720 Q47 V41 ---> 11 days ---> 760 Q50, V47

Hi all!

I took my GMAT last week at a test center - had planned to take it online, but had some major technical issues and wanted to retake before the 16 day waiting period.
I scored a 720 Q47 V41 IR7 AWA6 - ESR attached for review - my plan is to retake online in about 11 days.

On the official mocks I scored as follows
1 - 740 Q48 V44 IR8 (repeat)
2 - 760 Q48 V46 IR7 (missed 1 SC, 1 strengthen CR, 1 explain)
3 - 740 Q49 V42 IR8 (missed 3 SC questions, 2 cast-doubt/weaken CR questions)
4 - 770 Q50 V46 IR8 (missed 2 RC questions, 1 infer, 1 according to the passage)

The test center conditions were not the greatest - small room in a high-traffic building, could hear what was happening outside, proctor kept coming in and out and I sat in front of the door, the temperature was very low and I was in front of the AC which he turned on and off throughout. This also encouraged me to schedule an online retake afterwards, as I could control the environment more readily and be more comfortable.
Despite the TC discomfort, I obviously have a CR problem.
I was somewhat aware of the weakness on CR, and I realize there's a smidge of luck in getting more or less of a certain type of question on the actual test. However, I am not sure I entirely understand the Construction/Plan sub-type or how to address it. I don't recall if the third quarter was heavy on these, as that is where the performance dropped significantly.


If it would be helpful, I can include the questions from M2,3 and 4 that I missed. M1 was a repeat, so not sure how valid it is.

My goal would be a V44+ and perhaps Q48+, for an overall of 740+. Not a huge leap, but advise from experts is always welcome.
EDIT: As far as math goes, I had a geometry question which threw me off really early and I spent <i>way</i> too much time on it, comments on quant also welcome and appreciated.

Any tips, or thoughts?



Hi all!
Took the test online in the comfort of my home and the result was much better.
I took a 10-11 day vacation after the test-center attempt, did another official practice test and reviewed a little for another 3-4 days:

Total: 760
Quant: 49
Verbal: 45
IR: 8

This definitely feels more aligned with my official practice test results, so I am satisfied with the outcome. I think the results were largely driven by a better test environment and more awareness of my weaknesses - given there was little additional study.
Indirect thank you to GMATNinja whose verbal series on YT is fantastic
Many thanks to MartyTargetTestPrep - that link served as good booster
Now I shall continue with the rest of the apps
Cheers to all!


What changed?

• I always practiced in my room after 5 pm vs test center in the morning. So environment and time now matched training conditions. Test center was loud and really cold to the point I was shivering at times. Comfort was definitely higher.
• ESR helped me see that I was perhaps being very inconsistent with my process in the verbal section. In part, resetting my mindset with GMATNinja and MartyTargetTestPrep videos about approach (4 wrong answers, process of elimination).
• Slowing down and not relying on gut or randomly picking between the last two.

I feel great! I also realized that the previous 720 was absolutely fine, especially if I invested effort into the essays. So having that fallback probably removed some pressure.


Is it just a good attempt vs a bad attempt?

• Yes and no.
• The level of comfort and stress definitely played a role in the performance. I might have gotten fewer questions targeted at my weak spots? At the end of the day, though, it was me who got the 720 - not the environment.
• I have always believed that an important portion of the standardized testing process is being at ease when the test comes. I've seen peers much more knowledgeable fail professional exams that I passed.
• They let the exam get to them.
• I had scored consistently higher on the practice exams, but the stressful conditions brought out old habits (perhaps).