GMAT prep test scores progressively decreasing, please help!

Question

Hi everyone,

I started taking official GMAT prep tests last week. My scores have been decreasing even though I'm reviewing errors and working on weak areas. My exam is in 2 weeks. My goal is 650. Any suggestions?

Test 1 - 660, V35, Q45
Test 2 - 610, V25, Q49
Test 3 - 590, V27 Q44

I was feeling really good about test 3 but I don't know what went wrong.

I have taken 6 official Kaplan Prep tests and I have scored between 630-660 in all 6.
I don't know what's happening

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi sim1796,

Can you provide some more details on what you have been doing to study up to this point?

-- for how long have you been studying?

-- what resources have you been using?

Once I have more information, I can provide some advice. In the meantime, here is a helpful article to check out:

The Phases of Preparing for the GMAT

HoneyLemon · Answer

It can be because of the fact that you still need to master the advanced concepts of the individual topic.

Hovkial · Answer

The verbal scores seem to be tanking rapidly. This should indicate that your conceptual understanding of the topics that are tested and your ability to tackle new questions on a test need quite a bit of improvement.

You may be able to manage on the quant section. The Q49 looks to be somewhat of a fluke.

You may still end up receiving a 650 or something around it if things go well on test day. However, it is also possible that at this stage, a score of 650 may be a reach. You may need more preparation.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sim1796,

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:

1) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? Have you taken just the Kaplan practice CATs/mocks or have you taken any of the Official CATs?
3) 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)?
4) When is your exact Test Date?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

sim1796 · Answer

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC,

1. I have been studying since Jan 13, 2021. My initial exam date was March 20. I studied about 35-40 hours a week, unequally distributed, for the first 1.5 months.I then postponed my exam to early May and study time has dropped to about 25-30 hours a week.
2. I started with the OG 2019 (I now feel like it was a mistake to start with that.) 
 Following that, ManhattanPrep All about Quant, Verbal and Quant Review for weaker topics. 
 Jamboree Book 1 (not their classes, just the books) from the basics to the tougher questions. 
 Youtube videos of GMAT specific tutors as well as others for weaker topics.
 I am currently practicing Verbal from Jamboree Book 2 (SC and CR) and OG (RC).
 Quant from Jamboree Book 2 and question banks of Kaplan, official gmat ones, GMAT Club etc.
3. Kaplan test 1 - Feb 1 - 640, Q46 V32
 Kaplan test 2 - Feb 20 - 630, Q42 (15 incorrect) V34 (16 incorrect)
 Kaplan test 3 - April 12 - 660, Q47 (12 incorrect) V34 (18 incorrect) 
 Kaplan test 4 - April 21 - 660, Q47 (11 incorrect) V34 (13 incorrect)
 GMAT test 1 - April 22 - 660, Q45 (12 incorrect) V35 (11 incorrect)
 GMAT test 2 - April 25 - 610, Q49 (11 incorrect) V25 (16 incorrect)
 Kaplan test 5 - April 28 - 640, Q44 (16 incorrect) V34 (13 incorrect)
 GMAT test 3 - April 29 - 590, Q44 (11 incorrect) V27 (16 incorrect)
I am not using mock tests as primary source of practice, but I am using them as a practice for time.
4. I am appearing for the GMAT Online on May 10, 2021
5. I am applying for universities for the September 2021 intake. My application deadlines are on May 31.
 I am applying to mostly public universities in Germany. GMAT is optional but a score above 600 gives me an additional advantage which could mean a direct admit.

sim1796 · Answer

Hi ScottTargetTestPrep,

Thankyou for the link.
- I have been studying since Jan 13, 2021. My initial exam date was March 20. I studied about 35-40 hours a week, unequally distributed, 
 for the first 1.5 months. I then postponed my exam to early May and study time has dropped to about 25-30 hours a week.
- I started with the OG 2019 (I now feel like it was a mistake to start with that.) 
 Following that, ManhattanPrep All about Quant, Verbal and Quant Review for weaker topics. 
 Jamboree Book 1 (not their classes, just the books) from the basics to the tougher questions. 
 Youtube videos of GMAT specific tutors as well as others for weaker topics.
 I am currently practicing Verbal from Jamboree Book 2 (SC and CR) and OG (RC).
 Quant from Jamboree Book 2 and question banks of Kaplan, official GMAT, GMAT Club etc.

I am appearing for the GMAT online on May 10, 2021.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi sim1796,

I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

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GMAT prep test scores progressively decreasing, please help!

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