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How to improve my score by at least 150 points in 3 weeks?

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How to improve my score by at least 150 points in 3 weeks?

by bloomingnight » Tue Jun 07, 2016 2:57 pm
Hi,

I have just recently taken the GMAT and received a low score. However, the b-school that I'm applying to is giving me less than 3 weeks for me to rewrite and send my improved scores back in. So, I desperately need to boost my score by at least 150 points (around the 600-650 range) for me to be considered as a viable candidate. Impossible? I hope not...

A little bit about me, I have just recently graduated from my undergrad in healthcare management. So while I've had a bit of quantitative courses (accounting and statistics), the bulk of my classes were essay and readings heavy. That is also reflected in my test score as I routinely do much better in verbal, rather than quantitative.

I have taken plenty of sample tests, and made study plans on my weak areas, however I just cannot seem to improve my scores, no matter how hard I do. Additionally, integrated reasoning is probably my weakest section in the test overall. I have no idea on how to approach or solve those types of questions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated here! Thank you!
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by OptimusPrep » Tue Jun 07, 2016 8:10 pm
Hi bloomngnight,

First things first, 3 weeks is too less a time to expect a 150 score increase. But since you do not have additional time, we will have to try our best in this time.

1. What were your scores?
2. Did you complete both the sections?
3. Have you gone through the entire OG and the Verbal review?
4. how long did you study for the GMAT?

To increase the score, you need to understand the fundamentals and solve OG problems.
Take a preparatory course and go through one chapter at a time. After completing the chapter, solve the problems related to that chapter.
Try yo focus on the official problems only.

Take at least 2 full length mock CATs (including AWA and IR) to train your body for the exam.
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by [email protected] » Wed Jun 08, 2016 9:08 am
Hi bloomingnight,

Your post is a bit thin on the details, so it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
4) How did you score on the Official GMAT (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
5) What is your exact goal score?

Unfortunately, raising your score 150+ points in 3 weeks is not realistic, so you'll likely have to make some alternative plans. This is not to say that you shouldn't continue studying and attempt to retest, but the BIG PICTURE goal (getting into the Business School that you referred to) might end up taking longer than you initially planned for.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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by bloomingnight » Wed Jun 08, 2016 1:34 pm
Thanks for your replies!

The overall score I got on my last attempt was a 450. I scored a 22 in Quant and a 26 in Verbal. The B school that I want to apply for is looking for a 600 overall, with a 37 in quant and a 28 in verbal. So with that being said, my end goal is to score a 600 at least while ensuring that I hit both of the verbal and quant requirements for my school.

Prior to taking this test, I took 2 full length CAT tests with my scores ranging from 450-520. My quant scores on the CAT ranged from 22-32 while my verbal scores ranged from 26-32. Looking back, I do think I put too much faith into the possibility that the practice tests would be very similar to the actual GMAT.

I also did have a study plan in place that involved a mix of the CAT tests and the official guide questions from 2016. What I did was complete one CAT test at the beginning of my studying, analyze it to see where my weaknesses were and worked on problems to address that. Through that method, I completed all of the questions in each of the separate verbal and quant booklets, while answering the majority of the quant questions in the actual OG along with a smattering of verbal questions.

Currently, I am looking into purchasing the Economist GMAT tutor program to help me with my studying, I've read nothing but good reviews on it.

I have been studying for the GMAT for about 2 months now, and I do know it's a lot to ask for but I wouldn't feel right not taking this opportunity one more time to improve my score. I'm confident that with the right study plan and mindset, I will be able to get the score that I want.
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by [email protected] » Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:32 pm
Hi bloomingnight,

Your score goal IS attainable, but you're likely going to need another 2-3 months of consistent, guided study to reach it. In addition, there are some practical questions that have to be asked:

1) If you score 600/Q37/V28, are you guaranteed to get in? How do you know?
2) If you don't score 600 in 3 weeks, will you still apply for this deadline?
3) What is the NEXT application deadline for this Program?

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Rich
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by bloomingnight » Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:58 pm
The reason why I'm confident that I will get in with a score of 600 is because I know of people who had lower scores than that and still got in. Additionally, my grades and my work experience are also beneficial factors to my application.

The deadline has already passed, the admissions office is giving me this grace period to rewrite and boost my GMAT scores to place my application in a better position.

The next round of admissions will be next summer for the program that I want to apply it, so in a years time.
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