About two weeks before the exam, I finished the TTP study plan. Hence leading up to the exam on Feb 5th, I had learnt the content but hadn't plugged my weaknesses or got into the test "mind-set". In my head, this first attempt was always going to be a "test-run" just to get a feel of the test centre and the exam itself; however, despite expecting, and achieving, a score in the 680-720 range, I was left disappointed.

I am not too familiar with how to interpret an ESR, so I would appreciate if an expert could have a skim through and provide me with some insight of where I did not (and did) perform well.

Before the exam I identified that SC was my weakest question type (RC was my strongest) by reviewing both my error log and GMATPrep results. The biggest issue was that I would get stuck on a SC question choosing between the last 2-3 options and would burn through the remaining time. This led me in both GMATPrep #2 and #3 to rush the last 6-7 questions, resulting in 50% of incorrect answers.

Regarding Quant, I did not have many issues while studying. I met all the accuracy target set by TTP for Chapter Tests and Global Review Tests.

Score Background

According to TTP Analytics, my accuracy for Quant was 95% and for Verbal was 75%. My practice scores are listed below:

[TTP 70% Complete]

• MGMAT #4 - 660 Q42 V38 IR6
• GMATPrep #1 - 720 Q47 V42 IR5

[TTP 100% Complete - Using MGMAT Scratchpad and Staedtler Lumocolor 3119]

• GMATPrep #2 (29th Jan) - 710 Q49 V37 IR6
• GMATPrep #3 (1st Feb) - 720 Q50 V37 IR6

[Recognizing that my Verbal time management needed work, I also sat single Verbal sections under test conditions]

• MGMAT #5 (3rd Feb) - V38
• MGMAT #5 (4th Feb) - V45

Test Day

I did not feel nervous during my exam. I had visited the test centre twice in the weeks leading to my exam date, and also followed the routine I had laid out for test day during the two days prior.

Test Order: V, Q, IR, AWA
Score: 690 Q45 V39 IR7 AWA6.0

As I mentioned, based on my practice scores a week before the exam I expected to score between 680 - 720; although, I left frustrated after seeing that I bombed Quant, scoring lower than any GMATPrep CAT I took. (I also feel that I underperformed on RC too)

I don't like to make excuses, but I did struggle with the pens during the exam. During the 3.5 hours I went through 6 pens, each was low on ink and had a frayed tip. I generally don't write much in Verbal (I only cross boxes), but in the Quant section, I had to repeat my working for questions 2-3 times since I was getting no ink down on the scratch pad.

Second Exam - March 9th

I will take a week-long break from studying, but I will spend some of that time to review all my data to identify which areas I need to work on. My main focus will be improving SC efficiency; however, because of my Quant score I may need to go back to TTP and touch up some areas.

Any further advice is greatly appreciated

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Hi MBAaustralia.

The good news is that 690 is a very nice start. Also, I know that I've mentioned this to you elsewhere but reach out to us directly and we can discuss a plan for you moving forward. We've got your back, my friend.
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I can definitely help you in the analysis of your ESR. We can get in touch over a call and analyze it together. I'll PM you the details.
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Hi MBAaustralia,

My response is too late to be helpful, but the pen issue is not an excuse, and the test center should have done a better job there. This sort of thing can absolutely have a huge impact on a test taker's score, especially in the quantitative section.

As for your ESR, I don't know whether we should look at the data in the quantitative section as being representative, but I do think you should work on your (verbal) timing strategy. Unless you got a couple of RC passages in the second quarter, that 2:33 meant that you probably did not do as well as you could have in the third quarter.

The rest of your ESR is really good, and I think that you're in a very good position to improve your score. All the best for the retake.
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Hi AjiteshArun,

Since I first posted, I have gained a better understanding about my performance.

I 100% agree with the 2nd + 3rd quarter timings, as I started to rush in quarter 3 to make sure I had enough time to focus on the last few questions.

With regard to the pen, I've spoken with GMAC and they've advised me that I have the right to check/test the pens before I sit the exam. I will also drop into the test centre in the next week or two and try to confirm if they can supply me with a newish pen (who knows!).

From now until my retake on March 9th, I am knuckling down on my weakness, and doing full sets of OG quant and verbal questions each day.
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Sounds good. You may already be planning to do this, but just in case you're not, ask them for two markers before your next test. Most test centers are okay with that. Unfortunately, Pearson doesn't have a very good track record of accepting responsibility for most issues unless those issues were raised at the test center itself (even though the GMAT Handbook clearly says that test takers can report incidents "within 30 days of your exam date"), so maybe what you're doing is all that can be done. Threads like yours will help other test takers in the future, though.

Also, I wanted to clarify that by "not an excuse" I meant that you don't have to think that you were making excuses, because what you faced absolutely was a problem.
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Haha, no stress!

Posted from my mobile device
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Hi MBAaustralia,

From a cursory glance at your ESR, it seems you have very specific issues in Verbal which can be isolated and worked upon. On the Quant front, your performance on the test day was average across the board. It could be because of the issue with pens you mentioned or because you have certain application related gaps which need to be plugged.

Regarding a detailed analysis of your ESR, you can

1. learn how to analyse it yourself by watching this video (or this playlist)
2. write to us on support@e-gmat.com and our team can give you a detailed analysis and a plan to improve

Also, I would like to invite you to try a SIGma-X mock test. These tests are designed to give you not only an accurate assessment of your potential GMAT score but also a very detailed report of your performance. You will be able to pin-point your strengths and weaknesses and make a precise plan for the remaining of your preparation.

Follow the steps mentioned below to take SIGma-X mock test:

1. Register for free trial on e-GMAT portal
2. After registering, click here to navigate to mock page

Once you take the test, you can write to our team at support@e-gmat.com for a detailed analysis of your performance and a plan to reach your target GMAT score.

Regards,
Aditee
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