Same score after 1.5 months, devastated. How to proceed from here?

Question

I got a 690 (Q49,V35) in my first attempt in October. Practised for more than a month, scored 730-750 in OG mocks and attempted again yesterday. I got a 690 again but this time with a Q44, V40.

The shocking Quant score was due a panic attack I had during the third quarter, where I lost time and rushed through the next few questions. ESR shows the following accuracy in Quant across 4 quarters:

71%, 88%, 29%, 71%

I have postponed all my applications to next year cycle (since I want to try for scholarships) and decided to give one more try at GMAT Classic in Jan end.

Need advice on how to proceed with my practice from here. Have already taken the OG mocks and Manhattan mocks, so where should I practise from.

Main issue is time management and severe test anxiety. I have diagnosed anxiety disorder so that doesn't help.

This is my last shot at GMAT so stakes are high but I don't want to mess it up with anxiety.

KarishmaB · Answer

Depends on your target score. If it is around 730, I think you are already set for it. You just have to make it happen now. I suggest schedule the test in 15 days, practice questions of various types in this time and just go take the test. If you delay it to end Jan, you will again get anxious. With the possibility of taking the test again till end Jan open, you may not get anxious if you take it in the next 15 days. Cancel the score if it is worse than before.

If your target Score is even higher, then work on pushing Quant and verbal up by a point or two.

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GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Gratz on the Verbal improvement. Don't let it rust in case you decide to focus heavily on Quant prep for your next attempt. For time management, using question/time markers may help.

5 Quant tips

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NosyNocturnal,

First off, a 690/Q49 is a strong Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, a retest might not be necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to act on that advice, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

That all having been said, there's no harm in retesting. From the information that you have provided so far though, even if you had scored a Q51, your overall Score would not have bee much more than a 700 or 710 - so if your Score Goal is notably higher than that, you will have to improve your Verbal performance as well. It's worth noting that many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you studied for just a little more than 1 month, then it's likely that you just have not put in enough time and effort to score higher yet.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) On what date did you take your Official GMAT?
2) How long did you actually study? How many hours did you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). Since you purchased the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi NosyNocturnal,

Considering how much anxiety affected your GMAT, I'd like you to give this article a read:

How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety

Score-Quest · Answer

First off, congratulations on your impressive Verbal score! Achieving V40 is no small feat. Regarding Quant, it's clear you have a strong foundation, as evidenced by your previous scores. Test anxiety is a common challenge, and it's completely understandable given the high stakes. To build confidence, I recommend practicing under timed conditions that mimic the actual exam environment. This can help you manage time more effectively and reduce anxiety. For more practice, consider exploring the GMAT Club tests for Quant or other test prep companies' resources. Good luck!

Same score after 1.5 months, devastated. How to proceed from here?

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