Test taking experience may have affected score

Question

Preface : I was scoring an average of 720 in my mocks (primarily OG). While I understand that the actual score tends to lie within a range of one's mocks I believe the test-taking experience played a role in screwing me over. My quant scores were around the 49 mark and verbal the 40 mark.

Test day : I chose to do verbal first. In the room, there were already test takers present from the previous time slot completing their last or second last section of the test. The guy next to me began typing his AWA and another person in the back started yelling in a different language because he didn't like the typing noise. The test centre reps were nowhere near present to stop this person from yelling and disturbing and I kid you not for the entire 30 minutes that the guy next to me typed his AWA the other test taker kept yelling... I tried my hardest to focus but it was not easy given the earbuds obviously couldn't block this guy loudly saying "SILENCE" and other things in a different language. As the guy's AWA ended the test taker stopped yelling and I was nearing the end of my verbal. The quant part of it was completed in silence and it went perfectly fine. My score at the end showed as 35V and 49Q.

Im not saying that the blame is entirely on external factors but I am just upset knowing that I would have probably done better given my verbal was usually a 40+

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Unfortunate situation. Try to not let this experience bother/affect you in case you retake.

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ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi prxc22,

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Is your plan to give the GMAT another shot in the near future?

Score-Quest · Answer

You still managed such a solid score despite the distractions. Definitely consider a retake, and with a bit of brushing up on the verbal section, you're well-positioned to hit that 40+ mark. Best of luck on your next attempt!

dylanhanks · Answer

it is still a very good score that reflects your knowledge and skills. A 35V and 49Q score translates to a 690 total score, which is above the average score of 590 for the GMAT test-takers in 2020. Your score also places you in the 88th percentile, which means you scored better than 88% of the test-takers. That is a remarkable achievement, and you should be proud of yourself.

Your test score is not the only factor that determines your success and happiness. Your test score does not define who you are, what you can do, or what you can achieve. Your test score is just one measure of your performance on one day, under one set of conditions. It does not reflect your potential, your personality, your character, or your value. You have many other qualities and strengths that make you unique and valuable, and you have many other opportunities and possibilities to pursue your goals and dreams.

I would like to encourage you to learn from your test experience and use it as a motivation to improve your test-taking skills and strategies. You can use the feedback and analysis from your test report to identify your areas of improvement and focus your study efforts on them. You can also practice more mock tests under realistic conditions to familiarize yourself with the test format, timing, and pressure. You can also learn some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or positive affirmations, to calm your nerves and boost your confidence before and during the test. You can also prepare yourself for possible distractions and disruptions, such as noise, temperature, or other test-takers, and plan how to cope with them, such as wearing earplugs, dressing in layers, or ignoring them.

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

You want your score to represent your best possible performance unaffected by external factors. If you have time, definitely retake the test.

bb · Answer

Oh my word. This is ridiculous. I would complain to the GMAC about the test center quality. They really should do better enforcement. It is a pity they don’t send out a survey at the end of the gmat to ask how the test went.

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Test taking experience may have affected score

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