Horrible 390 score on practice test

[sevaraat]

Took Practice test today and was shocked by score - 390. I've graduated 17 years ago and as you can see forgot everything. It is very frustrating. My math is very bad, English a little better but still nothing to be proud of. I'm a little lost and not sure how to start my preparation. Not sure if I'm ready for on-line 9 week cource yet, so, I need your advise on self study.
Did anybody have such a low score and managed to do well at actual GMAT test? If yes, how long did it take to prep for test? I need your help guys!!! I’m not trying to get to top 10, so don’t need high score but hoping to get not less than 650. Thanks.

[StaceyKoprince]

It sounds like you haven't really studied much yet (if at all). If that's the case, then you have a better shot at getting to your goal. It's not unheard of for someone to take a first test "cold" and get a very low score, but raise that score quite a bit (with a lot of work, of course).

I agree that you are likely not ready for the 9-week course just yet, but I can suggest a course of action for you. When you finish these things and feel comfortable with this material, then you'll be ready for the 9-week course.

First, if you already have an account with us, read the free e-book The GMAT Uncovered, which is located in your account. That will give you an overview of how the test works.

Next, use the below article to analyze your practice test; this will give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/e ... -part1.cfm

For quant, you'll want to start with our Foundations of Math strategy guide and online drills. (If you plan to take the class, you may want to sign up for a class that starts in a month or two, because the FoM material comes free with the course, even though we don't use it actively in class. You can just ask to get your materials right away.) Just start working through the book and the drills, chapter by chapter, working at your own pace. If some material is easier, move through it more quickly; if some material is harder, take more time. (Note: this material is all stuff you've learned before, a very long time ago, so it's just a matter of re-learning / remembering it.)

For verbal, I would recommend doing the above analysis on your practice test and then starting with the question type that seems to be your biggest weakness. Let me know what that is and then I'll advise you about what to do. (This will involve using some of our regular books, if you choose to use our materials, so again, you may want to sign up for a class that starts in a while because all of the materials are included in the course.)

[sevaraat]

Thank you so much Stacey, this is very helpful and sounds like a good plan.

It sounds like you haven't really studied much yet (if at all). If that's the case, then you have a better shot at getting to your goal. It's not unheard of for someone to take a first test "cold" and get a very low score, but raise that score quite a bit (with a lot of work, of course).

I agree that you are likely not ready for the 9-week course just yet, but I can suggest a course of action for you. When you finish these things and feel comfortable with this material, then you'll be ready for the 9-week course.

First, if you already have an account with us, read the free e-book The GMAT Uncovered, which is located in your account. That will give you an overview of how the test works.

Next, use the below article to analyze your practice test; this will give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/e ... -part1.cfm

For quant, you'll want to start with our Foundations of Math strategy guide and online drills. (If you plan to take the class, you may want to sign up for a class that starts in a month or two, because the FoM material comes free with the course, even though we don't use it actively in class. You can just ask to get your materials right away.) Just start working through the book and the drills, chapter by chapter, working at your own pace. If some material is easier, move through it more quickly; if some material is harder, take more time. (Note: this material is all stuff you've learned before, a very long time ago, so it's just a matter of re-learning / remembering it.)

For verbal, I would recommend doing the above analysis on your practice test and then starting with the question type that seems to be your biggest weakness. Let me know what that is and then I'll advise you about what to do. (This will involve using some of our regular books, if you choose to use our materials, so again, you may want to sign up for a class that starts in a while because all of the materials are included in the course.)

[StaceyKoprince]

good luck!