Worried about having a low GMAT score? Read this... Guys, I don't know what to say. Got the two easiest essay questions you could possibly imagine and math seemed to be right in line with GMATPrep. Took a break (had to go three floors down to use the bathroom) between Q and V and then encountered a little confusion with the fingerprint confirmation (had to rescan four times). Finally returned to to the station only to see the computer interface flash "break time exceeded by 4 min 12 sec., this time will be deducted from your actual test." Knowing that I was going to be under the gun of "time pressure" from that point forward, I proceeded to dive into Verbal question #1 with the clock starting at 70:48. To stay keep from panicking, I hid the clock and systematically read each question as they came. SCs were a breeze compared to some of those posted on this site; especially the brutal 100 list. CRs were tricky and much more cleverly worded than I had ever seen before. RCs were, well RCs. As might have easily predicted, I got to question #30 when the red "4:59" countdown timer flashed on the screen. At this point I knew that it was GAME OVER. Knowing that it was virtually impossible to finish 12 verbal problems in less than five minutes, I decided that this test was destined for disaster. Consequently, I just took my hand off the mouse, pushed my chair back from the monitor and did some serious self-introspection for about 30 seconds; why did you put yourself through a month of intensive study only to poorly manage your break timing? As a foreign language major, are your critical reading skills really up to par with those of your future b-school counterparts??? Why are you taking this test when you can't even focus clearly?? What the hell is your problem with computerized tests??? Anyway, I scanned the remaining problems just to see what PVue was testing. Had one moderately lengthy RC and the usual mixure of SCs/CRs remaining. Clicked through those eight survey pages, and when the ultimate decision came, do you wish to cancel your score? I knew that this was going to be far below any performance in the past, but was still very curious to see how the math turned out because so many people on this site had given me so much help in that area: Jon, Laxie, U2Lover, Haas, Dahiya, Yurik, Ak, Yezz, Vivek ... and many others. SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELED THE TEST THEN AND THERE. Rather than lie by saying that I did cancel, which is exactly what I should have done, I will tell all of you here at GMAT club exactly how miserably I underperformed. Q38 V22 (Overall 500). Nearly 100 points lower than last year's GMAT (590) and the worst of any practice CAT or paper test, GMATPrep included. I not only shamed those who supported me over this past month, I have disgraced myself to the point of utter humiliation. How can somebody be a GMATClub moderator, score consistently in the 600s on practice CATs, only to walk in and underperform when it counts the most? If there is a hell on earth, I'm living in it right now. The truth of the matter is, when it comes to the GMAT I only have partial confidence in one aspect of the exam: SCs. Because I am a translator. But even those comprise a mere 1/6 of the test. My math sucks, my reading comprehension ability (under pressure) is downright pathetic, and I have some inherent disability to critically read in a timed enviornment. That being said, I'm going to take a week off and reevaluate the GMAT, whether or not I am a suitable candidate for b-school, and life in general. For the greater benefit of my fellow club members preparing to take the test, here is a debriefing, if it can help a fellow member in any way?? Enviornment 1. The test is aesthetically identical to GMATPrep. 2. The markers do tend to dry out, so request a minimum of three upfront. 3. Security is tighter than the Pentagon. Be sure to bring your passport if you are not a citizen of the country in which you intend to take the test. No wristwatches or jewelry permitted. AWA Questions are straightforward from the OG. First one was the argument of "reducing campus housing rates to increase dorm revenue." Second was the issue do you agree that "in defining success, results are more important than effort." Quantitative IMHO slightly more difficult than GMATPrep. I scored a 620 and 580 on GMATPrep #1 and #2, respectively. Both had a Q range of 40/42. Dahiya once mentioned that, "GMAT tests an finite number of math problems in an infinite number of ways." This is absolutely true. The root of every possible standardized question is the same, just each is cleverly disguised in a unique way. First problem #1 was based on weighted averages. #2 was something like (changed) 1234*342*23, which digit would change the total product by less than 1000? #3 was similiar to (not the same) In the series S(1,2,3,...) S(400)=x and the function f(x)= (x-n) where n is an interger > 500, what is the value of S(4999)-S(4998)....or something like that, which required my feeble brain to just guess. Subsequently got a string of DSs requiring the visualization of inscribed figures, overlapping sets, calculating the mean of the sum of a consecutive set of numbers 1....250. One problem on mut ex probability. followed by your standard mixture of absolute values, inequalites, number properties, special triangles, distance formulas, and ratios. Somewhere towards #29 they started getting really easy, something like (changed) 9^x=1/3, what is the value of x? Given two points, which is the eqation of a line. Got to problem #37 and the clock had 1 second left. Went to click the answer and time expired, so I know for sure the problem was recorded as incomplete. Surprisingly, didn't get one work/rate problem or even one problem on combinatorics or SD. But then again, I didn't score highly either. Verbal: Started off with 70:12 and decided to hide the clock. Rolled with the punches as they came, first a few inference CRs followed by an RC on the hierarchtical status of the Anasazi Indians (spent 10 minutes on these four questions) then a half dozen SCs intersperced between CRs of all types; assumption, weaken, strenghthen, etc. The SCs were a a little more lenghthy than the OG, but not quite as difficult as some MGMAT style that I have seen posted on this site. Know your semicolon/colon usage, the S-V for "one of + group + verb" and inversion. CRs were not overly difficult. Problem is I couldn't concentrate on many because I kept worrying about having to rush through to make up for lost time. Not one bold facer, but did get a inference logic CR early in the game that looked just like a disguised BF. Could have been experimental. RCs were shorter, like two long CRs vertically stacked, and only 1/4 required the use of a scroll bar. Make sure you understand the difference among the following meanings: explain, detail, qualify, refute, and sustantiate. Topis were centered on history, government fiscal policy, astronomy, and .....didn't even get a chance to read the last one. In retrospect, I took this exam with low levels of confidence and concentration, partly because of work related problems and partly because of personal issues. Having taken both versions almost exactly a year apart, I can honestly say to those of you who facing the beast, don't worry because I truly believe there is not much difference in difficulty between PVue and ETS, other than cosmetics and shorter, more detailed RCs. PVue screens are easier on the eyes with portions of the RCs "highlighted" for reference (vs. refer to line #35...). Dahiya, Rudy, Haas, Ak, U2Lover, Yurik, TestPrepGuru, Futuristic, Sumit, Professor and all the rest of you guys "on deck" will do just fine. I know exactly how well each and every one of you would have performed had you been faced with the same set of problems that I saw today. Sorry to bore all of you with a lengthy post from the one person who can now be officially titled the "biggest loser at GMATClub." Going to take a week off and seriously reevaluate my life completely...

Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 16:09

It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 16:09

Toolkit

Share GMAT Experience

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Nov 20
UCR MBA Impact - Live Q&A with UCR AdCom & Student
07:30 AM PST
-
08:30 AM PST
Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
Nov 22
GMAT RC Masterclass
11:00 AM IST
-
01:00 PM IST
Do RC/MSR passages scare you? e-GMAT is conducting a masterclass to help you learn – Learn effective reading strategies Tackle difficult RC & MSR with confidence Excel in timed test environment
Nov 23
Conquer Algebra on the GMAT Focus Edition
11:00 AM IST
-
01:00 PM IST
Attend this free GMAT Algebra Webinar and learn how to master the most challenging Inequalities and Absolute Value problems with ease.
Nov 25
Try OnDemand GMAT Masterclass
10:00 AM EST
-
11:00 AM EST
Prefer video-based learning? The Target Test Prep OnDemand course is a one-of-a-kind video masterclass featuring 400 hours of lecture-style teaching by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder of Target Test Prep and one of the most accomplished GMAT instructors.

Back to Forum

Create Topic

Update: From GMAT loser to fighter in six weeks...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

HongHu

Joined: 03 Jan 2005

Last visit: 25 Apr 2011

Posts: 966

Own Kudos:

796

[1]

Posts: 966

Kudos: 796

[1]

26 Nov 2006, 18:02

Kudos

Bookmarks

A late congratulations Matt! Such a great come back. It shows that persistence will produce fantastic result. I am truly happy for you. Good luck for your applications!

karlfurt

Joined: 02 Mar 2006

Last visit: 16 May 2008

Posts: 346

Own Kudos:

579

Location: France

Posts: 346

Kudos: 579

02 Dec 2006, 04:17

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey matt,

As this post has been made a sticky, I lost track of your way to success. With some delay, congratulations!

I didn't read all your 4000 posts but only that number justifies that finally you be awarded. 640 is a good score and with such a strong motivation, good schools cannot simply shut their doors.

Good luck!

baski6

Joined: 17 Jul 2006

Last visit: 04 Sep 2007

Posts: 371

Own Kudos:

Posts: 371

Kudos: 19

04 Dec 2006, 23:18

Kudos

Bookmarks

Congratulations Matt. You proved it well...
Good luck for all your future assignments.

nakib77

Joined: 28 May 2005

Last visit: 09 Aug 2008

Posts: 984

Own Kudos:

3,677

Location: Dhaka

Posts: 984

Kudos: 3,677

10 Dec 2006, 12:44

Kudos

Bookmarks

Matt,

A late congratulation. I really admire your consistant effort. Wish you all the best in b-school application. Take care.

-Nakib

GMATT73

Joined: 29 Jan 2005

Last visit: 28 Dec 2011

Posts: 2,877

Own Kudos:

1,256

Posts: 2,877

Kudos: 1,256

10 Dec 2006, 21:07

Kudos

Bookmarks

nakib77

Matt,

A late congratulation. I really admire your consistant effort. Wish you all the best in b-school application. Take care.

-Nakib

Likewise Nakib. Where are you at now? Haven't seen or heard from you in nearly a year now... Did you already matriculate?

nakib77

Joined: 28 May 2005

Last visit: 09 Aug 2008

Posts: 984

Own Kudos:

3,677

Location: Dhaka

Posts: 984

Kudos: 3,677

13 Dec 2006, 00:01

Kudos

Bookmarks

GMATT73

nakib77

Matt,

A late congratulation. I really admire your consistant effort. Wish you all the best in b-school application. Take care.

-Nakib

Likewise Nakib. Where are you at now? Haven't seen or heard from you in nearly a year now... Did you already matriculate?

Yup I started my PhD in finance here in University of New Orleans. I finished my first semester. I actually did pretty well. Just this morning I got my result. I got all A's. Last month I was blessed with a daughter as well. All these kept me quite busy for some time. I am happy for you man. Take care.
-nakib

vivek123

Joined: 14 Dec 2004

Last visit: 03 Jun 2012

Posts: 880

Own Kudos:

1,101

Posts: 880

Kudos: 1,101

13 Dec 2006, 02:23

Kudos

Bookmarks

Congratulations Nakib

It's nice to know that you are doing PhD

nakib77

GMATT73

nakib77

Matt,

A late congratulation. I really admire your consistant effort. Wish you all the best in b-school application. Take care.

-Nakib

Likewise Nakib. Where are you at now? Haven't seen or heard from you in nearly a year now... Did you already matriculate?

nakib77

Joined: 28 May 2005

Last visit: 09 Aug 2008

Posts: 984

Own Kudos:

3,677

Location: Dhaka

Posts: 984

Kudos: 3,677

13 Dec 2006, 17:51

Kudos

Bookmarks

vivek123

Congratulations Nakib

It's nice to know that you are doing PhD

Hey Vivek good to hear back from you. so how are doing?
-nakib

buzzgaurav

Joined: 07 Nov 2005

Last visit: 22 Mar 2010

Posts: 354

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 1

Location: India

Posts: 354

Kudos: 94

09 Jan 2007, 20:23

Kudos

Bookmarks

I am cursing myself for having missed this epic journey of a person who has GMAT running in his viens. If only I would not have been away from this forum for the past few months, I would have congratulated you in the first few posts :oops:

.
Rest apart, we all here were sure of your capabilities and it takes a lot of character to come out of such a deep failure to score well. You indeed are a fighter MATT, a fighter not only in your GMAT endeavour but also in all the facets of life. It was indeed a post that reached the core of your heart and had one think hard about how to never ever give up. Hats off to you dude.
Hope your applications are coming along well. Do stay in touch and keep us informed here what unfolds in your GMAT story next.
Best of luck MATT :wink:

GMATT73

Joined: 29 Jan 2005

Last visit: 28 Dec 2011

Posts: 2,877

Own Kudos:

1,256

Posts: 2,877

Kudos: 1,256

10 Jan 2007, 21:09

Kudos

Bookmarks

buzzgaurav

Buzz, those were some really touching words of admiration and encouragement. Thank you very much. My bronze metal performance is nothing to brag about, and actually has made me realistically target schools in the #10~50 range. Been putting hundreds of hours into those essays for R2 and R3 and will let you know how everything shakes out in the end.

How about yourself? How has your prep been coming along? Stay in touch buddy, we miss you in the forums.

HIMALAYA

Joined: 05 Apr 2005

Last visit: 09 Aug 2011

Posts: 796

Own Kudos:

269

Posts: 796

Kudos: 269

Updated on: 10 Jan 2007, 23:07

Originally posted by HIMALAYA on 10 Jan 2007, 22:56.
Last edited by HIMALAYA on 10 Jan 2007, 23:07, edited 1 time in total.

Kudos

Bookmarks

Matt,

I am very happy to learn about the development on your side. This is simply great and you definitely deserve more than this.

Since everybody has regarded your persistence and determination with their very touchy expressions, I have nothing more to add. But one thing that I must say is that you have been able to bring back many old-day friends such as vivek, nakib, hong, buzzgaurav, christopher and many others, who have stood here with you to share your happiness and offer you their best wishes, to the forum. This is definitely a phenomenal and I am sure more friends will join this list.

