Low mock scores 10 days before the test.:(

Question

I gave my first mock in march GMAT prep1 scored 570 (Q45,V23) following that I studied a lot and put in a lot of effort, I improved substantially in CR and RC but skill in SC more or less remains the same. Following that I gave Mgmat mocks and got following result:
MGMAT CAT2 -630(Q46,V31)
MGMAT CAT3-670(Q44,V37)
MGMAT CAT 4-620(Q39,V35)
MGMAT CAT5- 600(Q40,V33)

I am yet to give GMAT prep 2 exam. I am very nervous to give the GMATprep 2 exam as it is said to be the most accurate indicator, and scoring low would surely shatter my remaining confidence . My GMAT is scheduled on 24-june-2015( I have around 9 productive days to go). How do I improve my score in these last few days ? I don't want to postpone my test once again. Can I touch the 700 mark? and what are some last day studying tips ?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi abhishek101,

I have a few questions about this series of CATs:

1) When did you take each of these CATs?
2) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
3) Did you take them at the same time of day at your Official GMAT?
4) Did you do ANYTHING during these CATs that would be considered un-realistic (taking the CAT at home, pausing the CAT, skipping sections, listening to music, etc.)?

You mentioned that you didn't want to reschedule your Test AGAIN. When was your original Test Date and why did you reschedule it?

You should absolutely take that next CAT this weekend (and do so in as REALISTIC a way as possible) and then report back here with your scores. From the tone of this post, you don't sound confident; if you don't feel ready to take the GMAT, then you should reschedule it.

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

KarishmaB · Answer

Take GMAT Prep 2 right away - including the AWA and IR. If you do not score a 700 on it, it is unlikely (though not impossible) that you will score it in the actual test. Choose accordingly - are you fine with a 650 (go ahead with the test) or do you absolutely need a 700 (rescheduling would be suitable in this case). In the next 3-4 days, identify one area each of Quant and Verbal and get good at that. Thereafter, it is all about reviewing your logs and winding down. Don't take up any new topics - just try to relax. Here is a post that might interest you: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/11 ... -the-gmat/

abhishek101 · Answer

Hi Thanks for taking out time to reply. I gave my Gmatprep 2 with AWA & IR section today(16-june-2015) and scored 680(Q49,V34), I think I have improved in quantitative section mainly because I found it bit relatively easier than MGMAT CATs. I have 6 days to go, how do I improve my verbal score by at least 4-5 points. Any last minute tips would be appreciated.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi abhishek101,

With 6 days to go, you really don't have the time to properly learn and practice any new tactics - you CAN work on your 'mechanics' though. On your last couple of CATs, you should do some real analysis into WHY you were getting Verbal questions wrong - look for the little mistakes that you're making, define them and do the necessary work to eliminate them. Usually, that "work" means 'taking more notes' or organizing the notes that you do take in a more logical fashion.

With a 680, you're remarkably close to 700+ territory, but you have to EARN those points.

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

KarishmaB · Answer

How to improve in Verbal depends on where your weaknesses lie. 
If it is CR, you should review the question types and what you need to focus on. 
If it is SC, you should find out the topics in which you make most mistakes (modifiers, pronouns, parallelism etc) and check those out from a Grammar book for details. Then try out the relevant questions again.
RC is harder to improve in 3 days (you can't keep anything for last 3 days) - still, you can always review the write up on specific question types to try to get a better understanding.

All in all, I would suggest you to relax in the last 2-3 days. Just review your error log/notes and keep your mind free from stress. That itself is capable of adding 30 points to your score.

burgeoning · Answer

Hey Abhishek, how did you do on the actual GMAT?

abhishek101 · Answer

Hey I did pretty bad, I panicked and went sleepless two days ahead of the test. To calm my nerves I drank a little at 2 a.m the night before the test and managed to get only 4 hours of sleep, my exam was at 9:00 AM. I scored 570 ( Q44V25)

burgeoning · Answer

Tough luck mate. I guess VeritasPrepKarishma's advice was spot on - its important to relax (mentally de-stress) 2 days before the exam. Are you planning to take the test again? Since your performance is attributable to your nerves ahead of the test, it may not be a bad idea since you have a lot of prep behind you already.

abhishek101 · Answer

I have it in 3 days, I have scheduled it on 11th september.

Low mock scores 10 days before the test.:(

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