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Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT)

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Danuthan
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Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   19 Jun 2016, 09:16
Hi guys,

This is my first post on the gmatclub.

Let me introduce myself.
I'm an engineer from Thailand. 28 years old. Have been working for a manufacturing company in Vietnam as a project engineer for six years.
Planning to apply this year for 2017 class.
I've finished my TOEFL exam, got 108.
My latest official GMAT score is 570, IR 6, Q45, V24, which I took in Oct 2015.

Due to work, I started to study for the GMAT intensively again around end of April 2016.
My latest (5 June 2016) GMATPrep CAT score is :

GMATPrep CAT#6 - 700, IR 3, Q47, V39.
My verbal improved from 24 to 39 thanks to E-gmat SC course I took for 10 days before this CAT.
After that I've been practicing official retired questions from OG2016 and Question Pack 1.
I did each section (SC, RC, CR, PS, DS, IR in set of 14 questions. 3 sets per day.
Constantly getting around 70%+ right. Rough avg. around 85%. Timing was good.

However, after feeling pretty confident. Today I decided to take the MGMAT CAT#5.

MGMAT CAT#5 - 590, IR4.5, Q39, V33.
The quantitative section was much harder than in GMATPrep CAT.
The verbal section felt alright, but I was already somewhat tired after the difficult math section.

What should I do next?

My gmat exam is on 30 June 2016.

Thank you so much guys.

DT
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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   19 Jun 2016, 16:04
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Do not touch any any non-official practice problems or tests this close to your exam date. Feel free to completely ignore the Manhattan GMAT exam you've just taken.

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   19 Jun 2016, 15:46
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Hi Danuthan,

Since you've provided just 2 CAT scores for the basis of comparison, it's tough to say which one is the more accurate representation of your current skills. How many other CATs have you taken over the last 2 months (and how did you score on each)?

The reality is that this 590 is probably a 'fluke' and that you just had a bad day, but there's something to be said for defining how this performance differed from your prior CAT performance (beyond the obvious score differences). Think about the details - where you took the Test, the time of day, distractions, how well each experience 'matched up' with what you'll experience on Test Day.

Since your Official GMAT is in 11 days and you've already scored 700 on a CAT, you should probably keep your appointment and take the Test as scheduled.

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   20 Jun 2016, 10:08
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Hi Danuthan,

If we ignore all of the 'retakes', then your score progression is...

590
680
590
700
590

The improvement from the second 590 to 700 occurred after just 2 weeks, which is a remarkably short period of time for that type of score increase. Given this data, I'd have some concerns about how prepared you actually are for the Official GMAT. If you're taking your CATs in an inconsistent fashion, then that could help to explain the inconsistent scores. However, it's also possible that you 'got lucky' with your higher scores or you were just careless with your lower scores. Unfortunately, you're the only one who can really do THAT analysis - you'll have to define how often you were answering questions correctly because you KNEW what the answer was and how often you were 'narrowing the answers down to 2 choices and then "guessing" correctly.'

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   20 Jun 2016, 11:00
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Hi Danuthan,

Having the necessary time in your schedule to retake the GMAT (if needed) is certainly beneficial and having extra study time is also beneficial. Right now, it's not clear whether you're likely to score 600 or 700 on the Official GMAT though, so the decision of whether to reschedule your Test or not is up to you.

Taking a bunch of additional CATs is NOT the solution to this situation though. Inconsistent performances are almost always due to the inconsistent work that you do (or don't do). Practicing Tactics, reviewing past work, doing quizzes, etc. is how you build your skills - taking realistic, FULL-LENGTH CATs is how you measure your skills.

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   20 Jun 2016, 16:56
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First of all, in the 700+ score range, non-GMAC practice tests tend to be very inaccurate because they don't capture accurately the subtleties of GMAT questions. Normally you would save the GMATprep tests to do last.

Secondly, I do think you got burned out by taking so many GMATprep tests in a short span of time. You should stop taking practice tests and do what you can to calm your mind first. Taking practice tests without reviewing is almost totally meaningless.

What you can do now is review the hardest questions you've encountered in your practice to further understand the logic and subtleties behind GMAT questions and answers. Make sure you also study on your vacation so as not to lose your focus, and then perhaps re-take GMATprep exam 1 when you feel better prepared.

I would also hire a GMAT tutor to help you review at this crucial stage in your GMAT study

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2016, 17:05
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HiLine wrote:
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:
Practicing Tactics, reviewing past work, doing quizzes, etc. is how you build your skills - taking realistic, FULL-LENGTH CATs is how you measure your skills.


So much truth in this. I may have to borrow this quote if you would allow me. ;)

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Hi HiLine,

If you're willing to properly cite the source, then feel free. :)

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2016, 17:08
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Hi Danuthan,

Assuming that you didn't do anything significantly unrealistic during your practice, you likely have the necessary skills to score 700+ on Test Day. At this 'level' though, the GMAT becomes really 'sensitive' to little mistakes, so you don't have to be focused so much on answering 'hard' questions as you should be on making sure that you correctly answer the 'gettable' questions.

