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Re: Scored 175 points less than average CAT tests
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07 Nov 2015, 13:42
Hi winkwink1314
After rereading all of the information that you've provided, there are enough 'red flags' that can account for your score drop on Test Day. You have to remember that Test Day is a rather specific 'event', which you CAN train to face. The more details/factors that are not accounted for though, the higher the likelihood of a bad Test Day performance.
1) From what you described, there were some pacing 'issues' on Test Day - if you were spending too much time on certain questions (and ended up getting them wrong), then you ALSO would have likely lost points by guessing on a bunch of questions (especially the 'gettable' questions that appear at the end of each of the Quant and Verbal sections). The net effect could have been a considerable point drop.
2) No matter how much any Test Taker might try, taking CATs at home will never truly mimic what they'll face on Test Day. There are too man little details that will be 'off.'
3) Keeping your studies light the day before your Exam was a good idea, but if you were 'cramming' during those other few days, then you might have 'burned out' a little before Test Day. This ties into...
4) The inconsistent sleep you described. While this is an area that is tougher to 'control', if you're not going into Test Day relatively calm and well-rested, then your performance could suffer.
5) Getting to the Test Center an hour early likely cost you (depending on how long you had to wait at the Facility before you were officially allowed to begin your Exam). All of that 'nervous energy' is best used working on the Exam - if you were burning that energy waiting in the lobby, then you would have been less energetic in the latter part of the Test (the latter part of the Quant and the entire Verbal) and more apt to make little mistakes.
6) The two 8-minute breaks are exceptionally important to a strong overall Test performance. Skipping a break, for any reason, is a BAD idea.
The good news is that the GMAT is still the same predictable Exam that it's always been, so you can train to score at a higher level. Since Business Schools don't care if you retest, and you can always cancel a score that you don't like, this result doesn't cause any real harm. You'll just have to make sure to properly adjust your study routine for your next attempt.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich