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22 Aug 2021, 09:12
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hello all,
I have had a shockingly underwhelming GMAT experience, and even though I am still trying to process what and how happened, I thought it might be useful to share with the community and perhaps get some pointers from fellow test-takers/experts.
Prep and background info:
- Have an MBA already, but looking to shift geography and hence plan on getting another 1 yr MBA (Europe). Won't go in to my profile, as the intent is different here. Have given the actual GMAT (more than 5 yrs ago) with a 700+ score (>5 years old, so won't be accepted now even if I reinstate it). I recall the official practice tests I did at that time were all 700+ (700, 720 etc.)
- After making up my mind to apply this year again, I gave the first official practice test without any study/prep (after several years). Got a 690. Gave 3 more official practice tests, with scores of 700, 730, 720. Except the very first test, Q was never below 48, V was never below 38 (was mostly 40).
- On 3 out of 4 practice tests, attempted Q first, then V. On my final practice test, attempted V first and then Q, just to check if that helps me attempt the RC questions with better concentration. That was the test I scored 720 on, so no real issues. Attempted V first then Q on actual test
- Yes, my practice was limited to attempting the GMAT practice questions, the 4 official tests, one gmatclub test (which was more difficult than official tests), and going over the mistakes plus weak topics. But with these, I was getting 700+ on official practice tests
Actual test and experience:
- Scored 640 (Q45, V34). Never in a million years had I thought my score could go anywhere near this. And not just Q, but also V.
- I do know I have a problem with pacing. But all my practice tests were under real test conditions, same duration of breaks, no repeat questions, and I even wore a mask while practicing to simulate the conditions!
- I gave the actual test at roughly the same time as my last 3 practice tests
- Yes, I did have to commute on test day, but I got there 15 min before the test and had a few mins to relax and take deep breaths. No real issues at the test center
- I wasn't very anxious either, just the normal/usual amount. I slept okay the night before, didn't have any stressful events the day before on on the day of the test
- I wasn't particularly happy with the performance after each section, but when I saw the score, my jaw completely dropped and heart sank. I know I did guess towards the end of each section, but I also think I was doing pretty good up until 60-65% mark of each section. The only reason I could think of is I got like 6-7 questions wrong in a row at the end of each section, or easy SC questions wrong in Verbal. But I really doubt I could get such a huge number of questions wrong consecutively
Explanations and way forward?
1. Would love to hear from the community on any similar instances. Are there any nuances you kind people could point to that led to this unbelievable dip? I do not think just attempting V first explains it (and the V score was low anyway). Like I said, I wasn't very nervous
2. I did feel the V questions were tougher than those on the practice tests, and one RC did throw me off by quite a few mins. SC was tougher as well. On Q, it was slightly more difficult than practice exams, but not enough to make the score drop to 45 in my view. Any inputs on the quality/difficulty of official practice tests vis-à-vis real test? Does it vary that much!?
3. Of course I won't apply with a 640 (those schools won't be interested). I wanted to cancel the score at the center, but didn't. Is the ESR going to be of any use here? I will cancel my score, but can I order the ESR for the test after I cancel it? Or can I order the ESR first and then cancel the score? Or is the ESR only available after the official score is out?
4. I am only interested in 2-3 schools, and only have a couple of weeks to apply. I know, I could have planned better but such a score was never expected. I heard I can take an online test less than 16 days after a test at the center? If so, I can probably take the online version (wanted to avoid it because of the negative reviews) in 4-5 days. Would any experts be able to offer any advice, based on the above and their understanding, on what I could do in the next few days - prep or psychologically?
5. I understand I have to accept the fact that I failed miserably at it, but is there any possibility the scores could change in the official report? Anyone seen any such instances?
I would much appreciate any help/pointers/inputs from the lovely community here. TIA!
I have had a shockingly underwhelming GMAT experience, and even though I am still trying to process what and how happened, I thought it might be useful to share with the community and perhaps get some pointers from fellow test-takers/experts.
Prep and background info:
- Have an MBA already, but looking to shift geography and hence plan on getting another 1 yr MBA (Europe). Won't go in to my profile, as the intent is different here. Have given the actual GMAT (more than 5 yrs ago) with a 700+ score (>5 years old, so won't be accepted now even if I reinstate it). I recall the official practice tests I did at that time were all 700+ (700, 720 etc.)
- After making up my mind to apply this year again, I gave the first official practice test without any study/prep (after several years). Got a 690. Gave 3 more official practice tests, with scores of 700, 730, 720. Except the very first test, Q was never below 48, V was never below 38 (was mostly 40).
- On 3 out of 4 practice tests, attempted Q first, then V. On my final practice test, attempted V first and then Q, just to check if that helps me attempt the RC questions with better concentration. That was the test I scored 720 on, so no real issues. Attempted V first then Q on actual test
- Yes, my practice was limited to attempting the GMAT practice questions, the 4 official tests, one gmatclub test (which was more difficult than official tests), and going over the mistakes plus weak topics. But with these, I was getting 700+ on official practice tests
Actual test and experience:
- Scored 640 (Q45, V34). Never in a million years had I thought my score could go anywhere near this. And not just Q, but also V.
- I do know I have a problem with pacing. But all my practice tests were under real test conditions, same duration of breaks, no repeat questions, and I even wore a mask while practicing to simulate the conditions!
- I gave the actual test at roughly the same time as my last 3 practice tests
- Yes, I did have to commute on test day, but I got there 15 min before the test and had a few mins to relax and take deep breaths. No real issues at the test center
- I wasn't very anxious either, just the normal/usual amount. I slept okay the night before, didn't have any stressful events the day before on on the day of the test
- I wasn't particularly happy with the performance after each section, but when I saw the score, my jaw completely dropped and heart sank. I know I did guess towards the end of each section, but I also think I was doing pretty good up until 60-65% mark of each section. The only reason I could think of is I got like 6-7 questions wrong in a row at the end of each section, or easy SC questions wrong in Verbal. But I really doubt I could get such a huge number of questions wrong consecutively
Explanations and way forward?
1. Would love to hear from the community on any similar instances. Are there any nuances you kind people could point to that led to this unbelievable dip? I do not think just attempting V first explains it (and the V score was low anyway). Like I said, I wasn't very nervous
2. I did feel the V questions were tougher than those on the practice tests, and one RC did throw me off by quite a few mins. SC was tougher as well. On Q, it was slightly more difficult than practice exams, but not enough to make the score drop to 45 in my view. Any inputs on the quality/difficulty of official practice tests vis-à-vis real test? Does it vary that much!?
3. Of course I won't apply with a 640 (those schools won't be interested). I wanted to cancel the score at the center, but didn't. Is the ESR going to be of any use here? I will cancel my score, but can I order the ESR for the test after I cancel it? Or can I order the ESR first and then cancel the score? Or is the ESR only available after the official score is out?
4. I am only interested in 2-3 schools, and only have a couple of weeks to apply. I know, I could have planned better but such a score was never expected. I heard I can take an online test less than 16 days after a test at the center? If so, I can probably take the online version (wanted to avoid it because of the negative reviews) in 4-5 days. Would any experts be able to offer any advice, based on the above and their understanding, on what I could do in the next few days - prep or psychologically?
5. I understand I have to accept the fact that I failed miserably at it, but is there any possibility the scores could change in the official report? Anyone seen any such instances?
I would much appreciate any help/pointers/inputs from the lovely community here. TIA!
22 Aug 2021, 09:40
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi. Welcome back and good to see you!
I’ve done some analysis for GMAT prep versus real test scores. You can see it here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/real-gmat-sc ... 66927.html
Majority of people find their scores to be within 30 or 40 points of the GMAT prep tests. It appears there is a good predictability based on 70+ data points.
It seems greater differences are a result of additional factors perhaps a bit of luck or bad luck. Especially since you have a high score from a number of years ago, just probably points to a subset of external factors and unless your practice scores are inflated, I would consider retaking in 16 days without waiting a whole lot.
Posted from my mobile device
I’ve done some analysis for GMAT prep versus real test scores. You can see it here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/real-gmat-sc ... 66927.html
Majority of people find their scores to be within 30 or 40 points of the GMAT prep tests. It appears there is a good predictability based on 70+ data points.
It seems greater differences are a result of additional factors perhaps a bit of luck or bad luck. Especially since you have a high score from a number of years ago, just probably points to a subset of external factors and unless your practice scores are inflated, I would consider retaking in 16 days without waiting a whole lot.
Posted from my mobile device
22 Aug 2021, 11:13
Kudos
Bookmarks
That's most unfortunate. The experts will probably will you a better answer but regarding ESR, you can still order one even for a cancelled GMAT score. Would recommend you to get one and reflect where you went wrong.
