600 to 650 in one month?

[bumstah]

Hello all,

Recently I took the GMAT and scored a measly 600. I plan to retake the GMAT and aim for at least a 650. I have been studying on and off for the last year but I didn't take it seriously until the last month before my test. In one month, I raised my score by 100 on the practice tests. So I know that if I focus, I can make an improvement.

However, my biggest issue is the quant. I did OK in the verbal but horrible on the quant. I am just so lost, especially when it comes to geometry. I have tried Kaplan and Knewton but both did not help me as much as I expected. I found the best ROI from the OG books and some of the Manhattan books (didn't read them all but were useful). My goal is to raise my score to 650 in a month. Considering I will sell my soul to the GMAT and study +4 hours on the weekdays and +8 hours on the weekends, is this possible? What do you recommend is the best possible route?

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Hi bumstah,

You mentioned a few things in your post that could use some clarification:

1) What was your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for your Official GMAT?
2) Are you on some kind of Admissions deadline that is forcing you to retest in just a month?
3) While Geometry is a part of the Quant section, there are several categories that are tested MORE frequently than Geometry (DS, Algebra, Number Properties, etc.). How well do you perform on THOSE math categories?

The score improvement that you're looking for IS doable in a month. With a bit more time, you could be in 700 territory though.

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

[bumstah]

Thanks for the quick replay Rich. I scored 39Q 33V. I am on an admissions deadline and May is the very latest that I can take the test. So I have roughly 2 months in total to prepare for the test. I can either take it twice (once in April and again in May) or just study big and take it once in May. As for your third question, I need to improve in all fields of quant but my biggest struggles deprive from DS, Geometry and Number Properties. I am decent on Percentages and Ratios.

I thought Verbal was more tolerable but I did run out of time towards the end, and guessed on the last 5 questions (I probably got them all wrong). My biggest struggles with the Verbal was the Sentence Correction, then the Critical Reasoning. I recall reading Critical Reasoning passages again and again, which probably took a lot of my time.

I'd be content with 650 and ecstatic with a 700. But my biggest worry is I felt like I gave my 100% on the last test. Though I want to stay optimistic, I feel like I've hit a wall. Any suggestions how I should motivate and prepare myself?

[[email protected]]

Hi bumstah,

With those Scaled Scores, you have opportunities in both the Quant and Verbal sections to find your missing points. I'd suggest putting more practice into DS and Number Properties before you go too deep into Geometry (although if you know the necessary Geometry formulas, you've got most of the work done already). SCs are essentially about grammar rules and GMAT "style"; beating SCs is rather similar to beating Geometry (know the rules, then spot when they're applicable).

Since it sounds like you self-studied with books the first time, you might consider investing in some new online GMAT materials. Selling your soul to beat the GMAT isn't necessary ;0. The test is standardized, which means it's beatable. You'll need to learn and properly practice some new tactics, but you can absolutely pick up your score.

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

[jpitts1989]

Hi Bumstah,

I normally don't post here but I have been studying for about 3 months the first two without the EMPOWER GMAT Course and the last month with. I feel on both the Verbal and Quant sections I have made more headway in the last month with the EMPOWER GMAT Program than I have the prior two months on my own. If your looking to invest in anymore material, do yourself a favor and go with EMPOWER GMAT. Hope the best for you!

Regards,

Josh

GMAT ASSASSIN IN TRAINING

[bumstah]

Thanks Josh and Rich,

I was on the fence with online resources due to my past experience. But I will give EmpowerGMAT a shot. If EmpowerGMAT can help me reach a better score within my time frame, I'm all for it. One last question, would you guys recommend taking the test twice (once in April and once in May), or just study big and take it once in May?

[[email protected]]

Hi bumstah,

The "safe" answer is to probably schedule an April Test Date and continue studying. In the weeks leading up to that date, you should plan to take a couple of practice CATs. Those CAT scores will give you a sense for how ready you are to take the GMAT in April. If the numbers look good, then you can take the April test and you might be done. If you don't hit your goal or need to reschedule for May, then you can.

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