Horrible underperformance on actual test

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for your replies. Your input and time are greatly appreciated.

Asad
I had:
CR in both categories 75%
RC 50% in inferrred idea and 75% stated idea
SC 62% grammar 75% communication

To me that does not seem to be too bad. However, I only had 50% accuracy in the first quarter. Guess that was the reason I never moved up to more difficult questions


ScottTargetTestPrep
I think the phases you describe make total sense. If I would have a lot more time I would go through the topics in great detail taking sufficient time to reach one of the high levels described. What do you recommend for the time until 7 Jan. I won’t be able postpone the test. I virtually have no time to study while working, re starting on 13 Jan. I would have to totally reconsider my learning approach in case I have to write it a 3rd time. So I really should try to get a decent result next time. Should I maybe dedicate one day to each quant topic and take the last 7-10 days to mixed problem sets and practice tests. I also feel I really could achieve 700+ if I would just relax and deliver the same performance than during the practice tests. I know I only had 700+ once but with 2.5 weeks remaining I might be able to stabilize around this score. I would appreciate if you could let me know how you view my perspective and how I should take the “phase theory” into my study plan given the circumstances.

Again thanks a lot

Posted from my mobile device

Hi predomania,

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.

As an aside, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you have studied for just 4 weeks, then that might help to explain why you have not score higher yet. By extension, if you can study for just another 2.5 weeks, then there might be a limit to how much you can improve. If your prior GMAT Score was from 2 years ago, then that was a result from the prior/longer version of the GMAT. While the current version is shorter - and some people might argue that that makes it an easier Exam - the older version of the GMAT gave Test Takers more 'wiggle room' to make mistakes (meaning that if you overcommitted to a question on the old version, then the 'damage' to your Score and pacing was less severe than that same overcommitment would be on the current version of the Test). Thus, comparing results from the old version to the new version can be problematic.

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 do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) Did you take any additional CATs/mocks besides the 2 that you mentioned? On what 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) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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). From what you describe, it sounds as if you purchased the ESR; I'll be happy to analyze it for you (and if you would rather not post it publicly, then you can feel free to PM it directly to me).

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

Asad
Sorry I forgot to answer your question concerning the variable approach. I did not hear the name "variable approach" before. In case this refers to picking numbers for the variables - I have done that.
I also found a GMAT Club video on youtube on the variable approach. I will watch it.

My problem with not finishing DS questions referred rather to quite difficult ones e.g. about sets. I guess here the variable approach does not help. I also think the questions were on a rather high level since I did very well in the first quarter according to my ESR (~85% correct). However, I then ran into time issues and got stressed and only had 30% of the last quarter correct (needed to guess a lot).

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC ,

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I will send you my ESR via PM.

Concerning your questions:
1.) I have studied on average 8-10 hours a day. I usually did 3 1-hour-breaks in between (lunch + a walk, sports, dinner). Probably I should have studied a bit less. Even when I kept studying after dinner I felt concentrated, but when I tried to relax for an hour before going to sleep, I still kept thinking of the GMAT. Also, I kept studying on both weekend days with slightly reduced hours.

2.) Economist online prep course, OG material 2019 (here I mainly did verbal - quant questions will be a focus of the next days). On OG verbal questions I usually do 1-3 questions in a row and then review them using GMAT Club.
Also, I was given some speed drill quant problems and practice with the Aristotle RC99 for RC.

3.) Here's my CAT history:
30.11 Economist 660 - Q45, V36
06.12 MBA. com 620 - Q45, V31
12.06 MBA. com 710 - Q48, V39
16.12 MBA. com 660 - Q47, V34

4.) Planning to apply this summer/autumn for programs starting Autumn 2021

5.) I'd like to go to top-ranked programs in the US (e.g. Ivy League)

Very curious to hear what you think

Again thanks!!!

Hi Asad,

Some friends I know of that have heavy insomnia (and take sleeping pills) do their exams poorly. Perhaps you can select exam timing (i.e. In the late afternoon) to give you sufficient (7-9) hours of sleeping

Posted from my mobile device

Hi predomania,

Although it’s going to be challenging to make a significant improvement in just 2.5 weeks, I think your plan seems pretty solid. Honestly, just work your butt off and do the best you can. If you don’t hit your score goal on January 7th, we can then discuss a longer-term strategy. Certainly, if you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

Hi predomania,

I've sent you an email with an analysis of your ESR and some additional questions.

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

I feel more practice under timed conditions will help you improve on your timing. Before that, you need to ensure that you are good with your basics and exam-taking strategies.