bombed in GMAT 640!!

Question

Hey guys,

I took my gmat recently and messed up big time , got a mere 640(Q48,V30)
I dont know where i went wrong!
i was getting the following scored in prep tests

MGMAT CAT 6: 700
MGMAT CAT 5: 700
MGMAT CAT 4: 680

Kaplan: CAT 1: 630
CAT2 : 590

GMAT prep 1: 720( 5 days before the test)
GMAT prep 2: 750( 2 days before the test)

I was expecting a 700 minimum but was shocked to see a score for 640!
I messed up in the actual GMAT in verbal.

I have started the prep again planning to give in next 3 weeks....
Any pointers on how to work on my verbal?

BM · Answer

Hi, arjungupta.

Although a 640 is quite solid, the gap between your GMATPrep scores and your actual performance is large. How many times did you take the GMATPrep tests? Which guidebooks did you use for studying?

Also, how did you feel during the verbal portion of the test? By then, most test takers are tired from the AWA and quant portions of the test. Asking people to take the verbal section at the end is especially rough for those whose first language isn't English.

Anyway, please provide some details on your verbal studies and the day of the test. I'm sure we can figure out how to improve!

arjungupta · Answer

Hi,
I took GMAT prep 4 times. I took GMAT prep1 for the first time before i started preparing and scored a 610.
Then i took GMAT prep2 after 3 weeks for full time study i scores a 720.Then i took it again after 10 days i.e. within a week of my GMAT, i scored 720 and 750 in GMAT prep 1 and 2.
I also took all 6 Manhattan online test and i must admit that Quant was quite challenging in those tests.

I mostly took tests only (without AWA) but i referred OG10 & OG12 for everything though both are almost similar.
For SC i read Manhattan SC guide.
I also read kaplan 800 for Quant and verbal.
But i mostly took mock tests for my practise.

I think i was too tired by the time i reached verbal in actual GMAT. I felt like i lost focus, i was reading the questions and passages but i was not able to comprehend anything.And also i messed up one RC hence i panicked and ended up messing the whole thing.

I will really appreciate some pointers from you.
Thanks.

BM · Answer

The first thing to do is take at least one full week off from GMAT. You need a rest. Also, whenever you have time, read this thread: should-i-retake-gmat-thread-retaking-gmat-strategies-83339.html

You have already identified one issue: test exhaustion. It happens to all of us to one degree or another. The best way to minimize this condition is to always practice questions and take CAT's under the exact same conditions as you would for the real test. Don't practice OG on the sofa, for instance. Sit in the computer chair and use a desk. You can even prop up the book vertically to mimic the computer screen. It's also important to use a timer. For CAT's, follow the time limits and breaks exactly. People who don't do these simple procedures are only cheating themselves out of points.

It's equally important to take advantage of the breaks. Take that time to walk around, stretch, splash cold water on your face, and eat something (Snickers, almonds, a banana, Gatorade, etc.). I also find it helpful to look away from the screen and take a deep breath every time a new question appeared on the screen. This reduces neck and eye strain and provides oxygen. You need to maximize your energy reserves because you will definitely begin to run out toward the end.

But now to the books and CAT's. I usually urge others to be conservative with the GMATPrep because those simulations tend to inflate scores after the second time. And the AWA must be included in your tests to practice essays under timed conditions and to get used to taking the entire test. This was probably one reason why you broke down toward the end; you weren't fully conditioned to go through all three sections of the test. This cost you points - points that you already had.

Besides the Manhattan SC, I don't see any other proper guidebooks for verbal. You're quant skills are superb, so we probably don't have to worry about that. Right now, let's focus on verbal.

SENTENCE CORRECTION (SC):
Read the Manhattan SC guide at least one more time. Re-reading is one of the best things that you can do for studying.

CRITICAL REASONING (CR):
The Powerscore CR Bible is the best GMAT guidebook on this topic. This is a must.

READING COMPREHENSION (RC):
Start practicing with LSAT RC passages. These are generally more difficult and complex, so they will build up your stamina. If RC is your weak point, then consider a Powerscore or MGMAT RC guidebook.

While you are improving your verbal skills, go ahead and use the GMATClub Tests to retain you high quant score. Among other things, these tests will definitely strengthen your endurance. Also, if you haven't done so, go ahead and purchase the OG Verbal.

Silvers · Answer

Hi,

Im curious to know what you maths prep was, incase you are good at maths and di not pay any attention to it then i would suggest just try to work on improving your focus in the Quant section. That would not only help you cut down on the silly mistakes but also help you build confidence for the verbal section.

Looking at your quant score you should easily be able to get it to 50! and with that if you just do a little better on your verbal you will crack 700 or maybe 690. Im not sure but i believe Q50 and V35 is 700 if not then im sure its 690!

Good luck for the gmat and yeah like suggested by others take a break get drunk go on a trip; for 7 days forget that GMAT exists!

arjungupta · Answer

hey,

Thanks for the suggestions.
I'll make sure i follow the exact test routine this time including AWA.
It was a big mistake not to take AWA!!
I'll make sure this time i do well!

arjungupta · Answer

Hi Silvers,

My maths prep was pretty good.
Infact i am sure i did the first 20 questions right, as the 24th question was really a tough one.
I went downhill in couple of questions in a row i think 4 questions were wrong in a row.
I took more than 14 tests only mistake was i didn't do AWA.
This time i'll make sure i simulate the exact test.

I gave Manhattan free online test today with AWA for 680 (Q45 V35).
I was not able to complete only 30 questions in Quant, i just marked the remaining 7 questions randomly most of them were wrong ofcourse!
But i Believe Manhattan quant is way above GMAT level.

Silvers · Answer

Well manhattan Quant and GMAt quant are a little different. I agree manhattan quant is difficult but its nowhere near what the GMAT would throw at you at a score of 49,50. In GMAt you will always find a bunch of concepts tested together. Somewhere on the forum there is a document that lists all the GATprep questions for math and SC. Do those and you will realize how different quant is on the GMAT.

And Yes, givng the tests with AWA is important as it gives you an indicator of how stressful the real thing can get and also will teach you how to manage stress.

Good Luck.

vwjetty · Answer

Yeah man. AWA is no joke. Do them when you practice.

arjungupta · Answer

Hey,

I finally got 710 Q50 V37 AWA 6 IR 5

Took my GMAT again, and guess what I cracked the 700 mark..... !!
Well, I was not able to complete my verbal and had like 1 minute left on clock with 5 more questions to go , so I just picked some random answer and moved ahead....But after a totally messed up history with GMAT feels good to join the 700 club!

Thanks!

Zynga · Answer

Congrats on crossing the 700 mark !
Even with guessing the last 5 questions on Verbal, 37 is a great score !

highdiving · Answer

That's really nice to hear after your older posts; well done! 8-)

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

bombed in GMAT 640!!

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards