Really frustrated after GMATPrep tests. Need help!

Question

Hi everyone,

I intend to retake GMAT in the next few days, after a 640 (V26) on 23 June 2015. I've just took a 2nd test in GMAT Exam Pack 1. The Verbal result frustrated me so much. So I really really need your advice so that I could reach my goal: V38.
Firstly, here is my progress:

- 12/4/15: 1st GMAT Prep after all Manhattan Strategy Guides and CR Bible: V31 (SC 33, CR36);
- 19/4: Manhattan test 1: V30;
- 25/4: Manhattan test 2: V34;
- 28/4: purchase e-GMAT SC course;
- 9/5: Manhattan test 3: V33;
- 16/5: Manhattan test 4: V32;
- 16/5: Upgrade to e-GMAT Verbal online course;
- 24/5: GMAT Prep test 2: V30 (SC 23, CR30);
- 29/5: GMAT Prep test 1 (retake): V41 (SC40, CR42) (of course overlapped questions)
- 01/6: GMAT Prep test 2 (retake): V40 (SC35, CR51); (overlapped questions)
- 11/6: GMAT Pack 1 test 1: V31 (SC35, CR30);
- 13/6: Manhattan test 5: V33;
- 23/6: Real Test V26;
- 7/7: Upgrade to e-GMAT Verbal Live course
- 24/7: Veritas test 1: V35;
- 31/7: Veritas test 2: V31;
- 8/8: Veritas test 3: V36;
- 9/8: Manhattan test 6: V40 (from this test, I started to draw a table with 5 choices in column and 41 questions number in row in Verbal section): the result was really encouraging;
- 10/8: Veritas test 4: V30;
- Today 16/8: GMAT Pack 1 test 2: V25 (SC 28, CR26)

That's the whole progress. I just concern Verbal section since in Quant section, I consistently score Q50-51. My goal in Verbal is V38.

I was really confident that I could reach that score because in the preparation progress, I'm quite sure that I comprehend SC and CR sections (I am a bit weak in RC, however still be able to get 65-70% accuracy in OG, Verbal review and GMAT Prep collection). After each CAT test, I tried to find out problems that prevent me from getting better score and to fix them in the next CATs. After scores between 33-36 in Manhattan and Veritas, especially the V40 in Man test 6, I think that my level is around 35-36. But the scores in the Real test on 23/6 and in today GMAT Pack 1 test 2 bashed me. I don't understand how my Verbal scores in 4 GMAT Prep tests were so different from those in other CATs (I did emphasize so much in analyzing each official question, finding why the correct choice is correct and why each incorrect choice is incorrect).

Regarding SC, at first I determined that it would help to boost my Verbal score and would be my strongest point, especially after I attend SC course and SC live sessions of e-GMAT. In e-GMAT Scholaranium, I was able to get 89-90 percentile in SC several times. I realize that I am really good at highly difficult, complexly structured and meaning-based SC questions. But somehow, I always get stuck at short questions with simple structures (they appears so frequently in first 10 questions in Prep tests and real tests). Fatally, most of them are sub-600 level questions (based on the estimation of GMAT Club). I know that I have no way but learn from mistakes. But the number of such simple structures seems to be unlimited, so I keep making mistakes when facing them. For example:

1. After more than four decades of research and development, a new type of jet engine is being tested that could eventually propel aircraft anywhere in the world within two hours or help boost cargoes into space at significantly lower costs than current methods permit. (I never faced this structure before. It is not so... that structure, so I decided that "that" cannot modify "jet engine" from this position, thus ending choosing another choice, which is of course incorrect);
2. The contractor and the engineer agree on the cause of the bridge failure , but both blame the other (the correct answer is "each blames the other) (again, what I am familiar is the structure "they/we talk (or blame) to each other", so I decided to choose the plural noun "both" here")
3. Socially and environmentally responsible investing is on the rise: last year in the United States, over $2 trillion was invested in funds that screen companies according to a variety of criteria such as adherence to labor standards, protection of the environment, and observance of human rights. (I chose the incorrect choice "in accordance with such a variety of criteria as" because the only structure of "according" I faced has meaning similar to "based on" or "refer to"; and "in accordance with" is good from meaning standpoint)

In all 3 questions above, I tried to apply meaning-based approach of e-GMAT. But the meanings in all choices were not quite different (I knew that they are different after I review, but just so subtle). And what drives me not to choose the correct answer was the strange grammar structure. I just do not understand why people tackle such kind of questions so easily, making them sub-600 level questions and thus killing my score).

Regarding CR section: I also apply prethinking approach of e-GMAT. And actually, when practicing, I was very good in CR (sticking to the premise-conclusion links, prethinking, picking the best choice while getting rid of irrelevant choices). But in CAT tests, CR is also disaster to me as I was not be able to understand the content of the argument after first time of reading (or even after second or third). When I review, I could easily comprehend the argument and pick the correct choice. I don't know the problem was due to the anxiety or the low stamina after 2.5 hours. I think I was not nervous or anxious. My brain just could not absorb any information more, even though I used energy drinks and bars in the break.

