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MarcMoody
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
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Hi MarcMoody,

When did you take those last two CATs (relative to when you took your Official GMAT)? If you would have scored V40+ on Test Day, then you would have ended up with a score that was well above 700.

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Dear Rich,

I took the last two CATs one day and three days, respectively, prior to the actual test. My Verbal score in both was 40 (and Quant 48) -> According to the GMAT-Prep Software, I would have scored 710
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Hi MarcMoody,

Taking 2 FULL-LENGTH CATs in the 3 days prior to your Official GMAT was NOT a good idea. The process of properly taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant investment of time and energy, so taking even 1 CAT so close to Test Day can lead to 'burn out' (and taking 2 likely increased that burn out). This is all meant to say that you should take a broader look at how you plan for this next attempt - and schedule out the work that you plan to do so that you're going into Test Day better rested.

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Ok, so what advice would you have for me for the last 4-5 days prior to the GMAT?
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Hi MarcMoody,

As a general rule, most Test Takers don't learn any 'new' things (that they can reasonably retain and master) in the last week before taking the GMAT, so that should not be the goal. Test Takers tend to perform best when calmer and better rested, so you also should not try to do too much work in those last few days (no CATs, no cramming). You'd be better served by doing light review, especially of some of the older material that you haven't dealt with in awhile (but nothing on the 'really hard' end of the spectrum). Reviewing wrong answers from past assignments/CATs, etc. can also be useful. Try to get some extra rest and really 'plan out' the various facets of Test Day so that you minimize the possibility of 'surprises.'

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