Postpone my GMAT? (Worried 'bout "low Verbal" posts)

Question

Hi all,

This is my first time posting (but I've been reading this forum for a while now), and I've found the information here really helpful.

So I'm scheduled to take my test in a week. I've been getting 670-720 (Q 40-47, V35-45) on GMATPrep & MGMAT tests, and my goal for my first GMAT attempt (planning on taking it twice) is a 680, which I believe I can hit if I perform in line with expectations (and if GMATPrep is a reliable indicator of where my ability would be for the real thing).

HOWEVER, after reading all these posts on people getting unexpectedly low scores on Verbal, I'm a little apprehensive. I'm considering postponing my test to get more time between "the weirdness" and my test date. I'm not applying this year, so I have lots of time. I just don't want to end up with a 27 on Verbal - aside from totally killing my total score, it'd be horrible for self-confidence going into GMAT a second time.

Anyone got advice?

Thanks!

terp26 · Answer

I would take the test. What are you going to wait for? People posting that their verbal scores seemed accurate??

rigger · Answer

Do not postpone because of others who seem to be getting low verbal scores. I sincerely think that their results are just purely coincidence. It's more likely that they didn't get enough sleep, have enough confidence or just didn't prepare properly. Some of them re-take the GMATPrep multiple times and questions repeat themselves quite a bit. For me, multiple questions repeated on the 2nd attempt. That boosts scores up on GMATPrep. The testers are shown an 'inflated' number and have inflated expectations.

If you feel ready, then there's no reason why you shouldn't take the test.

If you feel ready, then there's no reason why you shouldn't take the test.

jallenmorris · Answer

If it helps you feel better about it, I did BETTER on my real GMAT verbal than on my tests. I took the GMATPrep tests only once, first and second test, and got v40 first time, v41 second time and v42 on the real thing. Makes me think if I took it again, would i get v43 ? seems to be a pattern :-D

Oski · Answer

Same for me: I did better on my actual test than on my prep test.

Go for it!

zonk · Answer

I think this whole verbal thing is just sample bias. There are always people who do well on practice tests and then blow up on the real thing. Those people are more likely to be the loudest voices on the boards, because they're shocked and upset.

There were a couple GMAT instructors who posted in the low verbal thread debunking this hypothesis. Their students are all performing in line with expectations.

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Postpone my GMAT? (Worried 'bout "low Verbal" posts)

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