GMAT score lower the more I study

Thank you so much for taking time and replying to my post.
Well, I was never thinking of postponing my test date. I'm interested in applying for a place starting next September so I'm not sure there is still enough time. I was always thinking I understand the basics especially in quant, what specifically could you recommend me to "focus on the fundamentals"?

Another question: When I usually review the questions I did wrong in the gmat prep exam most of them appear easy to me and I easily understand that is wrong. But I don't know why I made it wrong 3 hours earlier in the exam. Is there something which could help solving this issue?

Thanks a lot, Sebastian

Hi Sebastian,

GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, your 6 CAT score results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 540 +/- a few points). You handle certain aspects of the GMAT consistently well, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. The swings in your Quant and Verbal percentiles are likely due to a mix of 'lucky' and 'unlucky' guesses and little mistakes on individual Exams.

From what you describe, your studies have been 'book heavy'; unfortunately, many Test Takers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. You might consider rescheduling your Exam, although since you're so close to your Test Date, the rescheduling fee would be $150. There's no harm in taking the GMAT as scheduled, but raising a 540 to the point that you can consistently score 600+ will likely require at least another month of consistent, guided study, meaning that you would likely end up repaying to take the GMAT again later.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals:

1) Is your Goal Score 600 or something else?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
3) What application deadlines are you facing?

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

Depends on your target score. Since you are "stuck" in the 500s on the official practice tests, I suggested postponement if you wanted a score in the high 600s to over 700.

Understanding the basics involves many elements. One, you must become highly familiar with core concepts. e.g. concepts of number systems, time and work, speed and distance, geometry, etc (for quant section). The GMAT will test these same basic concepts in many convoluted ways, especially with the harder questions.

Regarding the second point: It is normal for a testtaker to feel that they easily understand a GMAT prep question when it is reviewed. The review process is different from the process involved when the question is answred the first time. You can use the review process to become familar with the various question patterns. Doing this will assist in quickly and accurately answering a different but similar question on the test.

Sebastiannn If you want more assistance, please feel free to drop me a note. September of next year appears to be plenty of time within which you can prepare. However, you may have different considerations in your life. GL!