Debrief: My first GMAT experience

Question

It was an unpleasant experience. Even the first attempt which was followed by about 3 months study got merely in vain because of just the marker which was provided in the exam hall. The Pearson 'Lal Bagh' centre is located in the heart of the city. So reaching there was not at all an issue. the exam room was well air-conditioned, the locker was provided, the room was also quite calm. So, there were no major issues related to the exam hall. But, severe problem arose when I was given the marker.
First of all, the writing board was slippery due to repeated writings. They should have ensured that the writing board is up to the mark which they did not consider their priority. Appearing for the first time, I was not aware of such things. And then comes the mighty marker which would stop working after 20 seconds of inactivity. This time might be the time taken to read the stub of CR or passage of RC.
Then, I complained about the marker to the invigilators. They replaced the marker twice that also did not work as the previous marker. This was too unfortunate as well as unbearable.
So, while choosing the markers, be extra careful and check whether the marker is working properly or not.
Also, use the headphones only if it is suitable for you. I didn't use it because it was so tight.

Businessconquerer · Answer

That is so sad to hear that your GMAT didn't go as expected. But I believe that you can certainly benefit from a econd attempt, What was your mock score??

Akshay517 · Answer

My mock scores were consistently increasing during the preparation. I got a 720 in official prep test #6.

Businessconquerer · Answer

That is so sad to hear. The test center conditions did drop my score from 760 to 700 on my attempt 2

Akshay517 · Answer

Did you face any problem with the marker and writing board that were provided ?

MahmoudFawzy · Answer

Hi  Akshay517 
I am so sorry for hearing about your bad experience.
To be honest with you and to set your expectations properly, this experience is almost the same across all the other centers in a country with high population like India. I really understand your frustration and how this burned your focus and mental strength.
You will be writing on a plastic coated paper which is used before by other candidates, and you will be writing using water markers which dries fast if lefty without the cover.
I hope you reschedule soon and I am quite sure that your next attempt will be definitely better.

Businessconquerer · Answer

No, I had problems with the conditions, my allergies to dust kicked in

Ruined my performance

Akshay517 · Answer

Hi  MahmoudFawzy 
 What you interpreted from my explanation is entirely true. I am planning to retake the exam next month.
 Hope that goes well.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Akshay517,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. The situation that you faced with the markers would have been disruptive to most Test Takers. That having been said, we have to be careful about assuming that that is the only reason why you scored lower on the Official GMAT. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When is your next Official Test Date? 
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

You might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Akshay517,

I’m sorry to hear how things went with your GMAT. Hopefully, you do not encounter any similar issues during your retake. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

Akshay517 · Answer

Hi Rich Thanks to you for the reply. I shall answer this one by one. 1) I prepared for about 3-4 months. In a week I used to invest not more than 25 hours. 2) Official guides,Verbal & Quant review books, Retired Prep questions and GMATCLUB sources. 3) The 6 official mock tests were taken during this 3-4 month preparation. Approximately, the mocks taken were at least one month apart. 4) I want to apply for the MiM programme in Europe. As far as I know, to apply in the 3rd Round of admissions in March, I must get a 680 or above. 5) I have planned to retake the test on 25th February 2020. 6) For the 3rd round in March. 7) HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESCP and IE (dual degree).

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Akshay517,

Based on your next planned Test Date, you have a little over 4 weeks of potential study time. Statistically-speaking, raising a 600 to the point that you could consistently score 680+ would likely require at least another 1.5 - 2 months of consistent, guided study, so there might be a limit to how much you can improve in just 4 weeks. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. You could pick up all of the additional points that you are looking for in just the Verbal section - so assuming that your Quant skills stay at this same general level (around a Q47), then you might be able to focus on Verbal for this next month and hone the necessary skills to pick up those 80+ points. That task will be challenging, but the Verbal section is as consistent and predictable as the Quant section is - meaning that you can develop skills, learn patterns, etc. and earn a higher Score in that section.

In my prior message, I asked about EACH of your practice CAT/mock Scores. Those specific results are important; they define potential patterns in your performances, so it would help to have that data (if you do not remember the exact dates that you took your CATs, then approximate dates would be fine). In addition, an ESR would also be quite useful (especially in assessing how you 'responded' to the Verbal section on Test Day).

1) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?
3) What are the exact application deadlines that you are facing?
4) What is the minimum GMAT Score that you would apply with (is it 680 or something else?)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

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