What went wrong?

Question

Hello,

I have a quick question for the experts. I have been studying for GMAT and taken several practice tests (details listed below) under the exam conditions. My last 5 practice tests were above 700, so I arrived to the test center with a little confidence. However, I left with a surprising score of 650 (Q47, V32). I won't lie I was super nervous, kept studying until the last minute, and felt already tired by the exam time. I am devastated and have started questioning my test taking abilities. I will attempt to take another exam in two weeks. I would greatly apprciate any insights and advices. I can't seem to find what went wrong.

All these exams were taken at the same time as my scheduled exam under the exam conditions. 
GmatPrep: 750 (Q51, V40)
Gmat Club Test: 710 (Q50, V37), V40, V37
Manhattan CATs: 750 (Q51, V41), V40, 710 (Q49, V37)
Kaplan: 730 (Q51, V40)

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi melisa1,

From your earlier posts, the Official GMAT score that you're describing is from the end of August (which was over 3 months ago) - so what have you been doing since then? What has your study routine been and what materials have you been using?

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

melisa1 · Answer

Hi Rich,

I got the same score as the one from August that is why I didn't mention of my first attempt. I took a 3 weeks off in October and have been studying 3-4 hours 5 days a week since then with e-Gmat, OG, manhattan prep and gmatclub CATs.

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi melisa1,

If you earned the exact same score on the GMAT after an additional 3 months of study, then you've likely developed some 'bad habits' that are keeping you from scoring at a higher level. To be fair, a 650 is a relatively strong score and you're handling many parts of the GMAT consistently well; unfortunately, you're also making certain consistent mistakes with how you 'see' (and respond to) the Test. Until we can decipher exactly what you need to work on, you shouldn't plan to retake the GMAT so soon (as you'll probably earn a similar score).

1) What is your overall score goal?
2) Have you purchased the ESR for this recent GMAT?

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

melisa1 · Answer

Hi Rich,

My score goal is above 700 (hopefully 750). I have been taking practice exams and achieving the socres I would like to get. I am currently trying to figure out why I have not performed the way I have been for the past month. Why the bad habits did not haunt me in my practice exams, but in the real one? I also do have to retake before 2017 given my deadlines are approaching.

Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi melisa1,

Since you've taken the GMAT twice, I assume that you've studied twice. I have a few questions about the CATs that you've taken for this second attempt:

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
2) Did you take them at home?
3) Did you take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT?
4) Did you ever do ANYTHING during your CATs that you couldn't do on Test Day (pause the CAT, skip sections, take longer breaks, etc.)? 
5) Did you ever take a CAT more than once? Had you seen any of the questions BEFORE?

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

melisa1 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Please see below.

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections)? - No only Quant and Verbal
2) Did you take them at home? - Yes
3) Did you take them at the same time of day as your Official GMAT? - Yes
4) Did you ever do ANYTHING during your CATs that you couldn't do on Test Day (pause the CAT, skip sections, take longer breaks, etc.)? - Paused a few times, but not in all CATs maybe in two of them. And consumed coffee/water. 
5) Did you ever take a CAT more than once? Had you seen any of the questions BEFORE? - No. Only Kaplan CAT had some duplicated questions.

Thanks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi melisa1,

Test Day is a rather specific 'event' - the details are specific and they matter, so you have to train as best as you can for all of them. The more realistic you can make your CATs, the more likely the score results are to be accurate. The more you deviate, the more "inflated" your scores can become - and that's what happened here. By skipping sections, taking the CATs at home, pausing the CATs, seeing repeat questions, etc., you weren't properly training for the FULL GMAT 'experience.' By extension, none of these CAT scores can be seen as accurate.

Thankfully, this is a relatively easy set of problems to fix. The big question now is "how long will it take you to properly get 'used to' taking the full GMAT in a realistic fashion?" You'll certainly need a new set of practice CATs to work with and you have to put in the necessary time to train your brain (and body) for the FULL GMAT. You might also need to invest in some new GMAT training materials.

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

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