Need advice / Analysis of my Test scores - 1 week to go!

Question

Hi guys,

Normally, I wouldn't look into this in too much detail but since my test is a little over a week I'm getting anxious.
The last two weekends I obtained the following scores:
Sunday 15/11 - MGMAT#4 - 680, Q47, V35
Saturday 14/11 - GMATPrep - 730, Q49, V41
Sunday 8/11 - MGMAT#3 - 690, Q47, V36
Saturday 7/11 - GMATPrep - 700, Q49, V36

I have a few test scores prior to that but because they were a while ago in my preparation they might not be worth mentioning. The only one may be a Kaplan 680, Q50, V33 but that was more than a month ago.

From my scores I guess you can say that the one variable which seems inconsistent is my verbal score. I have one week to go, I've covered all exercises in MGMAT SC, completed all the OG questions and are about to go through my Error log for it. I guess it's worth mentioning my goal is 700 with both Q and V > 75%. I'd be completely content with that.

Would you say that my last week is best utilized going through my error log and redoing those questions or completing more questions from the OG Verbal guide (of which I've only completed the SCs but not RCs and CRs)?

Based on my scores does anyone have any specific advice to offer?

Thanks in advance.
Stressed Yangsta8

yangsta8 · Answer

No one has any last minute tips on what is the most effective way for me to improve my verbal? 
One week to go!!

tejal777 · Answer

Hey there buddy!
I have come across your posts pretty often and seeing the practice test scores just solidifies the thought that you are in good shape!The scores are good and the fact that you are posting it shows that indeed you are anxious..Managing stress in the last week is half the battle my friend!
Did you check out these helpful stress relieving links?
https://www.manhattangmat.com/strategy-series-stress.cfm
https://www.manhattangmat.com/stress-tips.cfm

In the last week it is better not to do any new questions..go over your error log and make sure you don't make any of the same mistakes again..spend quality amount of time with it..also your last practice test..see WHY you went wrong and what can you do to avoid making the same mistake again..Most importantly do not overburden yourself..the calmer you are,the better you will do..

All the best!Keep us updated!

mohater · Answer

Hello yangsta8,

Well based on your results, I have good news and regular news.

Your consistency in quant is EXCELLENT. Many have reported MGMAT's quant is more difficult than the GMAT's quant, and your ability to remain in a narrow range among various tests on multiple attempts shows you are consistent in this area.

The regular news is your inconsistent score in verbal shows a flat trend, but a lot of that depends on how you feel you actually did. Use your error log to identify where you are still falling short on verbal. Brush up on that material and make sure you relax and do not burn out before test day.

If you can hold your quant score on the real test and keep 37+ in verbal, you should be golden for 700+.

Best of luck,

yangsta8 · Answer

Tejal777 - Yep just had a look through the link. I've seen one but not the other and I agree with you, half the battle is fighting the nerves. I haven't done a formal exam for quite some time! I've started going through my error log for verbal and plan on doing a few SC's a day to sharpen those skills as well.

Mohater - Yeh after my initial rant in writing the original post... I realized the key is verbal. Timing is my biggest issue, although I'm a native English speaker I am basically always 1-5 mins behind schedule in my prac exams.

Will keep you all updated on my progress.
Thanks for the support and advice

yangsta8 · Answer

Just got back from my exam - managed to get 730 (Q49, V41). I'm completely exhausted so will probably write up my experience properly tomorrow.

In the meantime just wanted to thank all the moderators and frequent contributors, especially BB, for helping to make this possible. GMATClub is a great resource and I am not sure if I would have achieved the same result without it.

shadow · Answer

great job on the test and on breaking 700!

bb · Answer

Congratulations and thank you for the name drop

klusener · Answer

man this is exiting . i was reading your post from the top and was seeing your scores and saw you were nervous . For a moment i thought what it would be like to be in your shoes during the last week

and then i saw your score , amazing success story man .

yangsta8 · Answer

Klusener - I thought I was going to be calm, but nerves got the best of me leading up to the exam. I actually only managed a bit less than 6 hours sleep the night before! As Tejal has mentioned before, managing your nerves is half the battle.

Thanks all for the kind words, I think I've been smiling for 24 hours straight now.

I'll be posting a proper writeup later

mohater · Answer

You got me beat

I didn't sleep at ALL the night before the test...

tejal777 · Answer

wow..seriously guys?I asolutly love sleeping and am actually a very heavy sleeper!Day before the exam I met up with friends..went for a movie and long drive..the outing left me tired but not exhausted:Result:Slept like a baby the night before the exam.. 8-)

yangsta8 · Answer

Haha Tejal I remember your countdown post.... seems like you managed to get all the nerves under control. I couldn't! Maybe it helped me, I don't know.... it definitely kept me anxious and on my toes. I went to watch 2012 the day before... maybe the whole end of the world thing inspired me... :shock:

OptimusPrep · Answer

a very helpful link Optimus Prep shares with all GMAT test takers is the following:

what-to-do-30-14-7-3-1-days-before-the-test-152506.html

This gives you a basic understanding what to do and what to avoid.

However, you should avoid situations in which you ARE FORCED to study extra hard and long in the last days before the GMAT. It is one of the most important tests of your life and you should plan enough time for studying. Most students underestimate the importance and difficulty level of the GMAT. This is in my opinion the main reason why many students fail on test day....the preparation is the key to success!

If you practice many questions and do CATs after you have mastered the underlying verbal and quant concepts you will do fine. Try to learn time and stress management techniques as well to score well

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Need advice / Analysis of my Test scores - 1 week to go!

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