I just Beat The GMAT!

Hi guys,

I recently gave the GMAT on 4th March 2016. I prepared for 2 months and ended up with a really bad score. I got a score of 330/800 (Q 25 & V 12) and I got a 4.0 in the AWA. It looks like I didn't even prepare for the exam. I was able to manage my time and answered all the questions of both sections. I'm so devastated and disappointed. I feel like I can't do anything in life. I was so disheartened that after giving the exam I didn't feel like doing anything. I wasn't expecting this score at all. I really want to do an MBA. I need advice from everyone on what I should do next? If I re-take, then for how long should I prepare? By how many points does one's score increase? I want to increase my score by 200 points at least. My target score is around 500-600. Is it possible or not? I didn't self-study as well I joined an academy for 6 weeks for preparation of the exam.

I used the Official Guide 2015, Barron's book and some of the Manhattan GMAT books for preparation. I have never given standardized tests like GMAT before ever in my life nor have I given computer adaptive exams. It was my first time, maybe that would have been the reason why I wasn't able to perform well. Moreover, before giving the Official GMAT exam I gave a GRE mock exam on 23rd Feb. 2016 without any preparation and I scored 292/340 (Q 147 & V 145). I didn't take any GMAT mock exams like everyone does before the exam but I used to practice questions from the books and internet too.

I would appreciate if anyone helps me out.

Hi erumsayyar,

So yes, 330 is not a good score. However, truthfully, I think this just means that you have no idea how to take the GMAT. This is definitely not to say that you're terrible at math or the English language or anything else that the GMAT tests on. In fact, you don't even have to be that great at any of these particular topics as long as you know simple tactics on how to handle this test.

My advice is to get deep into some sort of test prep. There are a lot of self study and classroom prep courses out there and many of them are rated on this site. It's important to get some sort of professional help that really resonates with you. I've been using Empowergmat for the past month and they are really awesome. I plug Rich and Max anytime i get a chance because they teach you specific tactics on how to absolutely demolish this test. A lot of what is tested on the GMAT can be really boring stuff and I think that Rich and Max do a good job of making it kinda fun (or as fun as can be expected at least).

600+ is definitely not out of reach for you (or anyone really) but I think that getting some help from a professional is a must. Right now you're probably thinking that you just want to give up but DON'T! This test is designed to beat you down mentally and if you go into it expecting to fail then you absolutely will. Take a week off to regroup and then come back with an absolute determination to dominate this test.

You have what it takes to beat the GMAT but it will come down to how much you really want it and what you're willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

Best of luck,

-Pat

Thank you so much @poneill1 for your message. It has really motivated me. After giving the exam, I felt like cancelling my score right away but then all the effort that I had put in would have gone in the drain. I was devastated and depressed. I felt like I can't do anything in life. I felt like a failure and loser and that I'm not capable of doing an MBA. Only the person who goes through the process, knows what it feels like. After I got my result, I planned I won't apply to any business schools at all. I'm applying to the business school I want to get into through these scores. Let's see what happens next. But my dad motivated me alot. He said it's not the end of the world, move on and think what to do next. And yes I did feel like GIVING UP.

I am very ambitious and I want to study from a good university from abroad. I am new to this. I have never given standardized tests or computer-adaptive exams before in my life. Maybe I didn't prepare the right way or maybe I didn't know how to tackle the exam. Please guide me on what I should do next. What should I do to improve my scores and what material should I use to prepare? How many mock tests should I take in total? I want to improve my score. Universities require at least a score between 500-600. That's my target score too.

erumsayyar,

As mentioned before my recommendation for you is to get some sort of professional GMAT course. I am not affiliated with EMPOWERgmat in any way but I do think it is the best on-demand training program available. I really have no other advice with this regard. Do some searching online and find a GMAT program that you think with work best for you. EMPOWER works great for me but it may not be as effective for you. You need to find something that is within your budget and who's strategy resonates with you.

There is no perfect amount of practice test that will guarantee you the score you want but you definitely need to take them on a regular basis as part of your study regimen. With this said all of the practice tests in the world will not influence your score if you don't understand key concepts and strategies. You need BOTH.

Search online for a good, reputable GMAT program and just pull the trigger. If this is something that you're 100% serious about then you need a program.

-Pat

I couldn't agree more with Pat.

Get a GMAT program at the earliest and follow it to the bone. It's much easier when you have a proven/structured path to follow.

I'm following the EMPOWERgmat 2-month plan with 49 days to go until my exam - my 2 cents, start ASAP!

Nothing beats perseverance, dedication and hard-work. If you really want it, you will get it, no matter how hard it is.

Let us know how it goes and break a leg!

erumsayyar wrote:Thank you so much @poneill1 for your message. It has really motivated me. After giving the exam, I felt like cancelling my score right away but then all the effort that I had put in would have gone in the drain. I was devastated and depressed. I felt like I can't do anything in life. I felt like a failure and loser and that I'm not capable of doing an MBA. Only the person who goes through the process, knows what it feels like. After I got my result, I planned I won't apply to any business schools at all. I'm applying to the business school I want to get into through these scores. Let's see what happens next. But my dad motivated me alot. He said it's not the end of the world, move on and think what to do next. And yes I did feel like GIVING UP.

I am very ambitious and I want to study from a good university from abroad. I am new to this. I have never given standardized tests or computer-adaptive exams before in my life. Maybe I didn't prepare the right way or maybe I didn't know how to tackle the exam. Please guide me on what I should do next. What should I do to improve my scores and what material should I use to prepare? How many mock tests should I take in total? I want to improve my score. Universities require at least a score between 500-600. That's my target score too.

Better to retake the GMAT after preparing well for it, including taking on several full length computer adaptive mock tests. I believe engaging a credible test prep service can help guide you through the process.

Your current score has plenty of room of improvement. Mastering some key concepts and getting used to the test format should help boost your score and open up more opportunities for you.

Wish you all the best and look forward to your updates.