What to do next? 620 :(

Question

I took GMAT last Sunday and I was devastated to see my score - 620 (Q50, V23). I had never gotten such a low verbal score in my entire life.

I was really expecting to get 700+, because I have been getting decent scores on GMATPrep:
GMATPrep1 720 (Q50, V38)
GMATPrep2 700 (Q50, V35)
Reintalled:
GMATPrep1: 770 (Q50, V44) - there were repeated questions

I'm assuming that I was tired after the Maths section, and I couldn't concentrate well? I was planning to retake the exam this weekend, but GMAC doesn't let me register for the exam within 31days, so I have to push the exam date to Dec. I'm really disappointed and confused, because the application deadlines are around the corner (I'm planning to apply for R2). Now I don't know what to study during this period of time. I have used Kaplan Premier and Kaplan GMAT 800. I have also used OG and Manhattan GMAT. However, if I don't keep on studying this month, I'm afraid that I will do worse. Please help! THANK YOU.

Ravshonbek · Answer

would suggest just to go through all available V resources. 1000s and others.

CR: criticalreasoningbible book
SC: mgmat sc book
RC: Kaplan should be fine/do as many rc as possible 

your math is up to date

good luck

mashi · Answer

Thank you, Ravshonbek.

Yes. I started doing SC1000 and I also started re-doing all the OG problems.

Any advice on how to calm down on the exam day? I was really nervous.

Calamity Jane · Answer

I would switch to Princeton Review for verbal. Kaplan isn't very good for verbal, but I have found PR to be right on the money.

manylander · Answer

I will second Calamity here. Kaplan throws in a lot of unnecessary garbage in its verbal questions. Princeton Review for practice and Manhattan for studying the concepts -I assume OG is a given- are your best bets...

Good luck

Octane · Answer

for SC I recommend the Manhattan GMAT. It's excellent, especially as a companion to the official GMAT books since it tells you exactly what questions to do for each type of problem.

mashi · Answer

Thank you all so much for responding. 

I have used Manhattan GMAT SC, RC, and CR before last time I took the exam. They are very good materials. Also, I just downloaded SC1000, CR1000 and RC passages. How many questions should I practice per day?

What material should I focus on during the week before the exam? Last time, I did all the MGMAT CATs and GMAT Preps. Should I keep doing CATs or I should just focus on the Verbal questions? Please advise. Thank you!

MBAstudyaholic · Answer

Just some advice, on like the last week leading up to the exam you should try to take atleast 6 practice CAT exams so that you are very confortable with the pacing and get your body mentally ready to endure the long test. I would also say try to take these test around the same time your actual test is scheduled for so your body gets into a routine. On the day before the exam, after like 1 pm I would recommend stop studying and just relax. Go watch a movie or go to the gym, at that point you have learned all you can and additional studying will only wear you down and amplify your nerviousness. I would also recommend not showing up too early to your exam because being around other equally nervous people for a long time won't have a positive effect on you if nerves are an issue. During the test take your breaks! Just my 2 cents.

mashi · Answer

I retook GMAT today and scored 700 (Q49 V35).

I did all SC1000 and redid all the OG 11 verbal questions. I also bought the OG for verbal for some extra practice. Doing all the SC1000 really boosts my confidence. I also believe that GMAT does not only test your Maths or English skills, but also it tests the test taker psycologically.

This time I am a lot more confident. Though I was hoping for 720 (Q50 V38) I think I am satisfied with 700, since R2 application deadlines are around the corner and I have a 3.85 at a top 20 undergraduate school.

Best luck to everyone out there! Make sure that you get a lot of rest before the test and just take GMAT as you take the GMAT Prep at home.

uphillclimb · Answer

Congrats Mashi. Concentrate on writing some great essays - I think you are in good shape.

mjoeb · Answer

congrats!!! i only wish i have the same kind of abilities you do :cry:

humbled4real · Answer

Are the answers + explanations posted anywhere for the SC1000 and RC1000???

tick66 · Answer

Hi Everyone Where does someone obtain the answers for 1000 SCs?

jhgmat · Answer

Congrats! Do you have answers to sc1000?

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What to do next? 620 :(

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