RC section: just as in CR questions, not information any more to the brain

.

So, I am really sorry for the long post, but I really really need advice, and I think you understand my depression. I used to intend to retake the GMAT in next few days so that I could have time for the application. Now, I do not know what will be my plan. My previous goal was V38, so that I could have a score of 730 with a Q50 or Q51. But I think I should lower the goal, probably to V35-36, although it is still far from where I am now.

Big thanks,

. So, I am really sorry for the long post, but I really really need advice, and I think you understand my depression. I used to intend to retake the GMAT in next few days so that I could have time for the application. Now, I do not know what will be my plan. My previous goal was V38, so that I could have a score of 730 with a Q50 or Q51. But I think I should lower the goal, probably to V35-36, although it is still far from where I am now. Big thanks,

FightToSurvive · Answer

Hi,

I understand your issue. Hence as I always advocate, this exam is always not about skill but its about approaching a problem in a definitive structure.
For example in SC - Every question has its own stem and trust me all of them has mechanical way to solve it. Its tried and tested (GMAT 710 V39 Q49 - my attempt).
in CR - there is an approach how to identify the solution from the problem itself and the passage.
For RC - you need to practice as to how you can comprehend swiftly.
I have incorporated all these skills from Avi, Founder of www.gmat-scholar.com
Try to reach him atleast for a free consultation - Its definately worth it!!! He's always accesible at +91 70640 00130 and can teach you all these tricks.

Best Wishes.

naureen02 · Answer

Reading your post is actually quite scary..you scored V31 five months back..consistently work on Verbal for around five months..and now get V25!

Since you seem to have relied on e-GMAT, I am wondering if you should directly get in touch with them for suggestions. While you are using their material, I am wondering if there is some "trick" that they can tell you to get more bang out of the buck...

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

A couple of points stand out for me. Your stamina decreases with the progression of tests, something you need to work on. One way to do it is to study in that rhythm as well. Study for 75 minutes, take a 8 minute break, study for another 75 minutes, take another 8 minute break. This way your mind will know when to switch off and on. Another way would have been to take more mocks but it seems to me that you have already taken a lot. Confidence plays a big part in verbal , something I learnt the hard way. I too finished eGMAT entire SC,CR and RC course the first time but ended up with V30 (mock verbal scores were in the range 37-42). The reason why I didnt do well in verbal was lack of confidence stemming from the fact that I had absolutely no plan of attack for various question types. Did you order the Enhanced Score Report from mba.com after your GMAT? This ESR will provide you information about your individual scaled score and the time spent per question type. You have mentioned that you have gone over eGMAT's SC course and scholaranium, have you looked at your 'takt time' for answering various types and difficulties of questions? If you are spending less than your takt time then its definitely a timing issue and you are rushing into marking your answer in SC. Attend eGMAT's next strategy session 1(although I was able to find the recording online at https://e-gmat.com/blogs/recording-gmat ... n-session/). Take a look at it. Try to figure out your takt time and see how much did you time did you take for your GMATPREP questions. Your next question will be how to look at time spent for GMATRPREP. Here is how you do it: GMATPrep 2012 saves a file called ‘preptool.vb’ in the following (hidden) directory: C:\Users\ \AppData\Roaming\GMATPrep\Local Store\ This ‘preptool.vb’ file is the log and can be opened using a SQL viewer/editor. I used 'SQLite Database Browser 2.0' (free download) 1. Open the file with SQLite browser. 2. Click on the 'browse data' tab then select the 'table' of interest. The exam log is saved under 'used_items'. 3. Export the data (File>Export>table as CSV file). You can also browse the data without exporting. 4. Open the CSV file with Excel and you have everything you need. Answer choices and timing for each question. Sections are numbered as: 1. AWA, 2. Quantitative, 3. Verbal, 4. IR. Peculiarly, questions are numbered from '0' not '1'. Quant questions numbers are prefixed with '187:', verbal with '188:' and IR with '211:'. Time is displayed in seconds. PS. the (hidden) question pool is listed in C:\Program Files (x86)\GMATPrep2012\pack0\pack0.db PPS. there is a (hidden) file, intriguingly called 'scoring.db', in C:\Program Files (x86)\GMATPrep2012\ This has been copied from another post GC but can not locate it now. Anyhow, coming back to your questions. For verbal it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to develop a plan for every question type and stick to it during the exam no matter what. A good method will be a method that gives you a high % of correct responses with time closer to the average for that question type. Some useful links to read are : https://gmat.economist.com/blog/test-ta ... am-score-0 https://magoosh.com/gmat/2014/lower-on-t ... ice-tests/ https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... t-wrong-2/ https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/foru ... 28166.html There are only so many reasons as to why improvement is not visible. Once you figure out the exact reason, you will be able to see improvement. If you are still at a loss as to what could be the reasons, I would say try another course (free trials etc) if you have time and see if their strategy suits you. Good article by manhattan prep on how to solve SC: https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... em-part-1/ https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... em-part-2/ Keep us posted about your progress. All the best. Feel free to post questions that stump you or if you want expert's responses for them.

