Help.. score keeps going down!

Question

I took my first gmat after 2 months of studying and scored a 690 (Q47 V38). Afterwards, my scores kept going down to 660, 640 and 590..

I continuously got 700+ on the official prep exams so I thought I was prepared but I honestly don't know why my score keeps going down.
Should I just apply with a 690 or take it for the fifth time?

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Might be worth comparing any differences in your approach. Consider getting the ESR of your recent attempt if you're thinking of retaking. If you share it (after wiping any personal info), people may provide some specific suggestions as well.

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-contact: gmatknight site | gmatclub dm

Score-Quest · Answer

It's unusual to see such a consistent decline in scores. Have these attempts been spread out over several years with gaps in preparation? I'm trying to grasp the reason behind the drop.

Regarding whether to apply with a 690, it largely hinges on your target schools and the time you have left to prepare. If you're looking to apply in the current cycle and a 690 is competitive for your chosen schools, it might be best to go ahead and apply.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lemonegg429,

I'm sorry to hear that your more recent attempts at the GMAT did not turn out better. 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. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) On what dates did you take each of your Official GMATs and what were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each attempt?
2) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used over the course of all of your studies? 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?

If you took any of your Official GMATs at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. 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). If you purchase the ESR(s), then I'll be happy to analyze it/them for you.

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

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

lemonegg429 · Answer

These were test scores over the past 6 months. I'll pm the ESR individually 
Honestly my target school was HBS round 2 (+ my peers who went to HBS told me 690 should be enough if I write a well-rounded application and they got in with a 680 as well) but I don't think I can considering my undergrad transcript, etc.

For the first two months of studying, I studied for about 10+ hours a week and got the 690 so I was pretty confident that if I study harder I'd get over 700+. For this recent attempt, I studied for at least 3-4 hours every day on weekdays and 5+ hours on weekends. I took time off from work for the last few days before the exam and took the exam but was shocked with the 590..

I continuously got over 700+ on the official GMAT prep mock exams (even 760 on a few).. do you think it's an anxiety issue that I face during the exams? Would be better if I just take the GMAT online at home? At this point, I'd be happy if I could just get over 700

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lemonegg429,

First off, a 690/Q47 is a strong Score, so it could be enough to get you into your first-choice School. As such, another retest might not be necessary. Since you're interested in at least one highly-competitive School, 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/

Considering the overarching decline in your Official Scores, we really have to be far more detailed about defining your studies, so if you can answer all of the questions in my prior post, then that would be helpful. Before you can include attachments with your posts/PMs, you need to have at least 5 posts in the forums (right now, you have just 2 posts). If you would rather not go through those extra posting steps at this point, then you can feel free to email me directly (at [email protected]).

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

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

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