Advice on a one month retake strategy from 580 to 680+

[cricechex]

Like many others, I scored lower on the GMAT than my practice tests indicated I should. Here is a summary of my experience so far:

Veritas Practice Tests:
08Oct 580 IR-3, Q-33, V-37
23Nov 620 IR-2, Q-39, V-37
02Dec 610 IR-4, Q-36, V-38
10Dec 590 IR-2, Q-37, V-35
21Dec 620 IR-1, Q-38, V-38

Veritas GMAT Simulator:
13Jan 640 IR-4, Q-43, V-32

Official GMAT
17Jan 580 IR-8, Q-36, V-34

My preparations began in October 2013 utilizing the Veritas self paced program. Because I was extremely rusty in all things Quant, I focused on the math and algebra lessons/homework for the better part of 10 weeks with only limited time on the CR lesson. Finally, in late December I moved on to complete Geometry, Statistics/combinatrics, SC, RC, DS, and the IR lessons.

Here is the issue, My focus was completely on Quant until I got a 43 on 13Jan and V was dropping. The next few days comprised of SC, RC, DS, and IR. I thought If I could familiarize with the presented strategies for these sections, I would get my verbal up to 40ish and Quant up a few more with DS. IR was just to get away from the low scores I got on the practice tests. At least my efforts paid off in this section.

Many think it is crazy studying so many new concepts right before the exam but that is always the way I've studied with consistant success, until now! With that said, I am confident that I have the knowledge to beat this test, I just need a strategy to prepare for it; I plan to take it again next month because I have so many other things to do that I don't have time to spend another 4 months on the GMAT.

My goal is 680 and I plan to apply to Indiana U, Emory, and other schools of similar admission requirements.

Thanks for the help.

[[email protected]]

Hi cricechex,

Your practice CAT scores (and Official GMAT score) are remarkably consistent, so the manner in which you studied and the way that you "see" GMAT questions will likely lead to a similar score on your next Test. As such, you'll likely need some new resources and you'll need make some adjustments to how you react to GMAT questions.

Based on your timeline, are you attempting to make an application deadline or are you just trying to complete this task as soon as possible?

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

[cricechex]

Rich,
I agree with your assessment. I need to change the way I see the problems. I admit, I worked through the content to just get the problems right, not learn to think like the testmakers. My timeline limited because I am transitioning out of the military, preparing to rent out my house, moving in with my parents, finishing my undergrad in Finance, and I am married with two young boys. I have a short time to focus on the GMAT before I must get back to knocking out my undergrad in order to start my MBA in the fall of 2015. My intent is to apply for the first round this coming October.

I could take longer before the test but I don't know if it will help to prep for the GMAT while I am taking other college classes. I think it would be too much on my plate and my GMAT knowledge would plateau, at best.

[[email protected]]

Hi cricechex,

Based on what you've described, you're clearly dealing with a busy day-to-day life. That having been said, you're not far from your goal. Your CAT scores show that you have a greater "opportunity" for points in the Quant section, so a short-term focus on Quant tactics and approaches (other than just straight-forward "math") should help. Also, while everyone "wants" to score in the high 600s or 700s, the truth is that you don't necessarily "need" that score to gain acceptance at the schools that you're planning to apply to. A 580 might not be a high enough score to make an Admissions Officer "happy", but every school has a "range" that is considered acceptable, and I had a student a number of years ago who got into Kellogg (Top-5 school) with a 590. You should plan to take one more good shot at the GMAT in the next 30 days and apply as planned.

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

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

[cricechex]

Thanks for the advice Rich. I am reviewing the test prep materials with a keen eye on strategy, something I did not do last time. I'll definitely consider your test prep materials if I decide to try something new.

Chris