Ericka Johnson
GMAT Sprint Contributor
Hey there, fellow GMAT warriors! It’s Ericka here, and today we’re diving into a topic that many of you might be grappling with: why your GMAT score isn't improving and how to break through that frustrating GMAT plateau. If you’ve been studying hard but feel like you’re stuck in a rut, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
First things first, let’s define what a plateau actually is. If you’re only putting in a few hours of study per week, you likely haven’t hit a plateau; you just aren’t studying enough to see significant progress. Similarly, if it’s been less than a month since your last score improvement, you probably just need a bit more time to solidify the progress you’ve made.
However, if you’ve been diligently studying for several months and your score hasn’t budged, it’s time to face the music: you might be experiencing a true plateau.
When students hit a plateau, the most common thought is, “I’m just bad at the GMAT.” This is a misguided assessment and often a cop-out. If you’re studying regularly and still not seeing improvements, it’s not that you’re bad at the test; it’s that you might be bad at studying.
Now, I know this might be a tough pill to swallow, but let’s talk about what lazy study means. Many students prioritize the quantity of study over the quality. Just because you’re putting in 10+ hours a week doesn’t mean you’re using that time effectively. Here are some signs of lazy study:
One of the biggest culprits of ineffective study is not addressing mistakes when they happen. Many students justify continuing to make the same errors because they’re exposed to new problems. But here’s the truth: if you’ve made the same mistake three or more times, continuing to do so is detrimental. Every time you repeat a mistake, you’re reinforcing a bad habit.
If your study plan involves randomly working through a bunch of problems, you’re likely more focused on feeling productive than actually being productive. When you hit a plateau, it’s crucial to identify your specific weaknesses and target those areas directly.
Studying less than four days a week or cramming too much into one day can hurt your progress. It’s essential to structure your study time effectively. Aim for consistency and build in time to review what you’ve learned.
If you’re feeling stressed and exhausted, pushing through your study sessions is likely doing more harm than good. Remember, no practice is better than bad practice. If you’re burnt out, it’s time to take a step back.
So, what can you do to break through this plateau? Here are some actionable strategies:
There are countless resources available on how to study smarter, not harder. One of the best tools you can implement is an error log. This isn’t just a box to tick off; it’s a vital part of your study process. Be diligent in understanding why you got a question wrong and why the correct answer is right.
Use your error log to identify patterns in your mistakes. Are you struggling with a particular content area, or is it more about applying specific strategies? Focus your study sessions on these targeted areas.
When setting goals for your study sessions, make sure they are specific and achievable. Instead of vague goals like “studying for 30 minutes,” aim for something like “working through five specific problems in data sufficiency.”
If you’re feeling burnt out, don’t hesitate to take a break. I’ve seen students take a few weeks off and return to see their scores jump by hundreds of points. Rest and relaxation are crucial for your mental health and can lead to breakthroughs in your study.
Lastly, let’s talk about your mindset. Discouragement can be the enemy of progress. Remember, mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve. Approach your study with a positive attitude, and you’ll find that overcoming a plateau becomes much more manageable.
Breaking through a GMAT plateau is challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s entirely possible. If you’re looking for a way to track your progress and stay accountable, consider using GMAT Sprint. It’s a fantastic platform that helps you monitor your study habits and progress, ensuring you’re on the right track.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Happy studying, and good luck on your GMAT journey!
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