v-e-r-y disappointed

[fmohsin]

I had my very first GMAT today with a very disappointing 560 (Q:42, V:25). My target was breaking the 700 barrier...don't now what to do know. I'm feeling unbelievabily low right now

My practice exam average 650 for Kaplan and MGMT test. They ranged: Q from 44 to 51 and V from 27 to 38. What mostly made me think I was ready for the exam was the GMATPREP 1 which I took about a week before the test and got a 710. For GMATPREP2, which I took 2 days before the real exam was a only 640, lower than I expected. I still don't understand how I got a 560 on the real exam. That is my lowest unfortunately.....

I'm planning to take another shot in a month. Is it possible to get a 700+? I know my weak areas are verbal, especially RC. Don't know what to do with them. Any advice how I should utilize next month studying?

My weak areas:

MATH
- inequalities
- some number properties
- probability

VERVAL
- I would say all three but some more than others. SC is my stongest although I'm not sure anymore after today's exam. And then CR and then RC.

I'm feeling lost Please please help....

Thanks in advance

[beatthegmat]

Sorry to hear about your disappointing day.

Jumping 140 points with a month's worth of study is going to be really challenging. Based on your practice test performance, it seems like you were somewhat in range, if not slightly lower, than your 700 score target.

One advantage that you have however is that you are aware of your weak subject matter areas, which is good because you can hone them. With regard to CR and RC, take a look at the prep resources available here, https://www.beatthegmat.com/best-practic ... t1327.html, and then think about using a GMAT practice grid method to work through your weak areas. Here's a good explanation of this system: https://www.beatthegmat.com/gmat-practic ... s-t68.html

Most importantly, stay positive! I am a big believer that a good attitude can do a lot for your performance. Don't let this stupid test get the best of you!

Good luck,

[fmohsin]

Eric,
Thanks for showing empathy. I needed it! I was feeling really down as if I'm a failure or something...

Thanks for the links too. I will check those out. I think what I should now do it take a break form GMAT for couple of days and create a strategy for the next run. I really believe what I was lacking before was the exact strategy. Unfortunately, I didn't have any. I was just studying here and there and then taking practice exams. Many times I did't even review my mistakes thoroughly (which is a big mistake!!!)

Anyway, let's geared up for the next (and last) run...

[dr_gmat]

No you are not a failure. Just keep on trying.

[KapTeacherEli]

The number one thing to remember is that there are a lot of people who have trouble with their first test, and that a large number of them end up improving their scores substantially on the second run around! Stay positive, because you CAN do it.

However, you mentioned your weaknesses, but you haven't mentioned anything specifically about the real test itself. Clearly, SOMETHING was different between your real test and all your practice tests. Was it nerves? A poor night's sleep? A disproportionate number of inequalities? You won't be studying efficiently until you can find the thing that kept you from your full potential and work to correct it.

Good luck!