What went wrong?

Question

I recently took the real gmat and received a 710.

I took all of the gmat prep tests, most of which under worse than ideal conditions (after work) and rigorously timed each one. Each was done with the essay and IR.

Here are my scores:
Gmatprep 1: 720 (tired, caffeine)
Gmatprep 2: 760 (tired, caffeine)
Gmatprep 3: 760 (tired, caffeine)
Gmatprep 4: 760 (tired, caffeine)
Gmatprep 5: 730 (tired, caffeine)
Gmatprep 6: 770 (rested, no caffeine as I noticed that it may have been contributing to stupid mistakes and not reading carefully)

For the real test, I was sure to get plenty of sleep. Didn't feel nervous, didn't drink caffeine, ate healthy before the exam, and felt great during the actual exam as well.

Do you think this is bad luck? Or perhaps I perform better tired than fresh?

Thanks!

bb · Answer

Hi. Clearly you have pretty strong practice tests scores, so I am with you - something did not go right.
There are some things that are outside of our control but I don't think you really need to fix anything (unless those are not realistic scores - e.g. you took extra long breaks or saw repeat questions on the tests).

So.... if those are realistic practice test scores, i would retake in 14 days and not spend a whole lot of time changing things (do some refresh, keep things clear, fresh, and stay in shape) but that's really it.

P.S. I have seen plenty of people retest and get 50-100 points higher. Doubt you can get a score 100 points higher, but you never know ;-)

riceman89 · Answer

Thanks for the info. I'll probably retake it sometime.

Can bad luck attribute to this much of a variance (50 pts or so)? I didn't cheat during any of my practice tests, if that's what you are wondering. ^_^

For the record, I actually thought the questions on the real gmat were easier than the practice ones - but for some reason I ended up getting a lower score. I thought I had aced the verbal section, but ended up getting a 40 (easily the lowest I've gotten). Its really mystifying to be honest....

bb · Answer

Hm.... usually easy questions is an indicator of not doing well - sorry for the band news - just means you were not careful. If you were doing great, you would be feeling uncertain about every question and feeling as though you are failing and probably getting a 500, esp on CR's and SC's where correct answers are so subtle.

As to the scores, the GMAT standard error is 37 points, so it is possible for the same person to score 710 and 750 and still be within the standard scoring pattern, so yes, bad days happen.

riceman89 · Answer

Hmm, on second thought, it could be due to burnout too. I did do 3 of my CATs within the last week (as I'm not blessed with a lot of time due to real life / work)...counting the real GMAT would make for 4 CATS within a 1.5 week period. I did still manage to get adequate sleep during this entire week though.

I've rescheduled the test for around 3 weeks from now. I've run out of CATs, so perhaps I'll retake one of them in 2 weeks and do a few practice problems for each section?

bb · Answer

That's fine. You can also pick up a MGMAT guide and use theirs if you want but I don't think you need more than taking 1 or 2 more cats on the upcoming weekends.

HiLine · Answer

The best way to find out what went wrong is to get an enhanced score report. Once you get your ESR, you can post it and call me out by putting an "at" symbol in front of my username. If I have time, I'll help you analyze your ESR; if not, I'm sure someone else will. :wink:

riceman89 · Answer

Is it possible to still order one? I cancelled my score already.

HanoiGMATtutor · Answer

You absolutely can! https://www.mba.com/us/frequently-asked- ... #question6

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi riceman89,

First off, a 710 is an outstanding score (it's right around the 90th percentile overall), so you can apply to any Business Schools that interest you. While this Official Score is at the lower end of your 'range', it's still great - as such, a retest is probably not necessary. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

For the sake of comparison, I'd like to know a bit more about all of your Test scores:
1) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this Test?
2) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on each of your CATs?

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

rakshithbabu · Answer

Hi riceman,

I have been there, even worse situation than you. First of all 710 is an awesome score (especially if it's ur first stab @ gmat). Last year I went through a similar situation. And yes, ohh boy bad luck can cost you more than 50-70(wait till u see level of bad luck ?).

Last year may through August I prepared like crazy. I studied atleast 3 hrs a day n 5-7 on weekends. My mock scores were 710-730. I thought it was good enough for me and wrote actual GMAT in sep first week. Bombed.. Can't even get words to explain that feeling. Still today I have absolutely no clue what happened. I was literally shocked when I saw a 630 flash on the screen. Devastated I took a break for a couple of weeks. Got back, did just minimal practice ( ~2hrs a day) no mock test, regular 20+ lifestyle ( you know what I mean ?) of 3 months later... Boom.. 750.. That was the higher than all of the mock tests.. So I suggest u to relax be composed. I'm sure u ll do well

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