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velaemilio2
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Hi velaemilio2,

Even though this recent score is the lowest of the three that you've listed, those three scores are close-enough to one another that they imply certain consistent behaviors on your part. You correctly answer certain types of questions, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. Considering how long you've studied with each of the Courses listed, it's likely that you've developed some 'bad habits' that will take time to fix (and replace with new 'good habits'). While you've probably worked through lots of practice questions, you haven't honed your Tactical 'skills' - and that's something you'll need to focus on to score 650+.

Since your Test Date is imminent, it's too late to make any big changes to how you approach the GMAT. However, it is worth noting that you don't have to correctly answer ANY questions that you think are too hard or too weird to hit your score goal - so it's okay to 'dump' those questions (just take a guess and move on). You can use the time that you'll save by jumping past those hard questions on the other, "gettable" questions.

Once you have your Official Score result, you should post back here and we can discuss how to best proceed with your studies.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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vikasp99
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practice only official questions and revise your notes.
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velaemilio2
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vikasp99
practice only official questions and revise your notes.

Yep, that's what I am focusing now. Thanks for the reply!
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velaemilio2
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Hey there, I am back with my official score of 470 (Q:29, V:26). I am not too surprised since I was scoring around this range in the last couple of exams. However, the week prior I took a practice exam and received a 530.

The exam was scheduled for 8 AM and I showed up to starbucks a little earlier to do some last minute studying which was probably not the greatest idea. I ended up leaving with a few minutes to spare to reach the testing center. However, I took the wrong route and ended up showing 15 minutes late! I was so shaken since I was not sure if I was going to be let in but the lady said it was okay. Probably not the best way to start the exam.

After my essay and IR I felt okay and was ready for Quant. After taking a break which I didnt time and thus upon my return I didnt have enough time to set up my scratch paper with times to I stay on time. Also, I got fixated on the first problem and that got me towards the end. For Verbal I felt okay but I was getting tired and was still thinking how bad I did in quant.

So there you have it, any extra guidance would be great! Thank you.



EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi velaemilio2,

Even though this recent score is the lowest of the three that you've listed, those three scores are close-enough to one another that they imply certain consistent behaviors on your part. You correctly answer certain types of questions, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. Considering how long you've studied with each of the Courses listed, it's likely that you've developed some 'bad habits' that will take time to fix (and replace with new 'good habits'). While you've probably worked through lots of practice questions, you haven't honed your Tactical 'skills' - and that's something you'll need to focus on to score 650+.

Since your Test Date is imminent, it's too late to make any big changes to how you approach the GMAT. However, it is worth noting that you don't have to correctly answer ANY questions that you think are too hard or too weird to hit your score goal - so it's okay to 'dump' those questions (just take a guess and move on). You can use the time that you'll save by jumping past those hard questions on the other, "gettable" questions.

Once you have your Official Score result, you should post back here and we can discuss how to best proceed with your studies.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
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Hi velaemilio2,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't turn out better (and showing up late likely did 'throw off' your performance a bit), but your Official Score is 'in the range' of your practice CAT scores, so it's not too much of a surprise. To get more responses/advice, I suggest that you also post your story (with as many details as you can relay) in the Shared Experience forum here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/share-gmat-experience-8/

Using this Official Score as a gauge, we can now work up towards your score goal. While I know that you've put in a lot of study time already, it will likely take at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study to hit your score goal. You'll have to put an emphasis on learning and practicing some new Tactics, but what I stated before still applies - you won't have to correctly answer ANY hard/weird questions on Test Day to hit your score goal.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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JenniferAtKaplan
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Hi velaemilio2,

One thing that stands out to me about your mention of your Kaplan course is that it sounds like you only took the initial diagnostic exam and the Official Test Day Experience exam. As part of your Kaplan program you would have an additional 7 CATs and a question bank for targeted practice. Also, did you attend any of the Quant-specific GMAT Channel sessions? These are live sessions offered nearly every day of the week to drill deeper in particular topics and question types, and it’s a great way to continue building your skills in specific areas.

If your access to your Kaplan resources has expired, I would recommend that you reach out to our customer care team at 1-800-KAPTEST (or 1-212-997-5886 outside of the US) to discuss your options for regaining these materials for use as you continue to study for the GMAT via your Higher Score Guarantee. We’re here to continue to support you!

Best,
Jennifer
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