Practice Test 1: Super Low Results

Question

I am just now starting on my GMAT/MBA journey and haven't done any studying yet. This afternoon I took my first practice test and am horrified with my results. My overall score was 310 (11 Q / 19 V / 3 IR). ? I am planning on taking the actual test in June/July, so about 4 months from now and would like to get a 700ish. Do you think this is a realistic goal or should I just give up now? I also wasn't necessarily planning on using a test prep service, but after this practice test, I should probably think about using one.

Answer 1

Most test takers who take the GMAT for the first time are often frustrated and/or concerned with their initial results. This is completely normal and should be a wake-up call about the GMAT. It is long. It is challenging. But it can be conquered!

Here are some ideas for improving your initial GMAT score:

1 - dedicate several hours to reviewing each question that you missed on the practice (or real) GMAT exam (if you download an exam report, you will typically only get a high-level readout of where you did well or poorly).

2 - following your review, identify your weak areas and focus on those areas when you train on your own.

3 - continue practicing problems of all types in order to ensure that your approach is balanced. Scour the internet forums for alternate solutions to problems that pose difficulty.

4 - seek help. As a Wyzant tutor, I seek to coach prospective Business School students on the strategies and tactics for achieving success on the GMAT. My students have seen 130+ point improvements by relentlessly focusing on their weak areas and adding structure and discipline to how they tackle this immensely conquerable test.

Hope this helps!