Tested Today. Scored 620 (44V, 31Q)

Question

Well, I did the deed this morning. I can't say I was pleased with my results, but I'm hopeful they'll be enough to get into the school I'm aiming for. Florida State University only requires a minimum of 550 for admission, and I scored a 620 (74th percentile). However, I'm concerned that they may also have minimum requirements for each section--in which case my Quant score will almost certainly be too low. I've e-mailed my advisors to ask.

As I've mentioned here before, Quant has been my weakness all along. I had only two months to prepare for the test, so I spent most of that time focusing on math. I was an English major, so the Verbal content was no problem for me. I used the GMAC OG, Princeton, and Kaplan general guides, plus math-only guides from Princeton and GMAC. I spent an average of 1.5 hours each day after work studying, plus many more hours on weekends, plus I took quite a few days off work just to study. When I took the GMATPrep tests, I scored 680 both times--38Q / 45V the first time and 36Q / 47V the second time.

On the real test, I scored 31Q / 44V. Why the big drop? I'm really not sure. I wasn't particularly nervous going into the test; GMATPrep had prepared me pretty thoroughly for the experience. I drove to the town where the testing center is (about an hour's drive) and spent last night up there so I wouldn't have to get up any earlier this morning to take the test at 8:00 AM. I drove from my hotel to the nearest Starbucks to the testing center yesterday so I'd be comfortable with the route this morning. I relaxed yesterday, got plenty of sleep last night, and ate a decent breakfast before the test. Although a few of the Quant problems seemed trickier than anything I'd seen in practicing, overall I didn't feel like the whole test was significantly harder than the practice tests. But clearly something went wrong.

I'm fairly disappointed, because I consider myself a pretty bright guy who can do anything he puts his mind to. And I put a LOT of hours into studying, but still only scored in the 32nd percentile in Quant. Either I'm not as bright as I think I am, or I wasn't studying effectively. But in working through the problems in the books--particularly the OG--I had a much better success rate. And as I said, by Quant scores on the two GMATPrep practice tests were tolerable, although not outstanding.

So that's my experience. I do NOT want to have to take this test again, so I hope FSU is only concerned about the overall score. Plus, if I do have to take it again, I won't be able to get into FSU's Master's program for another year (they only allow you to start in the fall, and the deadline for applying for this fall is June 1--not enough time to re-take the test). Hopefully I'll find out soon.

Thanks for everyone on this board for taking the time to post your experiences, advice, and practice problems. It all did help. I was mostly a lurker, but contributed a little when I good.

John

kyatin · Answer

John,

If possible do retake. You are capable of so much more with killer Verbal skills like that.

Quant can be improved immensely in reasonable period of time. You can do it. You owe it to yourself. Do all  GMAT Challenges  on this forum and you will guarantee yourself 700+

Fight buddy! Keep us posted.

Kyatin

ParrotHead · Answer

While 700 was my personal goal, that's WAY more than what's required for my school. I'm not aiming for Harvard, remember. Just Florida State University. :-)

So if FSU is okay with my current score, I'm okay with it, too, and won't test again. Hopefully they'll get me an answer soon.

kyatin · Answer

Makes sense.

bsd_lover · Answer

Parrotheat dont be down. I have a friend who had a similar experience with his V score. He was consistently scoring 38-39 in V on the prep tests but it went down to 30 on test day.I feel that a lot of it depends on test day and silly errors. Sometimes if you make a silly error on a , what GMAT perceives to be, easy question, GMAT scales you at a lowish level and then its difficult to come back from that.

If FSU is not happy with you Q, simply retake the test. Its not the end of the world. Next time aim for 700 and that $$$ scholarship that FSU will give you with a score like that. We'll all be around to help ya out.

Good luck.

If FSU is not happy with you Q, simply retake the test. Its not the end of the world. Next time aim for 700 and that $$$ scholarship that FSU will give you with a score like that. We'll all be around to help ya out.

