I just left the test center, and needless to say i am a bit dejected. I cant seem to figure out why i cant get over that 700-hump, and in taking the test for the 3rd time already would/should i take it again despite the appearance of taking it "too many times"
Here is a breakdown of my test scores:
1) 12/23/10 Q49 V35 690 5.5 AWA
2) 5/27/11 Q41 V 38 640 5.5 AWA
3) 6/28/11 (Today) Q49 V 31 660
I am most upset because I have been scoring fantastically on my recent practice exams:
6/26 (2 days ago) GMATPrep2 Q50 V44 770
6/19 (A week before that)
MGMAT 6 Q51 V45 780
I dont know what is wrong, I cant seem to figure out what the disconnect is and why i cant come through on test day. I cant seem to do well on both sections on the same day!
Before I took the test in May i scored a 760 the night before. When i went to the test I froze on the 1st math problem, (a rate/distance) problem and was messed up for the rest of the section, I did however do well on the Verbal that day. After seeing my performance that time I was devastated and after talking with my girlfriend and family members figured that I had worked myself too hard and taking that last practice test the night before was a huge mistake.
So this time around I took the test two days before in the morning, then went over it right after and didnt do anything in between. I felt that I was ready after getting that 770. I relaxed, hung out with my gf, played some ps3, meditated and got my mind right, hoping to not have the mental collapse i had during 2nd try.
Today i go into the test center knock out the AWA and go to the restroom to relax myself before math. I felt fine starting the math section and felt that I went though it pretty well. The Verbal I thought I was doing good in as well and was shocked to see the V31 on my score report, especially after the V44 just two days earlier and the V38 on the last official test.
So in summary, what should I do now? I am extremely frustrated because i know I have a 700+ score inside me, i just cant seem to bring it out on D-day. I was hoping to apply for Round 1, and wanted to have the GMAT behind me after today and can begin writing essays and putting my Apps together, however I feel that I without a 700+ my application wont be competitive. My first choice is NYU, and I also wanted to apply to Columbia, Anderson, Marshall, Emory, and GaTech. I feel that with my current score, the 1st 3 if not more would be out of the question.
Do i take the test again later on and apply in a later round or submit scores after my application, and risk seeming to be a "score chaser" taking the test for a 4th time? What should my next move be?