Lower than expected score in second attempt (lower than first attempt)

Question

Hi Guys,

I am disappointed after my second attempt, scored 640. In my first attempt, I scored 700. The official mocks that I gave my before the second attempt, I scored 720 and 750 (750 was 2 weeks prior to the exam, and 720 3 weeks prior).

Mock score (before the second attempt, bought new ones)

1. Q49\V40
2. Q50\V40

Official first attempt
Q49V36

Official Second attempt
Q49V27

I am good with quant, although not able to leverage it best to my potential.

I am looking for guidance on how to proceed with my third attempt? How to prepare and when to give?

Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rickdemption,

First off, a 700/Q49 is an outstanding score (it's just shy of the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, a retest is probably not necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission ... tants-124/

If you're committed to retesting though, then it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long did you study before each attempt at the GMAT?
2) What study materials did you use for each attempt?

Goals:
3) What is your goal score?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Rickdemption · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your reply. Appreciate it.

I am planning for a retest. I believe I would need a score of 730.

Studies :
 1) How long did you study before each attempt at the GMAT? -

I took almost a year to improve my verbal for the first attempt. Didn't have to give much time to quant.

Gave the second attempt two months after the first attempt.

2) What study materials did you use for each attempt?

I used OGs and Maghoosh material for the first attempt and Veritas and official mock tests for the second attempt

Goals:

3) What is your goal score?

I am looking for 730.

4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Planning for 2019 class will be applying in September'18

5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

Planning for top 10 colleges or colleges in which I can get a scholarship

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rickdemption,

Since your Verbal Scaled Score was considerably lower on your 2nd Official GMAT than on your 1st, I'd like to know a bit more about the lead-up to that Test Date and Test Day itself:

1) What did you do in the 3 days before your 2nd GMAT?
2) How did you sleep the night before your Test?
3) How long was the ride to the Test Center from your home?
4) Were there any distractions at the facility or during the Test?
5) What did you do during the two 8-minute breaks?
6) Did you finish any sections early?
7) Did you have to rush to finish any sections (and guess on questions just to finish on time)?

You might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report for your 2nd attempt. 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 (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

Rickdemption · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks again for your reply. Find below my responses -

1) What did you do in the 3 days before your 2nd GMAT? -

3 days before the exam - reviewed my last veritas mock test, which went quite well. Scored Q51/V40
2 days before the exam - solved 37 quant questions and reviewed them
1 day before the exam - Solved 14 questions each of CR, RC and SC.

2) How did you sleep the night before your Test?

Slept well, I also slept in afternoon (my exam was at 5:00 PM)

3) How long was the ride to the Test Center from your home?

30 mins

4) Were there any distractions at the facility or during the Test?

Nothing significant

5) What did you do during the two 8-minute breaks?

The first break - I gave Quant first, I wasn't very satisfied with it. In the 8 minutes, I tried to make peace with it. I think I was able to shake it off.

The second break - Not very important. I did IR and AWA reasonably well.

6) Did you finish any sections early?

Q - 30 sec before
V - 5 sec before

7) Did you have to rush to finish any sections (and guess on questions just to finish on time)?

Yes. I rushed in Quant quite a bit. mainly in the question from 15 to 30. Took me time to get adjusted to the environment.
Verbal - Mainly in question from 15 to 25.

I somehow feel like, I became overconfident in verbal. I didn't even realize that I was screwing up the exam so badly.

I did buy the ESR. I will ping you my ESR.

Thanks again for your help.

If you could guide me, how to proceed now that will be very useful.

Thanks,
Rickdemption

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Rickdemption,

I responded to your PM with some notes/suggestions. There was no ESR attached though.

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

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