I am very much pleased to offer you my heartiest congratulation and wish you all the best in your application process.

Himalaya

HIMALAYA

Joined: 05 Apr 2005

Last visit: 09 Aug 2011

Posts: 796

Own Kudos:

269

Posts: 796

Kudos: 269

10 Jan 2007, 23:00

Kudos

Bookmarks

nakib77

Hey Nakib,

Happy to learn about you after such a long time.

Congratulations on your developments.

Himalaya

Current Student

Joined: 28 Dec 2004

Last visit: 07 May 2012

Posts: 1,576

Own Kudos:

675

Given Kudos: 2

Location: New York City

Concentration: Social Enterprise

Schools:Wharton'11 HBS'12

Posts: 1,576

Kudos: 675

16 Jan 2007, 15:50

Kudos

Bookmarks

Nakib and vivek..wow..ol timers..good to see ya fellas around...

nakib..i thought u were going to wharton??

iraja

Joined: 23 Oct 2006

Last visit: 26 Aug 2007

Posts: 4

Kudos: 0

18 Jan 2007, 13:56

Kudos

Bookmarks

Great guys and Great forum....

I just sat down and went thru all 6 pages of the discussion, of course including Matt's story... I am pretty sure with one thing, If someone about to fall down, there are lot of hands to support here....
Hats off to GMAT Club and Its crew...

Matt, all I want to say is success is not too far, if you try hard !!! You will succeed soon with your motivation and hard work.

About me, I just started preparing for 2 months back and recently took a practice test, not at all impressed with it... got 530... but working hard to achieve.... I'll, if not today,tomorrow.

Be positive,Work Hard, Success will chase you, you don't need look for it.....

Good Luck to you guys... especially to Matt

~Raja
Believe to Succeed

Irishman

Joined: 25 Sep 2006

Last visit: 09 Jan 2010

Posts: 15

Location: NY

Posts: 15

Kudos: 0

19 Jan 2007, 10:26

Kudos

Bookmarks

did you just say that you read all 6 pages of this thread??? get back to studying already! when's the OG 12 out?

iraja

Joined: 23 Oct 2006

Last visit: 26 Aug 2007

Posts: 4

Kudos: 0

19 Jan 2007, 13:51

Kudos

Bookmarks

Yep, read all of them... Started studying between tight work schedule... planning to take the exam in june.

Sorry, Not sure, when OG 12 comes out.. Anyone knows?

GMATT73

Joined: 29 Jan 2005

Last visit: 28 Dec 2011

Posts: 2,877

Own Kudos:

1,256

Posts: 2,877

Kudos: 1,256

22 Jan 2007, 22:42

Kudos

Bookmarks

iraja

Thank you Raja and likewise, I hope you attain your ultimate GMAT/MBA related endeavors. To excel (do much better than I did) I might recommend sticking with official guide and retired test materials. Remember that with the right attitude and sustained concentration, you and many other 700 level aspirants here will prevail. Good luck!

yogeshsheth

Joined: 01 Oct 2006

Last visit: 19 Jul 2008

Posts: 301

Own Kudos:

Posts: 301

Kudos: 74

29 Jan 2007, 10:54

Kudos

Bookmarks

Just wanted to say thanks to MATT. Your motivational link was the one that I visited after scoring horribly in my first GMAT attempt. It helped to restore my confidence back and focus again to nail the GMAT which I managed to jan.

ericaloc

Joined: 02 Jan 2007

Last visit: 24 Oct 2007

Posts: 10

Kudos: 0

05 Feb 2007, 17:35

Kudos

Bookmarks

This Just happened to me..... I can echo the feeling of devastation..... similare mistakes and timing issues, execept I scored lower than him....

My story is the the thread in this subforum...... "Help - Bombed the first attempt!!"

~Erica

jonnyjersey

Joined: 26 Sep 2006

Last visit: 29 May 2007

Posts: 26

Kudos: 0

07 Feb 2007, 14:37

Kudos

Bookmarks

yeah, i feel all of you. after i stumbled during my first test i needed a confidence booster going into it the second time around. just gotta keep yourself in the game mentally.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Moderator:

Founder

42387 posts

Prep Toolkit

Announcements

Combinatorics Explained Step-by-Step (in 20 Mins)

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for New Videos on GMAT Strategies

Master in Management, Finance, Business Analytics and more Master’s Programs!

Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with ARINGO

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
09:00 am PDT | 10:30 pm IST
Location: GMAT Club Chat

Top GMAT Focus Debriefs

	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $79 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $325 $200 Discount + $79 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	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

Update: From GMAT loser to fighter in six weeks...

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