tronghieu1987 · Answer

Thank you guys for your advice. I've decided to write the test on this Friday because I need a fairly good score (better than the 640 previously) for my application process. Maybe this is not a best time to take the test, but the deadline is getting closer. I'll update the score right after getting out the test center :-)

tronghieu1987 · Answer

Hi guys,
I've just come back from the test center. Just another disappointment, a score 660 (Q51, V27). It's just 20 more than my previous official score. A V27 is totally a disaster to me as I was thinking during the Verbal section that I was doing good. But it seems that after questions 10 every question was quite easy and straight. I think that I sucked with the first 10.

Any advice? Should I retake or concentrate on the essay. I am kind of lost now.

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

tronghieu1987 , I am sorry to hear about your latest GMAT attempt. Q51 is an excellent score. Before anyone can answer your questions, you need to research what schools are you targeting and what is 80% GMAT score range. If the schools that you are looking at have the median GMAT score range in which your score falls, then you need not worry about your score. Were there any extennuating circumstances because of which you were unduly tense ? Did you take your mocks in exactly the same conditions as those of the actual GMAT?

tronghieu1987 · Answer

Yes, of course I took my CAT tests, except 2-3 first ones, in the full length format. In fact, my GMAT Prep scores and real test scores in Verbal are all within 25-31 range. What I don't understand is the decrease from other CAT tests. (I also get a V40-V41 in Kaplan Video test but I chose not to include in my post since I think Kaplan test is not reliable).

For my targeting schools, since they are all in top 20-50, the score of 660 is of course within 80% median range, but it is a bit lower than the average score.
But I've decided to focus on my application first so that I could apply to some schools in R1. I also wonder whether any of guys here know the way that applicant could get an promise of admitted decision from B-Schools in case he/she could improve the GMAT score. I'm looking to the same scenario because surely I will retake the GMAT another time.

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

I do know personally someone who was admitted by the school but was asked to give GMAT to get to a particular score (which in his case was 700-720). So for him it was a provisional admit.

As for your GMAT, this might be a bit direct and rude for you but GMATPREP gave you the score range and you have scored in that range. 1 way to look at areas for improve will be to order ESR and see what sections were difficult. In my 3rd attempt, I felt around 15-16th question in verbal that I am not doing well as I was getting CR and RC questions that I could get just by reading the statements once. But again, no one knows how is one doing until one gets the final score.

Finally, if your current is within 80% range and also close to the average GMAT score, then by all means go for the applications now and you can mention that you plan to reappear for GMAT for reaching a particular XYZ score in the optional essays!! Most schools provide this optional essay wherein you can mention anything that you have not mentioned in other essays.

Keep us posted.

naureen02 · Answer

tronghieu1987, I have also been working on Verbal for past few months but as has been the case with you, mine has also not improved.

Have you been able to turn around your verbal? If yes, I would be very interested in knowing what worked for you.

tronghieu1987 · Answer

Yes, I have, at least to V35 as you could see at my scores list.

I took the Verbal Booster course of EMPOWERGmat, and found it quite useful. But I think the most dramatic change I made was that I tried to manage time better and be relax during the test. Also, I got rid of Red Bull in my last test, the drink I used to think could boost my stamina but turned out to make me exhausted by the end of Verbal section.

Now I am going to retake one more time. This time I will try to shorten the average time per 1 SC question (I used to expend about 1.5 min for each). I aim to 1.25 min/each SC question (if not shorter) because this would save me enough time for CR and RC (in previous tests I have to randomly answer 4-5 CR and RC questions in total). It is going well, and I hope it will work in the test.

So when do you plan to apply? If you have much time, and don't be desperate just because of 2 or even 3 tests. Try your best and you will get what you deserve (I got very good results in this applying season).

Hope this helps!

naureen02 · Answer

Congratulations on breaking the 700 barrier!

Actually it is not that I have taken multiple attempts at GMAT. Mock scores have not been encouraging, and so till now I have not really had the courage to sign up for GMAT. I have been trying out few well established materials available in the market.

Thing is that I did sign up for a couple of online courses for a trial period, but somehow I have found it challenging to sustain the interest level (nothing against the courses). So, online coaching doesn't seem to be the one for me. Hopefully I will be able to be more regular on GMATClub and benefit from discussions of experts here.

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Really frustrated after GMATPrep tests. Need help!

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