Good luck.

ParrotHead · Answer

Thanks!

I got an e-mail from my advisor yesterday saying that my overall score, combined with my other credentials, should be enough. She said she'd talk to the Admissions office first thing Monday morning and find out. I'm on pins and needles... As the time for my test grew closer, I operated under the delusion that I'd have a huge sense of relief once the test was over, because that would settle everything. Not so! I'll remain stressed until I get an answer from FSU. Remember that if my score isn't high enough, it will be a whole year more before I can apply again. So while it's true that taking the test again isn't a huge problem (other than costing me another $250!), I really don't want my pursuit of a Master's to fall a year behind.

Yahsek · Answer

Hi John,

I'm sorry to hear that you are disappointed with your score. I can definitely sympathize with you since I experienced two disappointing attempts before finally obtaining a score that I was satisfied with on my 3rd try. If it's important for your peace of mind to re-take the test to get a higher score then by all means give it another try. Based on your GMATPrep scores and clear identification of your weaknesses, there's no reason to doubt improvement on your second try. But, it sounds like for FSU, your 620, which is a good score, will be sufficient. Best of luck to you while awaiting your answer from FSU. Keep us posted on what happens!

YW

ParrotHead · Answer

Good news for me... The Director of Graduate Admissions at FSU's College of Business wrote me yesterday:

Woohoo!

So, now the only issue is whether or not I get accepted into the program. Normally, I think it would be no problem since I exceed all of their minimum requirements. But Florida is experiencing large budget cuts due to the slowing economy, and our state universities have actually been turning people away. I guess I'll find out in a few weeks.

The Director asked me to go ahead and fax my unofficial score report to her. I wonder if that means they'll start considering me before they receive the official scores?

kyatin · Answer

Awesome dude. I see one seat already taken

Best to you!

ParrotHead · Answer

Two bits of good news complete my GMAT journey.

First, I received an e-mail Tuesday from the Director of Graduate Admissions at FSU's College of Business welcoming me to the program--I've been accepted!

Second, I received an e-mail this morning from GMAC telling me that my official score report was ready. Turns out I got a perfect 6 on the Analytical Writing section! Not that it really matters since (A.) my school had already accepted me and (B.) most schools apparently don't much care about the AW score. But still, it was a nice affirmation.

I'm now working on the eBay listing for my GMAT books. And good riddance!

:-)

chica · Answer

Happy for you!!! Enjoy your studying and best luck in your future career 8-)

snow wolf · Answer

Congrats on getting in FSU! :-D

I am also applying with a GMAT score of 620.I see this as a major encouragement.i intend to get into Malaspina university College.Although,they require NO GMAT score,I hope to get accepted.The school offers an MBA and an Msc in international business in 14 months.Also,lots of work opportunities(I am going to be an international student).

ParrotHead · Answer

This board is a great resource, but I know it can be frustrating to see so many people talking about 700+ scores. I think we need to sometimes remind ourselves that most business schools don't require a score anywhere near this high, and most people who take the GMAT score well below that. Our 620 score is in the 74th percentile. And while it would be great to score 700+, the 74th percentile isn't exactly something to be ashamed of.

bsd_lover · Answer

Parrothead - many congrats on your admit and +1 for having such a level headed approach to the GMAT score. I wish you all the best at FSU.

kyatin · Answer

Awesome news. Many congratulations and Good luck for an exciting MBA and a great future.

Tenore · Answer

I can relate!

I scored a 750, which is far enough beyond my initial hopes and expectations that I should be elated. However, until I get that admit, even an 810 score wouldn’t put me at ease.

The reality is that the gmat is just a means to an end… b-school and the career / lifestyle to follow is the real prize. When were sitting pretty in our corner offices, earning a 7 figure salary, we can relax a bit!

Tenore · Answer

Congrats!

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Tested Today. Scored 620 (44V, 31Q)

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