Retaking GMAT - Next Steps

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:14 pm

Retaking GMAT - Next Steps

by tnsplyr234 » Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:33 pm
I've just taken my GMAT and I got a 590, Q38 V33, and am now in need of some advice!!!! I am aiming to go past 650, but obviously I'll take anything over 600.

Should I retake my Kaplan GMAT course, as I have the option to do so with their guarantees? What should my study regime look like? Although I understand much of the work has to come from me, I am disappointed Kaplan doesn't provide a comprehensive study guide.

From previous practice tests, this is my highest quant score, and my highest verbal score was a 37 about two CATs ago.

Any links to a five-six week study guide would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

Thanks!
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1462
Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2015 9:34 am
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 39 times
Followed by:22 members

by Jeff@TargetTestPrep » Tue Sep 20, 2016 7:28 am
Hi tnsplyr234,

I'm happy to provide some advice about a retake, but first I would like to learn more about your GMAT experience and MBA goals. I have a few questions:

1) Did you get your enhanced score report? If not, could you do so and share the score breakdown from your most recent GMAT?

2) Did you take any official MBA.com practice exams prior to your GMAT? If so, can you provide us with the dates and score breakdowns from those practice exams? When you took the practice tests, did you take them under realistic conditions (e.g. in a quiet environment, no extended breaks)? Did you complete the entire CAT, including the IR and Essay sections?

3) Can you describe your study routine? Have you used other resources beside Kaplan? How many hours a day did you study and for how many total months?

4) For your retake, how many hours a day can you commit to studying?

5) What are the MBA programs to which you plan to apply? What deadlines are you targeting?

Jeffrey Miller
Head of GMAT Instruction
[email protected]

Image

See why Target Test Prep is rated 5 out of 5 stars on BEAT the GMAT. Read our reviews

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 10392
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Thanked: 2867 times
Followed by:511 members
GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Tue Sep 20, 2016 9:06 am
Hi tnsplyr234,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. As such, you could have very easily scored 600+ on Test Day. Before I can offer you the specific advice that you're looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

Goals:
4) What is your exact goal score (is it 600 or is it 650)?
5) When are you planning to retake the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image