poor score on GMAT prep tests

Question

Hi,
I have an engineering background, but not sure why my quant scores are so low. I scored 620 in both MGMAT CAT tests after studying for 2 weeks between the two tests. I am using Manhattan books to prepare. I am not sure if I can break this barrier. Any suggestions on what I should do differently. I am scoring Q40 V35 even after spending all my energies in the Quant section.
Thanks,
-Mike

ibbys · Answer

Did you finish the all the questions on time? There is a penalty for leaving questions blank and missing a string of questions in a row. If you rushed through the end and just guessed, this could explain the score.

Also, GMAT Quant is very tricky. Even if you are good at math, you need to be aware of and on the lookout for such tricks. While the MGMAT questions are great practice, they are a little "different" from official questions so you may want to look at OG12 if you haven't done so already.

malpua · Answer

Thanks for the response. I did miss a string of 4-5 questions in a row. Everytime I spend too much time on a few questions and realize I need to hurry, I end up making stupid mistakes. Also, I could never finish the quant section in time.
I am doing the OG 12. How close are the actual test questions to the past questions such as on OG12 as far as skill and trickery is concerned.
-Regards

jonblazon · Answer

i found the real GMAT much easier than the MGMAT questions. I never had enough time during the MGMAT tests, and actually found myself with spare time at the end of the real GMAT. MGMAT is good practice, but take the math scores with a grain of salt. You should be able to score at least as well on the real GMAT as on the MGMAT tests

KarishmaB · Answer

Guessing last 2-3 questions is almost always better than leaving them un-attempted (there is a penalty for leaving questions un-attempted)... The OG questions reflect the question setter's mindset e.g. testing on application of concepts, not directly on concepts... so do the GMAT prep test questions... but remember, OG questions are old retired GMAT questions (at least 5 yrs old)... a lot had changed in this time and the test has become harder, especially if you want to score in 700s. So take those questions as base line and prepare from there...

ibbys · Answer

In my opinion, I find most of the "tricks" to come from Data Sufficiency. Usually, for Problem Solving you either don't know how to approach the problem or you get it wrong because you make an error in calculation or solve for x when the question asks for y.

For Data Sufficiency, you will get the maximum value from OG if you do every single question and ANALYZE it. Make a mental note or even write down what tricks the question had or what tricks it COULD HAVE had. If you do this process, then you will definitely see patterns emerge. Also, DS is all about reading closely. If a question stem says non-zero integers, then zero is not an option. Keep a lookout for such subtle "tricks." Once you start frantically working on a problem, you sometimes loose sight of the question stem.

qweert · Answer

I think MGMAT is the closet thing that measures to the real GMAT!!! Quant however is a little tricky in MGMAT though.

shovitdhar · Answer

@Mike 
Most of the people have given the right insights to you regarding Quant and you should definitely work on that. However, one good way of maximising your score is to work not only on your weak areas but also on your strong areas. Your Verbal seems to be good! If you can take your Verbal score higher by another 5-6 points ,that will give you a lot of advantage and take the pressure off from you on performing the quant section.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

poor score on GMAT prep tests

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards