First GMAT Prep: Score 480..!!Need Help..

[ProGMAT]

Hi,
Today i have taken GMAT Prep first practice test after brushing up my skills for 2 weeks.
I have scored 480 in this test with a very bad score in Verbal.
Total Scores are:
IR:1,
Quant: 41,
Verbal: 17.
Need serious help, where to start and material to be used.**(I am following beatthegmat schedule for 2 months.)
:!: :!:

[[email protected]]

Hi ProGMAT,

First off, you shouldn't expect to nail a practice CAT on the first try. The GMAT is made up of consistent, predictable element though, so you can learn how to beat it. The process takes a bit longer than 2 weeks though.

If you can answer a couple of questions for me, then I'll be happy to offer some advice:

1) What study materials have you put together?
2) What is your goal?
3) What is your timeline?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[ProGMAT]

Hi ProGMAT,

First off, you shouldn't expect to nail a practice CAT on the first try. The GMAT is made up of consistent, predictable element though, so you can learn how to beat it. The process takes a bit longer than 2 weeks though.

If you can answer a couple of questions for me, then I'll be happy to offer some advice:

1) What study materials have you put together?
2) What is your goal?
3) What is your timeline?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi Rich,

I have studied some math basic skills and some verbal skills from internet resource (not from OG'13) and i'm done with one diagonastic test in OG. I have a goal of 700+ score and i am planning to take GMAT in December.

Thanks.

[KapTeacherEli]

Hi ProGMAT,

The first practice test can often throw people for a loop. But it's important to remember that the score you got was a floor, not a ceiling--a diagnosis and not a prognosis.

Your test tells you that improving your verbal score will take a while--with a December test date, you have that time. It tells you that you will need to build up some fundamental verbal skills, but that your quant is building from a very solid foundation. And, depending on your timing, it can tell you a bit about your test-taking skills, beyond your content knowledge.

Before I can recommend specific resources, though, I need a bit more knowledge. How much time are you committing per week, over the course of your months of study? And, are you planning to do self-study with books, a self-study online course, or a classroom class?

Best,

[ProGMAT]

Hi ProGMAT,

The first practice test can often throw people for a loop. But it's important to remember that the score you got was a floor, not a ceiling--a diagnosis and not a prognosis.

Your test tells you that improving your verbal score will take a while--with a December test date, you have that time. It tells you that you will need to build up some fundamental verbal skills, but that your quant is building from a very solid foundation. And, depending on your timing, it can tell you a bit about your test-taking skills, beyond your content knowledge.

Before I can recommend specific resources, though, I need a bit more knowledge. How much time are you committing per week, over the course of your months of study? And, are you planning to do self-study with books, a self-study online course, or a classroom class?

Best,

Thanks for your reply KapTeacherEli.
I have tried to spend 2 minutes(avg.) on each question, and skipping the one which i do not know. But i have noted down the topic which i need to brush up.
Right now I am spending 2-3 hours on my GMAT preparation on weekdays (as I am working professional) and 6-7 hours on weekends. And I am planning to do self study with planned studies.

[[email protected]]

Hi ProGMAT,

Right now, pacing shouldn't be a concern. You need to build up some familiarity with the material before you worry about how fast you are at answering questions. It sounds like you haven't purchased any major resources (books, courses, practice tests, etc.) yet. Is that true? Thankfully, you have planned ahead so that you have the time to properly prepare. Keep making smart choices and you'll pick up those points.

If you have any specific questions, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[KapTeacherEli]

As Rich said, pacing isn't the issue now--work on mastering content first, then worry about pacing. Kaplan's GMAT premier book, here, covers all the material you'll need to pull your verbal score up, as well as including 6 practice tests to help evaluate your progress as you learn. Let me know if you have any questions!

Best,