Score Plateau : Stuck at 650-670

Question

Hi Experts,

I have attempted GMAT 6 times and my score ranged from 640 to 670. I do extremely well in mocks and regularly score 700+ but always fail to translate it in the actual GMAT. Most of the quizzes I participate in I do well. However, I am unsure why does it not translate to actual GMAT. I get 37+ in verbal regularly in mocks but have never been able to get that in actual test, sometimes it is the CR that is low or sometimes it is the SC or sometimes both. I know I do not have conceptual gap because if it were then it would show up in the mocks as well.

Also the last 3 ESRs do not show a consistent picture. For example, I got 0% in Geometry in last to last attempt but got 100% in the last attempt, but suffered in Ratio/Percent..so overall the score remained the same. Similary in verbal.. I improved in CR from 60% to 80% but SC reduced from 80% to 58%.

I am unable to get out of this trap and any insights shared would be helpful.

Thank you in advance.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Thinking over what you may be doing differently on an actual exam may be helpful. Do you, for example, double-check things a lot more often compared to your mocks (which makes you end up rushing later on).

Karan0912 · Answer

I did. There is even split between the 4 blocks in terms of time per question with the first block averaging 1.50min per question.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Karan0912,

I have an article that will provide some more insights regarding what is going on with your real GMAT score.

Why Was My GMAT Score Lower Than My Practice Test Scores?

Please feel free to reach out with any more questions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Karan0912,

Many GMATers end up getting 'stuck' at some point in their studies - so you're not alone. Your overall Score results are clearly above-average, but it's likely that you developed some 'bad habits' during your earlier studies that leave you open to making certain types of mistakes. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) On what dates did you take EACH of your Official GMATs and how did you score on each (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) How long have you studied in total? Over the last 3 months, how many hours did you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used over the course of ALL of your studies? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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 on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). Since you purchased sevearl ESRs, then I'll be happy to analyze them for you (and you can feel free to PM or email them directly to me if you would rather not post them in the forums).

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

Karan0912 · Answer

Hi Scott,

I did carefully read the article. It is wonderfully written. However, I have taken care of almost all of the things mentioned there. However, I couldnt brainstorm well on the Bad Habits problem. I do not do stuff mentioned as examples there..I follow a thorough approach of understanding what is given, double underline what is required and then go about solving it.

Mughda0496 · Answer

Similar is happening with me.

Posted from my mobile device

LauraTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Karan0912,

How is your prep going? Have you had any luck getting past your score plateau?

Vaishali2004 · Answer

Hi Karan0912, 
Do you need a study buddy? I am stuck at the same level and maybe we will be able to help eachother

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

https://gmatclub.com/forum/looking-for- ... 48276.html Might be worth checking out. All the best, contact: gmatknight website

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Great idea! If you also need any general advice, feel free to reach out.

Score Plateau : Stuck at 650-670

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