Advice on a retake?... (680)

[NeilWatson]

I recently scored 680 and while overall a good score.. it was mostly supported by my verbal score of 40. I got a very poor quant score and I am taking this week to re-group so I can prepare for my next take on August 30th. I was hoping I could get some advice on a retake strategy that I have come up with. Any input would be appreciated.

Monday/Tuesday
-read of MGMAT guide in my specific weak areas, focusing on one area per week.
-do 10 problems at the end of both sessions and analyze any mistakes

Wednesday/Thursday
-after finishing MGMAT guide, do 30 practice problems from Magoosh and GMAT Club to solidify skills.

Friday
- break

Saturday
- review error log and any other extra information gained from practice problems

Sunday
- Practice test

I plan to repeat this plan for 5 weeks dedicating each weak to a specific section of Quant (number properties, ratios etc.)

Does anyone have any advice regarding this retake plan? I think nerves played a part in my score as I was scoring in the 47-49 range in my practice tests. There were some problems I felt unsure of that I probably should have been able to answer. I think increasing my score to 48 is more than do-able between now and August 30th.

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Hi NeilWatson,

What was your Quant Scaled Score? With a 680, it must have been in the low 40s, which isn't a terrible score (and not "very poor"). The percentiles make it appear to be low, but it's really not. It likely won't impress top Business Schools, but they're all savvy enough to know that not all great applicants are going to be amazing in the Quant section.

To that end, what schools are you planning to apply to? It might be that a retest is unnecessary.

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

[NeilWatson]

Rich,

Thanks for your response. Your right, I scored a 43 in quant. However there were a few questions I knew I could answer that I froze on. I intend to apply to UNC and want to use the GMAT to make up for other parts of my app. I think sometimes my approach might be off and I feel sure that if i drill certain areas and m approach to those problems, I can definitely increase my score in 5 weeks time. What do you think?

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Hi NeilWatson,

I agree that you probably could score higher in the Quant section. With a 680/Q43, you're in position to apply to UNC right now though, so retesting probably isn't necessary. That having been said, assuming that you keep your skills sharp, there's no harm in retesting.

How did this Quant performance (Q43) compare with your Quant performance in your CATs?

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

[NeilWatson]

In my last CAT the week before the test I scored 750 (Q49) and the time before that 720 (Q47). I think I should be able to get a minimum 47 on a retake. Do you have any recommendations for my study schedule. Normally I would not re-take but I am using the GMAT to make up for other parts of my app.

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Hi NeilWatson,

Since you were scoring at a really high level during your practice, you probably won't have to do a lot of studying to maintain (and sharpen) your skills. To that end, the issue now is quality over quantity. As you've noted, you should spend more time on your Quant skills than your Verbal skills, but putting in some work on each is advisable.

What resources have you used so far (including CATs)?

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

[NeilWatson]

Hi Rich,

I used the MGMAT guide books... Magoosh and I also used your course for a month.. For CATs I used MGMAT (found those to be very difficult) and gmat prep.

[[email protected]]

Hi NeilWatson,

I've sent you a private message with some suggestions.

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

[Slewis2002]

Hi Rich,

Would it be possible for you to share your advice for Neil with me? I took my test a couple of days ago and scored 670 (Q47, V35). I am aiming for around 710 and so am also looking for some advice for my retake next month?

Kind regards,

Sophie

[[email protected]]

Hi Sophie,

I've sent you a private message.

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