What to Do If You Scored Poorly on the GMAT Exam? Coping Strategies and Study Plans for Three Types of Score Gaps

What should you do if your test score isn’t what you expected?
You can cry, but don’t lose heart; you can be sad, but don’t give up.

Below are the general conclusions Dustin has drawn from discussions with hundreds of past test-takers. You can try using these methods to get back on your feet.

Within 50 points difference: Normal error, usually a matter of luck

Recommendation: You can retake the test after one month.

Phase One (First two weeks): Re-practice official questions extensively

• Suggested practice order: OG → OV → GMAT Prep Q-Bank (PP4→PP3→PP1,2)
• Tip: Identify your weaknesses based on your score report and focus on those question types during extensive practice.

Phase Two (Next two weeks): Enter sprint mode

Difference of 50-100 points: Usually unstable Pace, self-sabotage

Recommendation: Register for the exam only after consistently achieving the following goals.

Goal One: Standardize problem-solving process

The goal is to control the fluctuation of time spent per question to within +/- 1 minute.

Goal Two: Standardize Pace

Difference of 100+ points: Major foundational issues

Recommendation: You’ll usually need to set aside more than two months for readjustment.

Step One: Review fundamental problems

• Basic reading comprehension issues: If you find that you don’t understand more than half of the sentences in a passage, or spend more than 70% of your time re-reading during practice, please strengthen your basic reading comprehension first.
• Unfamiliarity with concepts: Re-do OG summaries, categorize and synthesize to identify your weaknesses.

Step Two: Extensive practice and review

After extensive practice, review and categorize incorrect questions to identify your weak question types, and use online resources to self-study and improve.

Step Three: Set sprint goals

When your overall accuracy consistently reaches 70%, you can register for the exam. The two weeks before the test should be a sprint period.

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Of course, the above is just a general overview; the details still require case-by-case judgment. On Dustin’s blog, you’ll find many free tutorials, solutions, and information related to problem-solving and concepts. Feel free to explore and find valuable resources there.

Wishing everyone good luck with their exams. :)

Dustin