670 - Crashed during Verbal, Advice Needed

Question

Hi Team,

So I wrote my GMAT last weekend and received 670  . Without going into needless details, I was expecting a 700-720 based on all my prep.

Although I was happy with my quant, and felt good while writing it, something went very wrong half way through my verbal. I completely lost my focus. It was almost like my brain went mushy and I really just couldn't think! I can't remember this happening in my practice tests. I even did some practice tests that included writing the AWA.

I have never been a good "test taker". So I am looking for advice from anyone about how to help maintain stamina.

Things I did
1) Ate small snacks during breaks
2) Went to the bathroom during breaks

Things I didn't do
1) Didn't get a great night sleep, was quite nervous
2) Didn't eat lunch before writing at 12:30. Again, was too nervous.

Any help/criticism is welcome. I am re-writing in September.

Thanks!

nikhilkatira · Answer

What were your gmat prep test scores ?

Hussain15 · Answer

Well, I must say that it was a bad day for you, despite the fact that 670 is a good effort. How many CATs have you taken before test? Also, did you take any energy drink during the test? What was the varition among your real test scores & the CATs you took?

Your answers of above will help us understanding your case well.

Your answers of above will help us understanding your case well.

craigroddy · Answer

My first GMAT prep, taken about a month ago, was a 660 (42 Q, 37V)
The GMAT prep I took a week before the test was a 710 (45Q, 42V)
My last two Manhattan GMAT tests were 700 Each (taken between the GMAT preps), can't remember the Q an V.

I can't remember the total number of CATs I took. It was a lot. definitely 12+. The ones I took earlier on (prior to my first GMAT prep test) were lower, like 630 to 640. However, I know my extensive studying has put me above those scores at this point.

I did not take an energy drink. Ironically, I was worried that it would make me crash down the stretch haha. Do you suggest taking one mid-test?

ingoditrust · Answer

Was your actual exam time same as your practice times?

What I mean is that if you practiced all your exams in the morning but gave the actual exam in the evening?

Posted from my mobile device

craigroddy · Answer

The last test I took (GMAT Prep, 710) was at the exact same time as my real test, and included the AWA.

I should also mention that my official score was 73rd percentile in english. I ranged from 80% -95% in most of my CATs

Hussain15 · Answer

So its confirmed that it was your bad day. If you manage to raise your Q score to near 48 in the next one month & try to be more focus during verbal, I am sure you will cross 700. Energy drink is a good choice depending on each person. If you ever felt some issues after taking the drink, I will recommend not to try this during the test. One thing should always be in your mind during the test & that is "GMAT is not end of life, its just a part of it".

akaydee · Answer

Hi Craig,

How was the quant section on the real GMAT (Difficult, like the GMAT prep questions/ or...)? I really want to cover my bases for the quant section. I am unable to move up from the Q43-44 range.

Any help will be much appreciated.

Hussain15 · Answer

Hi akaydee! In how many CATs you got Q 43-44 ? What material have you exhausted?

craigroddy · Answer

I wouldn't say it was easier, but I did find the questions varied less. Most of what I saw were number properties and geometry questions. Or some variation of that.

That being said, i have no idea if that is typical. If you want to do very well, then expect some very hard quant questions. The last few questions I saw had my jaw almost hit the floor! I doubt I got them right, but they were most likely very high level questions.

Does that help?? I am not sure if it did? Let me know if you have any other questions.

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670 - Crashed during Verbal, Advice Needed

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