350 on GMAT after 4 months of studying 8-10 hrs daily :(((

[ronysof]

Hello everyone,

I just want to share my dissapointing GMAT exprience. I have been preparing for the test for the last 4 months. I took Kaplan's premium online class and completed all the assignments (required plus recommended) and all of the 7 required Kaplan CATs including the Ultimate Practice test. My scores averaged from 480 to 530. While I was preparing with Kaplan I completed all of the questions in OG 11 and OG 12 twice plus I spent even more time reviewing all of my wrong answers to make sure I understand my mistakes. I also took each of the Gmat Prep tests 5 times each and scores begtween 470 - 580 on them.

When I was taking the test today I felt as the actual GMAT test was much harder than any of the 18 Kaplan + Gmat Prep tests that I have taken. It felt as the quetions on the actual Gmat Test were much longer and complicated than the questions in any of the OG 11/12 books or the prep tests. I also felt as I had to guess on about 1/3 of all the questions on the actual gmat since I was running out of time. Once I saw my score of 350 I couldn't believe I did so bad. Very depressed and disapointed right now. Did not expect this at all.

Did anyone had similar experience? I am not sure what to do next. I would appreciate any advise.

Thank you all in advance

[ronysof]

Here are my scores in case you were wondering:

Manhatten 470
Kaplan Diagnostic 470 Q29 V 40
Kaplan CAT 1 480 Q31 V33
Kaplan CAT 2 520 Q38 V36
Kaplan CAT 3 500 Q34 V36
Kaplan CAT 4 490 Q38 V29
Kaplan CAT 5 530 Q34 V50
Kaplan CAT 6 500 Q29 V53
Ultimate Practice Test 480 Q30 V33
Gmat Prep 1 470 Q26 V29
Gmat Prep 1 re take 480 Q28 V29
Gmat Prep 1 re take 540 Q36 V28
Gmat Prep 1 re take 510 Q42 V20
Gmat Prep 1 re take 520 Q39 V 23
Gmat Prep 1 re take 540 Q42 V22
Gmat Prep 2 500 Q 32 V29
Gmat Prep 2 re take 540 Q 35 V 29
Gmat Prep 2 re take 580 Q 41 V29
Actual GMAT 1 st attempt 350

I did study for the GMAT for 4 months, 8 -10 hours daily. I can't believe a scored 350. Please let me know if u have any advise.

Thanks

[vivecan2005]

I have no idea what to say? I mean one thing is sure that score can easily vary around 150-160 Points from home based test. So If you want to get 600 in Exam then get around 740-750 in practice test at home.

[hk]

Hi ronysof,

Yours is a special case and I'd strongly recommend you to consult with one of our featured experts from reputed GMAT Prep companies for a more informed advice.

[ronysof]

Thanks hk!!!

I will try to contact one of the experts. very disapointed in my score and trying to figure out what my next steps should be. I was not expecting such a low score after preparing full time for the past 4 months.

Thank You!

[DanaJ]

Sorry you did not get the score you were hoping... There are a few things that could be the cause of this problem:

1. A 350 means that you have some issues with the basic stuff that's tested on the GMAT. You should not try to practice more advanced topics unless you thoroughly know the basics!

2. Timing or stamina issues. Have you ever had trouble finishing the test in time? Did you feel stressed during the real thing? You need to try to mimic test day conditions when you practice, because this helps you get in the right mindset.

3. Did you use any other books? The Kaplan course seemed just fine for me, but it might not have been the perfect fit for you personally. You might want to try to complement your prep with some other resources.

[JasLamba]

Hey,

Can you identify an error pattern? Are you getting all the word problems/geometry problems wrong? If you can identify these types of weaknesses then you can go back to the topics/subjects and review the topic thoroughly. Go through the Kaplan chapter. Close the book. Regurgitate everything onto a notebook and see what you know and don't know. This will help you solve the gaps in reasoning.

Then do and redo practice problems (timed). Keep an error log and revisit your weaknesses after you finish.

Can you afford private tutoring? I think in your position seeking professional personalized help might be of added value.

You should aim at getting a 600 on the GPREP tests consistently to do alright in the GMAT. You still haven't exhausted all the GMATPrep questions since you have reached to the 580 level - I suggest redoing and reviewing the questions which gave you the most difficulty... if you rebuild your basics you should be able to answer the 400-500 level questions and rise up.

Do you feel like you are learning? Besides the content material, timing/stamina/anxiety play a crucial role in the test itself. When you did your study sessions did you get up? lose focus? not time yourself? Given that you enrolled in the Kaplan premium class, can you ask them for advice and suggestions based on your experience?

Just keep plugging away and you can improve - if you choose not to throw the towel. Its just a matter of dedicated effort and time. I promise! Maybe you can try taking the Knewton diagnostic test and the course since if you don't meet your 50 point money back guarantee you get a refund on your investment.

By the way, these are some UNBELIEVABLE scores:
Kaplan CAT 5 530 Q34 V50
Kaplan CAT 6 500 Q29 V53

Wish you all the best and hope you can make it to your target score / school.

All the best,
Jas

[kat187]

hi I wonder if when you took the many test you were just remember the question and answer. did you repeat any of the test ? From the looks of the score if I'm not mistaken your real gmat should have been in the 500 at least.
I guess all I can say is get the Manhattan books and master the basic before doing the hard ones.