Am I Being Paranoid? Am I Ready?

Question

So I borrowed the MGMAT books from a friend and did self-study for about 6 weeks. I was very diligent about studying the first 3-4 weeks, everyday for a few hours a day. The last couple of weeks I've been busy and only got in a few hours every other day or so.

I took 2 official GMAT practice tests this weekend...

1) 650
2) 690

I forgot my actual breakdowns but Q higher than V for sure. I looked at what I got wrong and the ones for Q were careless errors. I'm nervous that I just got "lucky" on a lot of V questions. Should I be seeing a score similar to what I'm getting on these practices?

I will be going through the 5 Manhattan tests just for practice. I'm hoping to score 700+...what do I need to best prepare myself for the little push? Should I just keep taking practice tests? Should I skim through and review all the material again?

Test is on June 2nd.

mohater · Answer

To reduce "careless" mistakes, figure out what is causing them (skipping steps in algebra, not answering what the question is asking (reading too quickly), etc.).

GMATPrep is the most accurate predictor of how you will score on the real thing. See our practice test review thread for more info:

all-gmat-cat-practice-tests-links-prices-reviews-77460.html

Go through your practice tests to figure out what your weak sections are. Work from your weakest up (your weakest section is normally the limiting factor for your score). Keep and error log to help you overcome obstacles.

Cares · Answer

Majority of the questions I'm getting wrong in the Q section I knew how to do it but I missed one subtle detail or a careless algebraic error like you mentioned.

I just took a MGMAT CAT and I scored 640. I thought this test was SIGNIFICANTLY harder than the GMATPrep. I scored something like the 65th percentile for Q which is very poor for my standards.

mohater · Answer

People commonly report MGMAT as being more difficult. That is not unusual.

Cares · Answer

I honestly feel like MGMAT is skewed.

I felt like I was raped (excused my language) on the 2nd CAT, much worse than the first one. Somehow I did better? At least my scores are somewhat consistent, ranging in the mid-high 600s.

Scores so far:
GMATPrep 1 - 650
GMATPrep 2 - 690
MGMAT CAT1 - 640
MGMAT CAT2 - 670

Edvento · Answer

Hi Cares,

MGMAT is a little skewed. But nonetheless a great source. A good thing going with you is the fact that the scores are consistent. Now, it's time to drill down. I see you haven't done that. I had gone to the extent of recording my practice tests with a screen caster to pin point my mistakes. Although, that's a bit extreme, it really worked wonders.

Regards,

Shouvik.

mohater · Answer

"Feeling" alone is a terrible indicator on the GMAT (practice or otherwise).

On my first attempt, I felt great: 610
On my second attempt, I felt terrible and continued to do so for the entire test: 710

Even the GMAC said based on its surveys of test takers (and its own R&D), feeling is not at all reflective of how you do on the test.

Cares · Answer

Studied my errors from my first 4 CAT tests. Took another MGMAT CAT and scored 650. Seems like my Q score is fluctuating slightly while my V is pretty much stagnant around 35. Pretty much seems like I'm stuck in the mid-600s on all my CATs with 1 test in 690.

Not sure how I feel about this. I really want to get into the 680-700 range but it seems like I just can't break through.

Not sure how I feel about this. I really want to get into the 680-700 range but it seems like I just can't break through.

Cares · Answer

Well just finished my last CAT...

1) 650 (Q?? V??) GMATPrep
2) 690 (Q?? V??) GMATPrep
3) 640 (Q42 V36) MGMAT
4) 670 (Q46 V35) MGMAT
5) 650 (Q44 V35) MGMAT
6) 640 (Q43 V35) MGMAT
7) 690 (Q47 V37) MGMAT

Not much improvement but at least I have generally been consistent. I really wanted to hit 700+ in a practice test so I would know that I'm at least capable on the actual test date. We'll see how this Saturday goes!

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