Bad Result on Last Mock Test Before Actual Exam - Stressing out...

Question

Hello,

My exam is in 4 days. My first attempt was around a month ago and I got a disappointing result of 640 (45Q/34V). Since then, I have been doing a practice test each week and my scores have been decent apart from the last one which I did today. My target score is 710 or above. My practice test results in order are listed below;

Official Practice Test 3: 710 (48Q/39V)
Official Practice Test 4: 710 (49Q/38V)
Official Practice Test 5: 730 (48Q/42V)
Official Practice Test 6: 670 (48Q/34V)

What should I make of my performance in my last practice test? I felt that my focus wasn't really on point while doing the test and also I was stressed because I felt like I tanked the Quant section since I got easier questions towards the end of the section (I start with Quant and then do the Verbal section), which might have affected my performance on Verbal. I am looking for some last minute advice/tips on making sure my focus/concentration is on point and on how to deal with test anxiety. I can't stop myself from unconsciously thinking about the level of difficulty of each question I get and whether this means that I am doing bad. How can I overcome this? Thank you!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Thinking of a plan B may help you do plan A more calmly. If you have the Official-Guide (you can get an e-version from the MBA website), there is some myth vs. fact info in the beginning regarding the algorithm you may find interesting. For motivation/quick tips, reading some success stories on the Share GMAT Experience subforum may be helpful as well.

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-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi ksan,

I think you are in a pretty decent spot! Regarding anxiety, I have a great article I want you to check out:

How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety

selberenova · Answer

Stress is such a hard thing to deal with when taking the test!! I feel ya buddy. It seems your exam was today? Do let us know how it went.

ksan · Answer

I unfortunately got a 660 (47Q/35V). I am quite devastated as this score doesn't even come close to reflecting the effort I put in since my first attempt or my performance on my practice tests. I really don't have the energy to reflect on what went wrong and shaking this off and continue studying. Also, I think it makes sense to cancel this score since it is my second attempt and still a pretty bad score. Please let me know what you think  bb   GmatKnightTutor   ScottTargetTestPrep   BrentGMATPrepNow   GMATNinja

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi ksan,

I wouldn't cancel this score if I were you. That said, a cancelled score can be reinstated, so go ahead and cancel the score if you want.

ksan · Answer

Also, considering that I got an IR score of 7 in both attempts without studying for the IR section and that the format of EA might be better for test anxiety, should I consider taking the EA instead? I did some research and some of my target schools accept EA. That being said, I am not an executive and will have 3 years of work experience at the time of matriculation. But I also heard multiple times during info sessions that schools don't have a preference between their accepted standardized tests. Any thought on this?  bb   GmatKnightTutor   ScottTargetTestPrep   BrentGMATPrepNow   GMATNinja   AjiteshArun

bb · Answer

Did you spend too much time on the first part of the test, run out of time and had to guess at the end?

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AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi ksan,

Schools usually have a set of tests that they accept. But more importantly, some of these tests are only for specific  programs . I've worked with very few EA students, so I'm not very sure about this, but as far as I know, the EA is almost exclusively for exec/evening/MS/part-time programs. Very few schools accept the EA for their regular full-time MBA programs.

Reach out to your target schools if you want to be absolutely sure about this.

ksan · Answer

Yes  bb  - I had to randomly guess the last 2 questions for both Quant and Verbal.

For Quant, I had a solid start and my ESR shows that I had 71% accuracy in the first portion and 100% in the second. However, I remember that I got really stressed out in the second half of the section as the questions got harder and I didn't have much time left. My accuracy fell to just 29% in the third portion and 43% in the last... My average response time was 00:46 for the last portion

For Verbal, my accuracy for the 4 quarters of the section was 88%, 57%, 86%, 38% in order. Not entirely sure what went wrong with Verbal but I do remember that I also got really stressed out towards the end of the section and rushed to complete in time.

Also, what do you think about my note above regarding giving EA a try?

bb · Answer

Your problem seems to be timing and pacing yourself on the test. Not sure it is that much difference but may be worth a shot. Sure.

You can try EA or you can try the new GMAT Focus which will be available starting November… however, both EA and GMAT Focus will have more quant material than verbal so if you are more quant inclined, it will be a higher score.

Keep in mind that applying with EA is likely going to make you ineligible for scholarship from lower-ranked programs since they don’t benefit from EA scores.

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