Last visit was: 28 Apr 2026, 17:26 It is currently 28 Apr 2026, 17:26
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
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
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Events & Promotions
avatar
at1988
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2013
Last visit: 23 May 2018
Posts: 15
Given Kudos: 3
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
Posts: 15
Kudos: 0
My first GMAT score 560 18 Mar 2016, 15:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi All

I gave my first GMAT today and got 560 (Quant (42), Verbal(25), IR(3)). I had been scoring close to 650 in my practice tests from GMAT Prep and MGMAT. Don't know what went wrong ... Can anybody help?
avatar
OptimusPrepJanielle
avatar
Joined: 06 Nov 2014
Last visit: 08 Sep 2017
Posts: 1,776
Own Kudos:
1,508
 [1]
Given Kudos: 23
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 1,776
Kudos: 1,508
 [1]
My first GMAT score 560 18 Mar 2016, 20:42
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
at1988
Hi All

I gave my first GMAT today and got 560 (Quant (42), Verbal(25), IR(3)). I had been scoring close to 650 in my practice tests from GMAT Prep and MGMAT. Don't know what went wrong ... Can anybody help?
Show more

Hi at1988,

There is a big difference between your mock scores at the GMAT score. This usually happens because of the following reasons:

1. There was something amiss with your preparation and you did not understand the fundamentals thoroughly
2. You did not take the mock CATs realistically i.e. you did not train for the full 4 hours and skipped AWA and IR sections
3. You were unable to finish the sections on the GMAT.

Your sectional scores show a clear lack of understanding. I would like to know more about your preparation:

1. Did you follow any preparatory course/book?
2. Did you solve the questions from Official Guides?
3. How long did you prepare?
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,056
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,056
My first GMAT score 560 19 Mar 2016, 11:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi at1988,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day.

If you can answer a few questions, then we should be able to figure this out:

When you took your CATs:
1) What were your scores on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?
2) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Did you take them at home?
4) Did you take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT?
5) Did you ever do ANYTHING during your CATs that you couldn't do on Test Day (pause the CAT, skip sections, take longer breaks, etc.)?
6) Did you ever take a CAT more than once?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
avatar
at1988
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2013
Last visit: 23 May 2018
Posts: 15
Given Kudos: 3
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
Posts: 15
Kudos: 0
My first GMAT score 560 19 Mar 2016, 18:12
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC

Please see answers to your questions below:

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi at1988,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day.

If you can answer a few questions, then we should be able to figure this out:

When you took your CATs:
1) What were your scores on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?
MGMAT 1 - 570; Q(39), V(30)
MGMAT 2 - 620; Q(42), V(33)
MGMAT 3 - 640; Q(44), V(34)
MGMAT 4 - 630; Q(44), V(34)
MGMAT 5 - 590; Q(42), V(30)
MGMAT 6 - 650; Q(44), V(35)
GMAT Prep Exam 4 - Q(47), V(34) - 660 - Last practice test before main exam
2) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)? - YES (Took the entire CAT for all the practice tests)
3) Did you take them at home? - YES, took them at a quiet place at home
4) Did you take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT? - NO. Official GMAT was at 8am. I took the exams around 11am
5) Did you ever do ANYTHING during your CATs that you couldn't do on Test Day (pause the CAT, skip sections, take longer breaks, etc.)? - No. Only thing different was I could sip water while taking practice CATs. No water is allowed inside test-center.
6) Did you ever take a CAT more than once? - No, this was first time.

Also I canceled my score since I was expecting atleast around 650... Also my goal score is 720 and above. Was it right decision to my cancel score?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Show more
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,056
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,056
My first GMAT score 560 20 Mar 2016, 14:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi at1988,

The extra information that you've provided is quite useful, as it helps to define what went wrong on Test Day. In real basic terms, you took your CATs in such a way that you were NOT properly training to face the Official GMAT - so you were not ready to face it on Test Day.

Test Day is a rather specific 'event' - the details are specific and they matter, so you have to train as best as you can for all of them. The more realistic you can make your CATs, the more likely the score results are to be accurate. The more you deviate, the more "inflated" your scores can become - and that's what happened here. By taking the CATs at home, taking them at a different time of day, sipping water, etc., you weren't properly training for the FULL GMAT 'experience.'

Thankfully, this is a relatively easy set of problems to fix. The big question now is "how long will it take you to properly get 'used to' taking the full GMAT?" You'll certainly need a new set of practice CATs to work with and you have to put in the necessary time to train your brain (and body) for the FULL GMAT. You might also need to invest in some new GMAT training materials.

1) On what dates did you take each of these CATs?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

To answer your last question, canceling your score was fine.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
avatar
at1988
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2013
Last visit: 23 May 2018
Posts: 15
Given Kudos: 3
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
Posts: 15
Kudos: 0
My first GMAT score 560 23 Mar 2016, 06:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Please see my response below:

Thanks

at1988

Hi
EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi at1988,

The extra information that you've provided is quite useful, as it helps to define what went wrong on Test Day. In real basic terms, you took your CATs in such a way that you were NOT properly training to face the Official GMAT - so you were not ready to face it on Test Day.

Test Day is a rather specific 'event' - the details are specific and they matter, so you have to train as best as you can for all of them. The more realistic you can make your CATs, the more likely the score results are to be accurate. The more you deviate, the more "inflated" your scores can become - and that's what happened here. By taking the CATs at home, taking them at a different time of day, sipping water, etc., you weren't properly training for the FULL GMAT 'experience.'

