Gmat massive drop disappointment

Question

I gave my third attempt two weeks ago and ended up scoring a 530. I was shocked to see such a massive drop because my prior attempt was a 700 and I had been consistently practicing and scoring better on my official mocks.
The only change was the exam center. My first two test centers we’re official pearson vue centers. however, this time I chose an approved/collaborated by pearson. The exam center didn’t have a proper seating area and in reality it didn’t even feel like an exam center because it was in some cramped building in a small room. 
Also, the questions that popped up for the test were really really difficult and it took me a lot of time to even figure out what they were asking.

I am yet to figure out if it’s any real skills that were reflected on the exam day and I got lucky in my prior tests including mocks or could the exam center be a factor.

What do you all prefer for your tests? A Pearson test center which has all the facilities and looks like a legit place honestly.

I would be grateful to get some insight here.

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MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Ic0830de.

It certainly seems likely that the test center environment affected your performance. At the same time, a 170-point score drop is rather large. So, perhaps something else was going on as well.

Did you repeat any of the practice tests, or were you scoring 700 the first time you took the tests?

You can get some ideas regarding why your score dropped from this post.

Why Was My GMAT Score Lower Than My Practice Test Scores?

Ic0830de · Answer

All the practice tests were new and unfamiliar to me. That’s why I am a little concerned about the drop.Also, my prior attempts were at 7-8am but this time I chose an 11am exam appointment. I guess these could be some factors? What do you think?

Posted from my mobile device

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Ic0830de,

If you're taking the GMAT in India, and you have at least one Pearson center in your area, that's where you should take your test.

KarishmaB · Answer

It could have been an off day for you or you might have been rattled by the lack of facilities. I am sure you would have cancelled that score. 
Schedule another test in a Pearson Vue centre and select the time slot as per what works best for you (or closest to it). Thereafter, take a few practice tests at that time of the day. Visit the centre a couple of days before your test to get familiar with the surroundings.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider getting the ESR to get more insight into what could have happened.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

HI Ic0830de,

From what you are saying, I think the exam center environment really threw you off. So, if you can take the GMAT at a more "stable" testing facility, I think you will perform closer to where you were scoring on your practice exams.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Ic0830de,

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. However, if you've taken the Official GMAT multiple times and scored much higher on your earlier attempts, there are additional factors that we have to consider. 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) On what dates did you take your 3 Official GMATs and how did you score on each (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) How long did you study before each attempt? Over the last 3 months, how many hours did you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used over the course of ALL of your studies? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) 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:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

Since 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]

rinigahunia · Answer

Hi all, 
I am posting here as I am sailing in same boat,

I just took test in which I scored around 550. q40v21
This is not representative of my actual ability and am well aware of this. 
As I was late after my breeak to start verbal section, Something happened and my anxiety rose high . 😑😑 
I could only attempt 10-15 questions in entire one hour.

At this point, I wnat some expert recommendations please.

1.Who I can consult for any personal tutoring sessions? 
2. also want to know if EA can help as well? Any suggestions around that. 
3.My speed in verbal needs to be improved which I know but I am not sure how to do that. 
4. One point to note is that I took mock 2 weeks prior to my actual Gmat in which I scored 420. So clearly, I improved in two weeks. This shows I can improve in next month as well. 
5. I am pretty confident about my profile otherwise with around 10 years of experience in capital markets as Lead software consultant.

Need to finalize Gmat before JUNE as there are some personal responsibilities which I need to address after that.

Can someone provide me some personalized sessions?

Please help. 
Thank you,
Rini

Posted from my mobile device

rinigahunia · Answer

GMATNinja 
 bb

Anyone who can help please.

Posted from my mobile device

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi rinigahunia,

1. You can find a list of tutors  here . There are other tutors as well on GMAT club.

2. First, ask your target schools which tests they accept. This will help you take a better decision.

3. Generally, a test taker's speed/timing improves as his/her understanding of the concepts improves, so I recommend focusing on the concepts first.

4. That is definitely a good sign.

5. You could ask for a profile analysis  here .

GMATBusters · Answer

Hi

Your improvement in 2 weeks clearly shows you high improvement potential. 
We do provide personalized tutoring for GMAT prep. We can help you reach your true potential. 
If you want to discuss further, feel free to write a PM to me.

Thanks

(PS: You can read some score verified reviews in the signature.)

Gmat massive drop disappointment

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