Last visit was: 14 May 2026, 10:33 It is currently 14 May 2026, 10:33
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
User avatar
Kanakshukrey
User avatar
Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Last visit: 20 Dec 2023
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
10
 [1]
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: ISB '24
Posts: 54
Kudos: 10
 [1]
Bumped Updated on: 20 Nov 2023, 00:51
Originally posted by Kanakshukrey on 18 Aug 2022, 23:27.
Last edited by Kanakshukrey on 20 Nov 2023, 00:51, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bumped
User avatar
EducationAisle
User avatar
Joined: 27 Mar 2010
Last visit: 14 May 2026
Posts: 3,920
Own Kudos:
3,586
 [1]
Given Kudos: 159
Location: India
Schools: ISB
GPA: 3.31
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: ISB
Posts: 3,920
Kudos: 3,586
 [1]
Bumped 19 Aug 2022, 00:07
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kanakshukrey

I'm thinking of taking the test again in 10-15 days as I'm now relating the bad score to the test day anxiety/nerves, but not sure whether to go for it or not.
Show more
See if you can give a couple more mocks in the next 1-2 days. If you are consistently maintaining a 690+ score in all of them, then it was just one bad day and you can confidently appear again at the earliest.
User avatar
Kanakshukrey
User avatar
Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Last visit: 20 Dec 2023
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: ISB '24
Posts: 54
Kudos: 10
Bumped 19 Aug 2022, 00:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
EducationAisle
Kanakshukrey

I'm thinking of taking the test again in 10-15 days as I'm now relating the bad score to the test day anxiety/nerves, but not sure whether to go for it or not.
See if you can give a couple more mocks in the next 1-2 days. If you are consistently maintaining a 690+ score in all of them, then it was just one bad day and you can confidently appear again at the earliest.
Show more

Thank you for your advice. Yes, I'll do this. Also, I'm planning to take this next one online to eliminate any nerves whatsoever. Also, the screen at the test center was huge, as I've been practicing on my 13-inch laptop. Could that have played a factor in the low scores all over? And is the online GMAT harder than the in-person one?

Thank you again!
User avatar
ReedArnoldMPREP
User avatar
Manhattan Prep Instructor
Joined: 30 Apr 2021
Last visit: 03 Dec 2025
Posts: 521
Own Kudos:
548
Given Kudos: 37
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V47
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V47
Posts: 521
Kudos: 548
Bumped 19 Aug 2022, 08:25
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kanakshukrey
Hey guys,
So I've been studying for around 2-3 months and took my official GMAT yesterday (In Person). To my surprise, I scored a disheartening 620 with a Q42 and a V32. Needless to say, I canceled my scores and experienced the long, hard journey back home. The thing is, I was very confident about my prep as I scored a 690 (Q47, V37) and a 700 (V36, Q48) in my Official Prep tests 3 and 4. (Yes, both the tests were taken in the ideal exam conditions without any breaks).

Both of my scores were shockingly hindered, although I thought I was doing pretty well in both sections. Quant was a bit tricky but nothing out of this world. Verbal was kind of on the same level.

I'm thinking of taking the test again in 10-15 days as I'm now relating the bad score to the test day anxiety/nerves, but not sure whether to go for it or not. I'm also thinking of a personal tutor. Any advice will be appreciable.

Thanks!
Kanak
Show more

Here's a personal story--I'm currently studying for the LSAT. I've been struggling bad with one section in particular, Logic Games. I spent February to June practicing these and studying for the test. I got to a point where several of my practice tests were (to equate to GMAT scores) 760+ (started at a '630'). My last three practice tests were '790, 770, 780.'

Then I took the real test. During the 'games' section, I melted down. I had put so much pressure on myself to do well--to match those scores I knew I could get--that I couldn't think straight. In the end, I got a score-equivalent of a 640. Barely better than my first practice test.

It's important to see that, when you've gotten the score you want on a few practice tests but bomb on a real test, your problem mostly isn't your skills. Sure, sure--you can keep practicing to sharpen them a little bit, and that can't hurt. But mostly you have to get your mind right.

So, since June, I drastically cut my studying time. I did a little bit every week, to keep my skills sharp, but that was it. I worked on mindset, I reminded myself that I have gotten the scores, so I know I can get them again, **even if it doesn't happen on this next test**. That's been huge. What *exact* score you get every time you sit down for the test is, to some degree, out of your control! You control the *range of possibilities*. But the pressure I put on myself to hit these high scores that I knew I could get (but didn't *always* get) during the test ate me alive.

I also practiced some mindfulness. Thought about what I could do in the LSAT when nerves crept in. I took the test last weekend. I kind of doubt I got that 780/790, but I don't think I got below a 700, and think there's a decent chance I hit a 760.

