Would you postpone the test if you were me?

Question

The highest I have ever gotten on the real or practice tests for quant is a 43, I'm focusing all my study efforts here and have been using the MGMAT guides for weeks, I was feeling more confident and like I really learned a lot. I just took another one of their practice exams and got a 42. I'm crushed and don't know what else to do at this point, my test date is scheduled in 2 weeks and it is looking like I will never be able to improve. I wanted to try and make some R1 deadlines and didn't think I would have to postpone it, but now I'm thinking that I should. Although I'm not sure if more weeks will ever help me get a higher score. I got a 690 the first time, high verbal, low quant and realizing this may just have to be good enough. Any advice? Is it possible to still improve in the 2 weeks I have left? or do I postpone it and move all the applications to R2?

Jeanette · Answer

I went from a 690 practice to a 750 official total in two weeks. Focus on your weak spots a lot, just calm down, and you'll do okay.

A 690 is a perfectly respectable score, but it's not so high that I think it'll call into question your judgment for retaking even if you do a little worse.

Sailorette · Answer

I agree with Jeanette- it sounds like you've methodically prepared for this, and I wouldn't put it off at this point. Evaluate your quant weaknesses with an error log, focus on what you can improve with a little time, and go rock that GMAT!

Dawgie · Answer

How significant vs R1 vs R2? If you can't score that high on the practice test, it's pretty risky to assume you will be able to do it on the real test. You'll have optimist/pessimist people tell you different things. I think the most realistic move would be to postpone it until you can constantly score 45+. Regardless, you have a pretty good score already.

Michmax3 · Answer

I kind of agree that it is risky, although I also feel it may just be a matter of me panicking when that timer starts going. There are definitely a few weak concepts that I need to practice, but I think a lot of it is I see a question and it usually takes me a bit to find the right approach, then I run into some speedbump like having to do a lot of long division or add a bunch of numbers up which takes up more time, before I know it the 2 minutes is up and I panic and just have to move on.

I guess it may be possible to improve my score in just a few weeks if I start practicing with the timer more. I really don't want to postpone it, not only for apps but because I've been studying for this test for years and it is pretty hard on my self esteem when I still can't do it. 690 is not bad, but I'm from a non-quant background, the only 2 C's I ever got in college were both math courses and I only have a 42 on the GMAT, so I feel I need to do all I can to prove myself in this area. This site has been very helpful and inspiring though!

whiplash2411 · Answer

I agree with Dawgie on this one. I think if you're getting a 690 getting a 700+ might not be too bad. Improving your Quant score will depend on your practice strategy.

anaik100 · Answer

practice is the best tool for quants...
as u go from R1 - R2, the competition increases

dokiyoki · Answer

IMO - you should go ahead with the test. 2 weeks should be good enough to improve your weak areas in Quant.

shaselai · Answer

use error logs to figure out where you are getting wrong. 690 is not bad considering the +/- 40 on the real thign...

Dreamy · Answer

improving quant can be easier than verbal. but it depends on how much preparation you can do in two weeks. i will not take chances .. wait to see your expected score in a practice test before appearing for the test.

sandeep800 · Answer

any particular reason thinking to apply in R1 apart from the general thought that Applying in R1 has more chances?

Michmax3 · Answer

So an update...I took a practice test with the official GMAT software and found the quant to be much, much easier than the MGMAT tests. I scored a 48 on quant with the official materials. Seeing as this should be more representative of what I will actually see on the exam, I think I will take the test as scheduled and just work on my timing skills and weak areas in the next 2 weeks. Wish me luck!

Michmax3 · Answer

I've heard there's a bit less competition in R1, but I mostly just want to go into R2 apps knowing if I have an admit yet and hopefully not having to wait until Dec to know if I will actually be going to school next year.

Dawgie · Answer

Good luck, that was a good decision by you.

Jeanette · Answer

The only problem with this strategy is many R2 deadlines are before R1 notification dates or very close to them, so you may end up having to at least prepare applications you don't end up sending. Glad to hear the officials were easier for you, and I look forward to hearing how you rocked the test!

AlMadrasi · Answer

Just focus dear. GMAT is not the end all of life. The fundamentals are tested here. Just make sure you conquer them and have sufficient rest before the actual test and we should see you sailing through . Trust me.

mbasaikiran · Answer

Just find out which all quant question types you are getting wrong. Just spend more time on those questions and you will surely get 48-51 in quant.

dokiyoki · Answer

Good to hear that. Keep us posted!

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