GMAT Strategy

I just took the GMAT after studying with MGMAT since January and, unfortunately, I did not get my ideal score. I scored 690 (Q46, V38). I had been scoring consistently between 720 - 740 in my practice tests, including GMATPrep with Q46-47 and V42-44.

While I am disappointed, I'm really just more curious as to what happened. I really thought quant was going well--better than it had ever gone in the past. My pacing was much better. In fact, I actually finished with an extra 30 seconds, whereas I typically rushed the last two questions. I was incredibly surprised when I saw the (relatively low) raw score of 46.

Then came verbal. It started out fine, but then I hit a wall. I couldn't focus anymore and the verbal seemed more difficult than it ever had in the past. I was surprised that I hit that wall, as I had practiced full length tests. Normally there are some SC that confuse me, but almost all of them confounded me this time around. Additionally, I typically don't have issues with RC and CR, but I found myself guessing on more than I'd like to admit.

For my own mental health, I'm going to take a week off or so. I've been feeling pretty burnt out. However, I'd like to establish some type of attack plan for when I do resume and I was hoping you could give some insight into that.

Some thoughts...

1. Reset the GMATPrep tests and retake them to get a better idea of what they typically try to trick you on
2. Review MGMAT SC book
3. Review MGMAT Advanced Quant book
4. I'm not sure if my error log is helpful anymore, especially in quant. I've been scoring around 80% correct in the 600 - 800 level questions, with a pretty even split across all subject types.
5. Ideally, I'd like to be scoring Q50 and V45 in order to build a comfortable buffer for the next test
6. Perhaps purchase GmatClub's quant tests or GmatHack's quant book

Any help or words of encouragement would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

First of all, 690 is not a bad score, and your previous study habits seem good enough.

So I would agree with you about getting GMATClub tests for upping your Quant score and given the fact that you had some trouble with SC and CR, maybe you should just review and do more practice problems to better your stamina next time around so that you don't glaze over Verbal and end up guessing.

You're on the right track. All the best for your retake.