Here's a good video on 'real scores not matching practice tests' that has tons of good advice (one thing in here I also did that I thought was helpful--I didn't tell many people I was taking the test again).

User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,073
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,073
Bumped 19 Aug 2022, 15:40
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Kanak,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. 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 many hours did you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) On what dates (or approximate 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 are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then 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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
User avatar
Kanakshukrey
User avatar
Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Last visit: 20 Dec 2023
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: ISB '24
Posts: 54
Kudos: 10
Bumped 20 Aug 2022, 00:21
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
ReedArnoldMPREP
Kanakshukrey
Hey guys,
So I've been studying for around 2-3 months and took my official GMAT yesterday (In Person). To my surprise, I scored a disheartening 620 with a Q42 and a V32. Needless to say, I canceled my scores and experienced the long, hard journey back home. The thing is, I was very confident about my prep as I scored a 690 (Q47, V37) and a 700 (V36, Q48) in my Official Prep tests 3 and 4. (Yes, both the tests were taken in the ideal exam conditions without any breaks).

Both of my scores were shockingly hindered, although I thought I was doing pretty well in both sections. Quant was a bit tricky but nothing out of this world. Verbal was kind of on the same level.

I'm thinking of taking the test again in 10-15 days as I'm now relating the bad score to the test day anxiety/nerves, but not sure whether to go for it or not. I'm also thinking of a personal tutor. Any advice will be appreciable.

Thanks!
Kanak

Here's a personal story--I'm currently studying for the LSAT. I've been struggling bad with one section in particular, Logic Games. I spent February to June practicing these and studying for the test. I got to a point where several of my practice tests were (to equate to GMAT scores) 760+ (started at a '630'). My last three practice tests were '790, 770, 780.'

Then I took the real test. During the 'games' section, I melted down. I had put so much pressure on myself to do well--to match those scores I knew I could get--that I couldn't think straight. In the end, I got a score-equivalent of a 640. Barely better than my first practice test.

It's important to see that, when you've gotten the score you want on a few practice tests but bomb on a real test, your problem mostly isn't your skills. Sure, sure--you can keep practicing to sharpen them a little bit, and that can't hurt. But mostly you have to get your mind right.

So, since June, I drastically cut my studying time. I did a little bit every week, to keep my skills sharp, but that was it. I worked on mindset, I reminded myself that I have gotten the scores, so I know I can get them again, **even if it doesn't happen on this next test**. That's been huge. What *exact* score you get every time you sit down for the test is, to some degree, out of your control! You control the *range of possibilities*. But the pressure I put on myself to hit these high scores that I knew I could get (but didn't *always* get) during the test ate me alive.

I also practiced some mindfulness. Thought about what I could do in the LSAT when nerves crept in. I took the test last weekend. I kind of doubt I got that 780/790, but I don't think I got below a 700, and think there's a decent chance I hit a 760.

Here's a good video on 'real scores not matching practice tests' that has tons of good advice (one thing in here I also did that I thought was helpful--I didn't tell many people I was taking the test again).

Show more

Reed my man! Thanks for sharing your amazing experience! First off, I want to thank you because I've watched many of your GMAT videos on YouTube. My favorite one being you taking the Quant section in its entirety. That really helped me gain a new perspective (although, I failed to experience the same level of tranquility that you were in, in the video). And yes, I'm starting to believe that my nerves got the better of me during the test. Anyway, no harm in retaking it to verify. I'll re-attempt it from home as well.

Thanks for sharing all this golden info. I'll surely incorporate all of this in my next attempt, let's see how it goes.

Thanks a ton!
Kanak
User avatar
Kanakshukrey
User avatar
Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Last visit: 20 Dec 2023
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: ISB '24
Posts: 54
Kudos: 10
Bumped 20 Aug 2022, 00:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi Kanak,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. 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 many hours did you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) On what dates (or approximate 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 are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then 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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
Show more

Hi Rich, thanks for the response.
1) I studied for around 4-5 hours every day for the last 2-3 months. Covered the quant basics, and then moved on to the official questions.
2) I've only used the 4 official mocks. This was my second attempt (The first one being a 600 last year, during which I exhausted the first two official prep mocks).
3) Study materials used by me were CR Bible, Mgmat guides, and a local quant course from India. (Wizako)

My overall goal was 690-710. I secured the same in Mock 3 and 4. (No repeated questions, timed, and under strict exam conditions; Taken a week prior to the real thing.

I'll apply to the top 15 B-Schools. I know the 'barely 700' score is not what someone should be aiming for, but I fall under the diversity profile category (Professional Sports), and so I'm confident about the outcome.

