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priyer111
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Sammy599
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Sammy's suggestions are good. And you really shouldn't rely too much on the official guides if you want a very high score.

I just want to add that scores that you get from practice tests may be far from the ones you get from the actual GMAT. Some people score higher, some score lower. So, your scores don't necessarily mean your performance is worsening.

In my case, for example, I tried a Veritas test on the day before taking the actual GMAT. My Veritas score was 690 (all my previous Veritas tests were about the same). My actual GMAT score is 750.
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priyer111
The first time I took the GMAT was in 2010. I scored 730 back then (49Q 38V).

I took the GMAT again last week after a preparation of about 2 months and scored a 690 (49Q 34V). I was very disappointed with the score because I was really hoping to score at least 710, if not 730. So, I canceled the score and have scheduled to re-take the GMAT in 2 weeks from now.

In preparation for my most recent attempt at the GMAT, over a time period of 2 months, I had taken the GMAT Prep Tests and scored 730, 710 and 730 on them, in that order. I had also taken 2 Veritas Prep tests and scored 660 and 690 on them, in that order.

Now that I have decided to re-take the GMAT, I have been focusing heavily on verbal since I scored only 34 on my most recent test so I have been practising CR and RC specifically a lot however, I am running out of practice questions now. I took an MGMAT today and scored a 690 (46Q 35V). I am disappointed again and frankly, scared now, because I have heard that the MGMAT is supposed to be easier than the real test. I badly want to hit 700+ :(

With two weeks to go for my next (and possibly last) attempt, it would be great if you could share tips on:

1. Where can I find more practice questions (outside of OG) without spending a fortune?
2. What's a good strategy to improve my score, overall, and cross the 700 mark?
3. How much should I practise everyday? I spend at least 1.5 hours everyday (I work from 9 to 6) but can spend more time practising if I need to. Is there some point of diminishing return with the amount of practice after which it does more harm than good?
4. How many more practice CATs should I take in the next 2 weeks before I re-take the GMAT?

All or any tips are welcome. Thanks!
It's disappointing to see a lower than expected score, but you should not lose heart. Getting a 690 on the first attempt is actually indicative of very good performance.

1. You can use questions from older OGs, and from the question pack 1. I don't recommend using too much non-official material just before your exam.

2. Focus on your testing and analysis for now. You're extremely close to your target score, so making big changes at this stage is probably not a good idea.

3. Yes, but that's a call you need to take. There is no one number that works for everyone, and you must keep a close watch on your energy levels. I don't recommend doing any heavy studying in the last week.

4. 2-3 tests sounds good to me. Don't overdo it.
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There's some good advice above, but I'll also mention that the standard error of your official GMAT score is higher than a lot of people think - it's something like 30 points. That means that the GMAC only promises to give you a score within 30 points of your actual ability level. I can only assume that the deviation on a non-official practice test would be higher. So I wouldn't panic about one practice test at the 690 level, especially in light of your multiple 700+ practice tests. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.
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