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 23:04
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Danuthan, are you anywhere near Hanoi? I am a GMAT tutor based in Hanoi and can give you a free session if you think that would help.

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Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   19 Jun 2016, 20:36
Hi Rich and HiLine,

Thank you for your reply.

In the past 2 months I've taken several CATs. Here are the scores.

19 Apr 2016 , MGAMT CAT#4 590, IR 0, Q39, V33

18 May 2016, GMATPrep CAT#3 680, IR 6, Q48, V35

23 May 2016, GMATPrep CAT#5 590, IR 5, Q45, V27 (Before E-Gmat SC) (First attempt at CAT#5) (Not review incorrect questions)

26 May 2016, GMATPrep CAT#5 610, IR 6, Q47, V27 (Before E-Gmat SC) (Not review incorrect questions)

29 May 2016, GMATPrep CAT#5 640, IR 6, Q49, V29 (Before E-Gmat SC) (Reviewed incorrect question after this CAT)

5 June 2016, GMATPrep CAT#6 700, IR 3, Q47, V39. (After E-Gmat SC) (First attempt at CAT#6) (Reviewed incorrect question after this CAT)

15 June 2016, GMATPrep CAT#6 740, IR 6, Q50, V40 (Didn't state this score in my previous post because I felt that this is inflated score since I saw about 50% repeated questions.)

20 June 2016, MGMAT CAT#5 590, IR 4.5, Q39, V33

My goal score is 700.

And I plan to start my application next month.

Also I'll be away on Vacation from 15-24 July 2016. There is a GMAT exam slot available on 25 June 2016. Should I move up my exam?
So that I can sit another one before my vacation If I screw up this coming test.

Thank you guys,

DT
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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   20 Jun 2016, 10:26
Hi Rich.

To answer your question.

I tried to take the CATs as realistic as possible. Did all sections and followed 8 minutes breaks.

But for the CATs that I got high scores I remember that I had to guess only a few questions.

What should I do next?

I've got 3 unattempted CATs left.

1 MGMAT #6
2 800scores
3 GMATclub test

Should I reschedule my exam?

Thanks

DT

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   20 Jun 2016, 23:42
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your reply.

After reading your replies, I've decided that I will go back to improve on my accuracy first then timing.

However, I will still sit the GMAT exam on 30 June.
And from today till my test day I will not sit anymore CATs.

Thanks guys.

DT

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2016, 02:41
EMPOWERgmatRichC wrote:
Practicing Tactics, reviewing past work, doing quizzes, etc. is how you build your skills - taking realistic, FULL-LENGTH CATs is how you measure your skills.


So much truth in this. I may have to borrow this quote if you would allow me. ;)

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2016, 02:43
Danuthan wrote:
Hi guys,

Thank you so much for your reply.

After reading your replies, I've decided that I will go back to improve on my accuracy first then timing.

However, I will still sit the GMAT exam on 30 June.
And from today till my test day I will not sit anymore CATs.

Thanks guys.

DT

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Good choice. Don't take more than 2 exams between now and the exam date. 1 is your best bet. 0 is acceptable. :D

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   21 Jun 2016, 22:01
Hi Rich and Hiline,

Yesterday I spent some time doing OG problems without timing myself.

I found that for about half of the verbal questions I had to guess between a couple of choices. And one of the two was usually a correct answer.

I believe I still have some conceptual gaps. I will go back and have a look on my weakest areas first.

Thanks,

DT

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Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 05:13
Hi guys,

I sat another CAT two days ago.

GMAT Prep CAT#2 640 q47 v32.

For verbal part the percentile by part is SC 50%, RC 50%, CR 95%.

For all past CATs that I took:
For CR, I usually get around 70-90%.
For RC, I usually get around 50-60%.
For SC, I usually get around 50-90%.

I currently feel overwhelmed with GMAT and will not study today.

I think I will focus on my SC since the score varies a lot.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks
DT

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 10:21
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Hi Danuthan,

In a prior post, you stated that you were going to take the Official GMAT on June 30th (which is today). Is that still your plan?

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 19:17
Dear Rich,

That test is already cancelled.

Thanks,

DT

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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 22:33
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Hi Danuthan,

Based on your last few posts, it seemed likely that you had either cancelled or rescheduled your Official Test Date, but you did not update this thread with the information. When are you now planning/scheduled to take the GMAT?

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Rich
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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink] New post   30 Jun 2016, 22:40
Dear Rich,

Sorry for the confusion, the 30th of June test was cancelled due to my illness.

While waiting for Pearson to consider rescheduling my test without cost, I have booked a new test on the 12th July.

If they approve the request, I will use that for my next exam after this 12th July exam.

I need to sit the test before my vacation with my family, since I know that I will not be able to study much during the trip.

However, between now and my test, I will focus mainly on my SC as I think how well I master this part will decide whether my score will be above 700.

I'm drafting my study plan in my head at work today.

Please advice whether I've made the right decision.

Thanks,

DT
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Re: Huge scores drop (GMATPrep CAT Vs. MGMAT CAT) [#permalink]
30 Jun 2016, 22:40
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