and would review the practice questions, and go through practice exams. I used McGraw-Hill and it seemed to not be a good fit. The material almost seemed too easy compared to what experienced on the GMAT today. I also used the GMATPrep free practice questions. Finally what sent my confidence into a nose dive was that I did the GMAT practice exams last week and got a 530 average which ended up predicting my unofficial score of 530 (Q-35, V-27) today.
Given that information, I can definitely say I will be more invested in the preparation for my next attempt. I plan on changing to another material and taking it a week before the beginning of winter semester (January 6). Is that a realistic time given that I do have a week of final exams and a week-long family Christmas vacation to Mexico? Should I take a week off to clear my head before jumping back in? Any recommendations on material and a strategy for second time takers? Be straight forward and tell me if I must study in Mexico because I will.
Overview of my education:
Senior in finance and accounting double major program
English is my native language and I have math experience up through calc 1 even though it didn't come easy
I want to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam for a MSc Finance
Deadline to apply is May 1
Minimum accepted score is 600 (Q and V are only calculated scores)
Thank you again,
Christopher Timmerman
How to improve from a 530 to a 600+ in a reasonable time?
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Hi ctimmerman92,
First off, this is the Test Maker Forum, so you might want to post your questions in the other Forums (where you'll likely get a bigger response).
As it stands, there are some details that you should clarify:
If your application deadline is May 1st, then why would you "rush" into your GMAT in January and have to juggle studying with Finals and a family vacation? The GMAT is a significant enough task that you shouldn't "hinder" your practice/performance with these other significant events.
Also, have you used any resources besides the ones listed? Did you only take 2 practice CATs?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
First off, this is the Test Maker Forum, so you might want to post your questions in the other Forums (where you'll likely get a bigger response).
As it stands, there are some details that you should clarify:
If your application deadline is May 1st, then why would you "rush" into your GMAT in January and have to juggle studying with Finals and a family vacation? The GMAT is a significant enough task that you shouldn't "hinder" your practice/performance with these other significant events.
Also, have you used any resources besides the ones listed? Did you only take 2 practice CATs?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2013 11:30 am
Thank you for responding Rich,
I was unaware that I posted in the Test Maker subtopic, my mistake.
There were a couple resources I used in preparing the first time. McGraw Hill was my main source, which had 4 practice tests meaning I took 6 including the GMAC download. Also I attended 2 GMAT prep sessions offered by some professors at my university and spent time reviewing flashcards and other tools offered on BeatTheGMAT.
Regarding my deadline, I agree that I was rushing the date. I got caught up on the school saying to apply as early as possible. However, I would like to have my application in by March because there is a limit on students per nationality as well as a shortage in housing for students in the Netherlands. I will take it again at a later date as recommended.
Thanks again for responding.
Chris
I was unaware that I posted in the Test Maker subtopic, my mistake.
There were a couple resources I used in preparing the first time. McGraw Hill was my main source, which had 4 practice tests meaning I took 6 including the GMAC download. Also I attended 2 GMAT prep sessions offered by some professors at my university and spent time reviewing flashcards and other tools offered on BeatTheGMAT.
Regarding my deadline, I agree that I was rushing the date. I got caught up on the school saying to apply as early as possible. However, I would like to have my application in by March because there is a limit on students per nationality as well as a shortage in housing for students in the Netherlands. I will take it again at a later date as recommended.
Thanks again for responding.
Chris