One of the traps is that your score on practice tests will always be higher than your score on the actual test.
Moreover, when retaking the GMAT your objective should be to increase your score by at least 50 points. You should also prepare a strategy about reporting your GMAT scores to business schools (reflecting the implemented by GMAC in June 2014). But keeping your motivation after a low GMAT score is quite a challenge alone. So start here.
PrepAdviser experts suggest that you check out the advice provided by GMAT Tutor on how to keep your commitment if your GMAT score is a disappointing.
Your frustration is justified: months of preparation, sacrifice and hard work have resulted in a far lower score than you were expecting. You might be confused, angry or disappointed – maybe even all of the above. Your first instinct might even be to give up on the GMAT completely and look for other options.
Before you jump ship, you should try a few study ideas out that we think might motivate you to dive right back into your GMAT study plan.
We would normally suggest that you go back and review your study plan to ensure you’re actually grasping the concepts and understanding where you need to beef up your skills. While that’s still very much true, if you’re confidence is low right now, supplement your study plan by simply allowing yourself to get out of your home. GMAT prep can be awfully solitary at times, and that aloneness is a great opportunity for doubt to really take over. Make it a point to interact with your colleagues. They might even have similar experiences that you’ve had with the GMAT.
Even when you’re attacking your study plan, try to make it fun for yourself. While this might sound cheesy, give yourself little rewards for reaching milestones every week. Whether you’ve increased your practice scores or simply grasped a hard-to-understand concept, find rewards that motivate you and let yourself enjoy them when you make these gains.
Whatever you decide, know that you’re not alone. Most test takers experience this frustration at one point or another, so be brave and keep going. We’re rooting for all of you!
Read the original article on the blog of The Economist’s GMAT Tutor
