I just took the GMAT and got a disappointing score of 480. I had previously been scoring 550, 610, and 540 on my practice tests. The test day anxiety really took it's toll and I had a difficult time staying focused on the problems I was reading. My verbal score took a big hit because of this. I plan to retake the test 31 days from now and would like to know what I should do in order to help improve my score the 2nd go round. Thanks for the feedback.
BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course
Redeem
Featured Course
Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand
Scott Woodbury-Stewart’s private virtual classroom — 400 hours of master-class video lessons for the GMAT Focus Edition.
- 715+ score guarantee — highest in the industry (99th percentile)
- 52 chapters · 1,500+ lessons · 4,000+ practice questions
- 400 hours of video · 1,500+ instructor-led HD smartboard lessons
- 300,000+ students accepted to Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth & Sloan & more
- 24/7 live support + weekly Zoom office hours with GMAT instructors
- TTP AI Assist — 24/7 AI-powered virtual tutor for instant help
- 1,200+ flashcards + AI-powered study assistant & daily calendar
- OnDemand, LiveTeach & GMAT Bootcamp formats available
- Also: GRE, SAT Math & Executive Assessment courses
- MBA Admissions Consulting now available
- 🏆 2025 EdTech Breakthrough Award: Test Prep Solution Provider of the Year
- 200,000+ students served
- 5-day free trial — $0 to start, no auto-billing, cancel anytime
★★★★★
5.0
(559 reviews)
130-pt guarantee
$0 to start
then $127/mo
RE-TAKE GMAT TEST STRATEGY
Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy |
-
Jim@Grockit
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 641
- Location: Madison, WI
- Thanked: 162 times
- GMAT Score:760
Don't stress, and PLEASE don't do some crazy intensive program of study. If you can stand doing one full-length test a week, that's great, as it will keep your skills sharp and your endurance up. Study a bit every day and make sure you avoid stress as much as possible.
Great! I appreciate the advice. If I can score a 550 I will be able to get into the school of my choice. Obviously I would like to score higher but that's what I need. If I've scored 610, 560 on the practice tests I know this can be done. I just have to calm the test day anxiety. Thanks again.
Also, what would be a solid amount of practice problems to do each day in addition to taking 1 practice test per week? 10-20-30-40?? Thanks in advanced.
-
FutureWorks
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 311
- Thanked: 45 times
Hi cullenharper2,
Sometimes taking few days off work for preparing for the GMAT can help a person tremendously. If you have time this may not be a bad idea. Take practise GMAT tests to see how you are doing. If you cannot do that don't worry. What might work instead is to set aside 1-2 hours at night on weekdays and major part of your weekend to study and prepare for GMAT- in this case we will suggest a good 2-3 months preparation. However we recommend you to keep taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas and you can focus on them accordingly. You might be able to study more than the given hours and that would take you less than 2-3 months. It all depends on your potential really.
There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. You might need to change your practise style and try this combination to provide you flexibility and different styles to practise so it doesn't get monotonous.
It could be combination of-
1-Books- Books like- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal
Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review etc could be used.
2-Online Study Guide: Websites like Knewton, Grockit etc provide you with practise questions
online.
3-Smart phone applications- Kaplan, Veritas etc offer applications to prepare for GMAT on your
smart phones
Sometimes taking few days off work for preparing for the GMAT can help a person tremendously. If you have time this may not be a bad idea. Take practise GMAT tests to see how you are doing. If you cannot do that don't worry. What might work instead is to set aside 1-2 hours at night on weekdays and major part of your weekend to study and prepare for GMAT- in this case we will suggest a good 2-3 months preparation. However we recommend you to keep taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas and you can focus on them accordingly. You might be able to study more than the given hours and that would take you less than 2-3 months. It all depends on your potential really.
There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. You might need to change your practise style and try this combination to provide you flexibility and different styles to practise so it doesn't get monotonous.
It could be combination of-
1-Books- Books like- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal
Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review etc could be used.
2-Online Study Guide: Websites like Knewton, Grockit etc provide you with practise questions
online.
3-Smart phone applications- Kaplan, Veritas etc offer applications to prepare for GMAT on your
smart phones
