How to improve from a 530 to a 600+ in a reasonable time?

[ctimmerman92]

First, I want to thank anyone in the future who offers any advice on this topic.

So I started preparing and learning the material for GMAT back at the end of June this year. I admit that this was wishy washy review. It was during some summer classes and family vacations and I could have invested more into the process. I would read the lesson and then do the practice questions. Towards mid September I picked up the pace after finishing the last lesson and would review the practice questions, and go through practice exams. I used McGraw-Hill and it seemed to not be a good fit. The material almost seemed too easy compared to what experienced on the GMAT today. I also used the GMATPrep free practice questions. Finally what sent my confidence into a nose dive was that I did the GMAT practice exams last week and got a 530 average which ended up predicting my unofficial score of 530 (Q-35, V-27) today.

Given that information, I can definitely say I will be more invested in the preparation for my next attempt. I plan on changing to another material and taking it a week before the beginning of winter semester (January 6). Is that a realistic time given that I do have a week of final exams and a week-long family Christmas vacation to Mexico? Should I take a week off to clear my head before jumping back in? Any recommendations on material and a strategy for second time takers? Be straight forward and tell me if I must study in Mexico because I will.

Overview of my education:
Senior in finance and accounting double major program
English is my native language and I have math experience up through calc 1 even though it didn't come easy
I want to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam for a MSc Finance
Deadline to apply is May 1
Minimum accepted score is 600 (Q and V are only calculated scores)

Thank you again,

Christopher Timmerman

[[email protected]]

Hi ctimmerman92,

First off, this is the Test Maker Forum, so you might want to post your questions in the other Forums (where you'll likely get a bigger response).

As it stands, there are some details that you should clarify:

If your application deadline is May 1st, then why would you "rush" into your GMAT in January and have to juggle studying with Finals and a family vacation? The GMAT is a significant enough task that you shouldn't "hinder" your practice/performance with these other significant events.

Also, have you used any resources besides the ones listed? Did you only take 2 practice CATs?

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

[ctimmerman92]

Thank you for responding Rich,

I was unaware that I posted in the Test Maker subtopic, my mistake.

There were a couple resources I used in preparing the first time. McGraw Hill was my main source, which had 4 practice tests meaning I took 6 including the GMAC download. Also I attended 2 GMAT prep sessions offered by some professors at my university and spent time reviewing flashcards and other tools offered on BeatTheGMAT.

Regarding my deadline, I agree that I was rushing the date. I got caught up on the school saying to apply as early as possible. However, I would like to have my application in by March because there is a limit on students per nationality as well as a shortage in housing for students in the Netherlands. I will take it again at a later date as recommended.

Thanks again for responding.

Chris