Now, I know all this sounds like a perfect scenario to retake the test ASAP, but what if I bomb it again and then come to know I have several severe and undiagnosed weaknesses? That's the only thing freaking me out. Also, the application deadlines for Round 1 are coming dauntingly near. Any advice will be appreciable.
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,073
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,073
Bumped 20 Aug 2022, 09:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Kanak,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 13 May 2026
Posts: 6,096
Own Kudos:
5,143
 [1]
Given Kudos: 742
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,096
Kudos: 5,143
 [1]
Bumped 21 Aug 2022, 03:12
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kanakshukrey
Hey guys,
So I've been studying for around 2-3 months and took my official GMAT yesterday (In Person). To my surprise, I scored a disheartening 620 with a Q42 and a V32. Needless to say, I canceled my scores and experienced the long, hard journey back home. The thing is, I was very confident about my prep as I scored a 690 (Q47, V37) and a 700 (V36, Q48) in my Official Prep tests 3 and 4. (Yes, both the tests were taken in the ideal exam conditions without any breaks).

Both of my scores were shockingly hindered, although I thought I was doing pretty well in both sections. Quant was a bit tricky but nothing out of this world. Verbal was kind of on the same level.

I'm thinking of taking the test again in 10-15 days as I'm now relating the bad score to the test day anxiety/nerves, but not sure whether to go for it or not. I'm also thinking of a personal tutor. Any advice will be appreciable.

Thanks!
Kanak
Show more
Hi Kanakshukrey,

Go for it. The score drop could absolutely be due to nerves. Did you face any issues with time management?
User avatar
ScottTargetTestPrep
User avatar
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Last visit: 14 May 2026
Posts: 22,339
Own Kudos:
26,589
Given Kudos: 302
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Location: United States (CA)
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 22,339
Kudos: 26,589
Bumped 22 Aug 2022, 10:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Kanakshukrey,

If you think nerves are an issue, here is a helpful article you can check out:

How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety

Feel free to reach out with any questions.
User avatar
Kanakshukrey
User avatar
Joined: 03 Nov 2018
Last visit: 20 Dec 2023
Posts: 54
Own Kudos:
10
Given Kudos: 45
Location: India
Schools: ISB '24
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: ISB '24
Posts: 54
Kudos: 10
Bumped 08 Sep 2022, 04:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey everyone, so I took the test online today and ended up with the same exact score as last time: 620. Only this time, it was a Q46 (as compared to Q42 the last time) and a V29 (which was a drop from the last time's V32). I don't know what to do and where to go from here, to be honest. I never scored below V30 in any of the tests, mock or real.

Any advices?
User avatar
ReedArnoldMPREP
User avatar
Manhattan Prep Instructor
Joined: 30 Apr 2021
Last visit: 03 Dec 2025
Posts: 521
Own Kudos:
548
Given Kudos: 37
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V47
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V47
Posts: 521
Kudos: 548
Bumped 08 Sep 2022, 06:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kanakshukrey
Hey everyone, so I took the test online today and ended up with the same exact score as last time: 620. Only this time, it was a Q46 (as compared to Q42 the last time) and a V29 (which was a drop from the last time's V32). I don't know what to do and where to go from here, to be honest. I never scored below V30 in any of the tests, mock or real.

Any advices?
Show more

Well, first off, notice the positive: you jumped four points in quant and were around the scores of your mocks.

In general (but especially in verbal) how were your nerves and timing? Did you have to rush through the end? Did you get an ESR (if possible?)

I know, it's a frustrating thing. But it looks mostly like an unusually low verbal score for you. I saw someone recently use the phrase "ride the variance." Meaning, basically, 'know that these things happen, don't let any single score throw you off, keep testing until your capabilities align on the day.' Keep studying, shore up your consistency, make sure your timing is impeccable.
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,073
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,073
Bumped 08 Sep 2022, 18:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Kanak,

I'm sorry to hear that this 2nd attempt did not turn out better. I've sent you a PM with some additional notes and follow-up questions.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 13 May 2026
Posts: 6,096
Own Kudos:
5,143
Given Kudos: 742
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,096
Kudos: 5,143
Bumped 11 Sep 2022, 11:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Kanakshukrey
Hey everyone, so I took the test online today and ended up with the same exact score as last time: 620. Only this time, it was a Q46 (as compared to Q42 the last time) and a V29 (which was a drop from the last time's V32). I don't know what to do and where to go from here, to be honest. I never scored below V30 in any of the tests, mock or real.

Any advices?
Show more
Hi Kanakshukrey,

That's tough, and you may need to think hard about your prep, and your strengths and weaknesses. If I were you, I'd still back myself to do well (I'm assuming that you weren't already familiar with the questions you encountered on your official practice tests).
Moderators:
gchandana
200 posts
MBAACCOUNT2025
General GMAT Forum Moderator
474 posts