First Practice Test 530 (HELP PLEASE)

by **Adam** Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:26 am

I just took my first practice exam and scored a 530 (very average). I scored a 33 on the quantitative section and a 30 on the verbal. I have signed up for the online courses (which I hope will help a lot) but I am really looking at scoring between 650-700 on the GMAT when I eventually take it. I guess I'm somewhat happy with this score given that I have studied only 10 hours or so total. However, on the quantitative section specifically, I felt very lost and overwhelmed and found myself guessing a lot.

Has anyone else gone through this and had similar results early on and gone on to score very well on the GMAT?

Just kind of looking for some encouragement at this point. I know there will be some guessing when I finally take the GMAT, but like I said, I felt very overwhelmed much of the time.

Thanks!

by **StaceyKoprince** Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:32 pm

I have plenty of students who start out in the mid-500s and end up in the high 600s! You have to do the work of course. :) But it can be done, especially if you hadn't really studied much before that first test.

It's EXTREMELY common for people to guess a lot and to feel overwhelmed - so you are in good company. And half my students still feel overwhelmed on their second test (halfway through the course) - there's a LOT to learn. It's okay - just take it step by step.

And, yes, you will still have to guess even once you're fully prepared - that's just how the test works. Have fun with the class and be organized and diligent about your homework - there's a lot of work and you don't want to fall behind.