Thankfully, this is a relatively easy set of problems to fix. The big question now is "how long will it take you to properly get 'used to' taking the full GMAT?" You'll certainly need a new set of practice CATs to work with and you have to put in the necessary time to train your brain (and body) for the FULL GMAT. You might also need to invest in some new GMAT training materials.

1) On what dates did you take each of these CATs?
MGMAT 1 - 2/25
MGMAT 2 - 2/26
MGMAT 3 - 3/1
MGMAT 4 - 3/3
MGMAT 5 - 3/7
MGMAT 6 - 3/9
GMAT Prep Exam 4- 3/14
GMAT - 3/18

2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2017 Fall (Spring if possible)

To answer your last question, canceling your score was fine.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Show more
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,056
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,056
My first GMAT score 560 23 Mar 2016, 11:02
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi at1988,

The process of taking a FULL CAT and properly reviewing it so that you can practice on specific areas and improve takes a lot of time and effort. As a general rule, you shouldn't take more than 1 FULL CAT per week. From your schedule, you took 7 CATs in 19 days - that is TOO many in such a short period of time. It also helps to explain why those score results were so similar - you didn't put in enough effort BETWEEN your CATs to properly hone your skills improve.

I have a few more questions about the last few days before Test Day:

1) What did you do in the 3 days before your GMAT?
2) How did you sleep the night before your Test?
3) How long was the ride to the Test Center from your home?
4) Were there any distractions at the facility or during the Test?
5) What did you do during the two 8-minute breaks?
6) Did you finish any sections early?
7) Did you have to rush to finish any sections (and guess on questions just to finish on time)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
avatar
at1988
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2013
Last visit: 23 May 2018
Posts: 15
Given Kudos: 3
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
Posts: 15
Kudos: 0
My first GMAT score 560 31 Mar 2016, 13:16
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC

Thanks for your feedback, so what would be a good time in between 2 CATs (4 days- 5 days?) , also, please see the answers to your questions below. I am aiming for a 720+ score, is that reasonable? And how long would it take me to reach it?

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi at1988,

The process of taking a FULL CAT and properly reviewing it so that you can practice on specific areas and improve takes a lot of time and effort. As a general rule, you shouldn't take more than 1 FULL CAT per week. From your schedule, you took 7 CATs in 19 days - that is TOO many in such a short period of time. It also helps to explain why those score results were so similar - you didn't put in enough effort BETWEEN your CATs to properly hone your skills improve.

I have a few more questions about the last few days before Test Day:

1) What did you do in the 3 days before your GMAT? - Reviewed my errors from previous CATs, read flashcards, practiced a few problems.
2) How did you sleep the night before your Test? - My test was at 8 am, so I went to bed by 10pm.... slept by 11pm and was up at 6am in the morning. I slept well, but I would say I am not an early morning person. That is one thing I will change in my re-take , 11am suits me much better.
3) How long was the ride to the Test Center from your home? - 5 minutes by car
4) Were there any distractions at the facility or during the Test? - not much, but the lady was not very helpful...In fact I came back from the break after finishing Quant, and she clocked me in without telling me I had 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining of my break!! So I was stressed that I did not take my full break for Verbal
5) What did you do during the two 8-minute breaks?
1st break: Got up , stretched, went to restroom, came back, ate a cookie, and went back to the test-room, I realized I was 3 minutes late for Quant! But I picked up pace and finished the Quant session in time. I thought I did quite well but scored only 42
2nd break: Same as before, just at a fast pace since I did not want to be late for Verbal, but realized I came back almost 3 minutes early and the lady still clocked me in! I am very disappointed in the staff.
6) Did you finish any sections early? - Not that I can recall.... Everything was pretty much in time... I did not rush in Quant, not much in Verbal, but did fall short of time in IR.
7) Did you have to rush to finish any sections (and guess on questions just to finish on time)? - Only in IR

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Show more
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,056
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,056
My first GMAT score 560 01 Apr 2016, 10:54
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi at1988,

As a general rule, you should plan to take 1 FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) per week. You should also try to make each of those CATs as realistic as possible (take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT, take them away from your home, etc.). Using your Official Score as a gauge, and considering your score goal, you're likely going to need at least another 2 months of consistent study time.

1) What practice materials have you used so far?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
avatar
at1988
avatar
Joined: 07 Oct 2013
Last visit: 23 May 2018
Posts: 15
Given Kudos: 3
Concentration: General Management, Marketing
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
GMAT 1: 560 Q42 V25
Posts: 15
Kudos: 0
My first GMAT score 560 12 Apr 2016, 14:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC

Please find my answers to your questions below:

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi at1988,

As a general rule, you should plan to take 1 FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) per week. You should also try to make each of those CATs as realistic as possible (take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT, take them away from your home, etc.). Using your Official Score as a gauge, and considering your score goal, you're likely going to need at least another 2 months of consistent study time.

1) What practice materials have you used so far? - I used the official guide 2015 edition, Manhattan GMAT SC guide, MGMAT tests(6), Magoosh practice questions + 2 tests, and recently this month I signed up for EMPOWERGMAT online course.



GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Show more
User avatar
EMPOWERgmatRichC
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,056
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,056
My first GMAT score 560 12 Apr 2016, 17:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi at1988,

Now that you've signed up for the EMPOWERgmat Course, you're going to learn a new way of 'seeing' (and responding to) the GMAT. It's important that you embrace all of the lessons, build up skills that might not have used much during your previous studies and keep focused on making your practice as realistic as possible. You're going to find that the GMAT is remarkably predictable, so you just have to hone the proper skills for Test Day.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich