Disappointing score

Question

Today I took the GMAT for the first time and did Terrible. I ended up with a 460. I scored in the 82nd percentile on the verbal and unspeakably low on the quant. I knew going into it quant would be my weakness but in the practice tests it was never this bad. I got a 610 on my most recent practice test and upper 500's before that. The program I am trying to get into isn't that prestigious and if I get over a 570 I should be fine. I was only using the Kaplan materials which was obviously a problem but now I need advice going forward. I was really hoping to get into the program this fall and I still could if I take the GMAT again in five weeks or so but if I score poorly again then I will be outta luck. I graduate in two weeks and am debating studying quant hard for a month or so and trying again or just trying to get some work experience and take the GMAT again next winter. I also don't really have any jobs lined up so that's also a problem.

PrijitDebnath · Answer

I can understand your disappointment. However, why do you say that using the Kaplan materials which was obviously a problem? I have read a lot of testimonials from people who have scored quite well using Kaplan.

I am just wondering if the issue is not with the content of Kaplan, but that you perhaps did not have enough time to reinforce the concepts covered in that book. Also, since you were scoring in high 500s and even 600s on the mocks, did you find the actual exam to be significantly different, since you scored much lower on the actual exam.

If that's not the case, then did you perhaps get too nervous during the exam and that might have affected your performance?

Jordyvike23 · Answer

I don't mean to say Kaplan was a bad study source I just should have diversified my practice tests more. I was completely shocked when I saw my score I felt fairly confident going through the entire test including the quant section. I think that reinforcing content would definitely be needed I just wrongly assumed that my practice test scores would closely transfer to the real deal. I now just need advice on whether or not it would be feasible to improve quant enough in a month or so to post an acceptable score.

GMATPill · Answer

You can definitely improve quant in a month. We recommend examining multiple variations off of the same core question type so you are prepared when the same kind of question is asked in a slightly different way.

If you are looking for more diversity in practice tests, we recommend that you try the GMAT Pill Practice Test here: www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/practice-test/

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jordyvike23,

You haven't offered much information about how you studied, so I'd like to know a bit more about those details:

1) How long did you study?
2) When you took your CATs, did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Did you do anything unrealistic when you took your CATs (skipping sections, pausing the Test, listening to music, taking the CATs at different times, etc.)?

4) When is the application deadline for the Program that you're interested in?

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

Jordyvike23 · Answer

I studied for only 3 months or so and that was in spurts except for the last month which was more consistent because I was busy with school and work. I would always do IR and did the essay on my last mock where I scored the highest.

I didn't do anything unrealistic, did my best to make it like the real deal.

The program still accepts applicants until roughly mid summer, they basically accept worthy candidates u til it is filled.

Through more research I think I need to get back to the basics of quant and really work on identification.

Thanks to all you guys for the help.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jordyvike23,

Since your practice CAT scores were consistently higher than your Official Scores, something is clearly "off" in how you're practicing or in how you're facing Test Day (or both). You claimed to have tried to take your CATs in as 'realistic' a way as possible, but there must have been 'variables' that you were not accounting for.

1) What time of day did you take your CATs and what time of day was your Official GMAT?
2) Do you take your CATs at home or do you go to a different location?
3) Did you take any of the CATs more than once?
4) Do you do ANYTHING that you can think of during your CATs that did not 'line up' with what occurred on Test Day?

5) How long is the ride to the Testing Center from your home?
6) On the Official GMAT, do you have to rush to finish any of the sections (and guess on a bunch of questions just to finish)? Do you finish any of the sections early?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

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

Jordyvike23 · Answer

One thing I had not thought about was the fact that I had to drive one hour and thirty minutes to the testing center which definitely could have thrown me off. I took three CAT's with results as mentioned above, all three were from Kaplan but they were all different, took them at home or the library. I somewhat had to rush the last question or two on quant but nothing crazy during the real test. Time of day was fairly similar. My guess is that I was over confident and didn't drill quant hard enough in my preparation therefore some variables I didn't account for and other factors really did me in. I really appreciate all of the feedback.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jordyvike23,

What were your Scaled Scores for the Quant and Verbal sections (not the percentiles)? Those numbers will provide additional insight into what you need to focus on.

Given your score goals, you could very well improve in a short period of time (a month or so), but we really need to define (and focus on) your specific issues since we don't want a repeat of what happened last time.

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

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