simpm14 wrote:
I need some assistance in determining potential reasons for a significantly lower test day result than any previous practice test. I also need advice on what my next steps should be to ensure that my second test is prepared for as appropriately as possible. I am highly considering hiring a Private GMAT Coach to do a 1-2 hour study strategy and results analysis. I would not be opposed to a possible Quant tutor as well, but after almost 225 hours of personal study and a full Veritas Course, I want to ensure I am being as efficient as possible with my time.
Test Day:
Timing: I had to do a 10-20 second educated guess on the final question of both Quant and Verbal sections. With approximately ten questions left on both the Quant and Verbal sections I knew I needed to pick up the pace, but it did not have a really constraining effect. I just knew I had to be more efficient with my time. I can only think of one Quant question I truly just skipped over because I was unsure of how to solve it and knew it would take substantial time. The Verbal Questions were pretty demanding and the CR question stems were fairly complex, as opposed to basic Strengthen or Weaken formats.
During Test Mentality: I felt fairly calm. The biggest surprise is I felt as though I was getting questions right in both Quant and Verbal. I honestly expected a score closer to the high 600s. I felt as though I was hitting some pretty consistent "base hits" throughout the test.
Eating, sleeping, morning of were all fairly normal and calm. I certainly did not feel myself have a "freak out" or real significant anxiety the morning of the test.
Pre-Test Study
Final 6 Weeks: For the previous 5 weeks, I had been taking one full Official GMAC Practice Test per weekend. I would then spend approximately 4 days going over the results, reviewing every question I got wrong and possibly doing a day of focused study on a specific topic before taking the next test. This was good, but I felt as though I was not making and truly concentrated study on my weakest areas, but rather just superficial studying from test to test.
Final 2 Weeks: I decided I was not going to take another Office Practice Test and instead take the final two weeks to focus on areas of deficiency. Unfortunately, I did not do any timing or speed drills in those last two weeks and while I was very aware of timing milestones on test day, I think I may have slipped.
Official GMAC Practice Test #1
Total: 680 (82%)
Quant: 44 (52%), Verbal: 39 (89%), IR: 8 (93%)
Official GMAC Practice Test #2
Total: 640 (68%)
Quant: 40 (41%), Verbal: 37 (83%), IR 7 (82%)
Official GMAC Practice Test #3
Total: 690 (85%)
Quant: 45 (57%), Verbal 39 (89%), IR 5 (55%)
Official GMAC Practice Test #4
Total: 730 (95%)
Quant: 47 (63%), Verbal:44 (98%), IR 7 (82%)
Official GMAC Practice Test #5
Total: 670 (81%)
Quant: 43 (50%), Verbal 39 (89%)
OFFICIAL GMAC TEST (Canceled)
Total: 610 (59%)
Quant: 35 (26%) , Verbal 39 (89%), IR: 8 (92%)
Thanks for all of your help!
Mike
As per practice test score, you are doing exceptionally well in the verbal section. However, you have a very good scope to improve the quant score. While practicing the question, try to do with timer, then you will be habituated with time. all the best.