Hi All,
I gave GMAT couple of weeks ago and bombed it for 5th time in a row and for worse this time. I got a 640 ( V34, Q45).
On the test day, I was going well with Quant but screwed up with one question I thought I knew very well and hence ended up spending a lot of time ( more than 5 mins) since i did not want to get it right. As expected, I was strained for time on the last few questions and did not mark the last question.
So ended up with a 45 on Quant - Not sure how much difference the last question made.
On the verbal, I scored a 34 - and most worrying is I have always scored 34. Now coming to the test day, I managed the timing well without stress, though I had the point that I missed the last question lingering on my mind and that i need to kill verbal.
Now, coming to to my preparation:
I used some very well known test prep companies for my coaching (Magoosh and EGMAT). I also purchased the questions set on GMATPrep. My scores on the preparation were as below:
GMAT Prep 1 - 730 ( This test I gave earlier in October and did a retake on June. I did remember a few questions on Verbal but not sure how much it influenced my scored
GMATPrep3 - 680 ( Q47, V41) (On this test, i thought i scored low because one of my friends turned up at home and was pestering me when I was giving the test, I shooed him away before I began the verbal section)
GMATPrep4 - 680 (Q49, V38) (On this test, I did not do well on verbal owning to a bad headache as I progressed the test)
GMATPrep3 Retake 740 ( Q49, V40) - I gave the test again and this time under good conditions to get a good score)
I was hopeful that I would beat the gmat this time but got beaten and have no clue why despite decent performance on the prep test.
All the titans here - would really appreciate if someone can throw some light or give me some ideas on how I could improve.
PS: I will give the GMAT again despite people telling me that it will hurt my apps or that I should focus on my apps rather than GMAT again. I will not give up
Bombed GMAT for 5th Time 640 ( Q 45, V 34) - Experts help pl
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- vikramjain
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Hi vikramjain,
I'd like to know a bit more about how you've been preparing. You mentioned that this was your 5th attempt at the GMAT. What were your other Scores (please include the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores) and the date that you took each Test?
You noted that you had taken some of your practice CATs more than once. Unfortunately, this might have given you an artificially "inflated" series of scores that didn't properly point out the minor problems or weaknesses in how you were actually performing. Before you retest, you need to be sure to use a completely new set of practice CATs, so that you don't run the risk of seeing material that you've already used.
Other than the GMAT Courses that you mentioned, did you use any other GMAT materials (any of the OGs, any other books, etc.)? How much time did you spend prepping before each of your attempts?
While you're probably not feeling great right now, you should remember that the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam. You can absolutely train to crush it. A 640 is just a bit below the 80th percentile, so you didn't really "bomb" the GMAT - you just didn't hit your goal yet.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
I'd like to know a bit more about how you've been preparing. You mentioned that this was your 5th attempt at the GMAT. What were your other Scores (please include the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores) and the date that you took each Test?
You noted that you had taken some of your practice CATs more than once. Unfortunately, this might have given you an artificially "inflated" series of scores that didn't properly point out the minor problems or weaknesses in how you were actually performing. Before you retest, you need to be sure to use a completely new set of practice CATs, so that you don't run the risk of seeing material that you've already used.
Other than the GMAT Courses that you mentioned, did you use any other GMAT materials (any of the OGs, any other books, etc.)? How much time did you spend prepping before each of your attempts?
While you're probably not feeling great right now, you should remember that the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam. You can absolutely train to crush it. A 640 is just a bit below the 80th percentile, so you didn't really "bomb" the GMAT - you just didn't hit your goal yet.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
- vikramjain
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Hi Rich,
thank you for your reply.
Details below:
1 attempt: 590 (Q 39, V34) 20 Nov 2009
2nd attempt : 650 (Q 47, V34) 23 Nov 2010
3rd attempt: 620 (Q 41, V34) 29 Nov 2011
4th attempt: 650 (Q 47, V34) 25 Nov 2013
5th attempt: 640 (Q 45, V34) 26 Jul 2014
I have used Magoosh for my Quant prep and Egmat for verbal concepts. For CR, I used Powerscore CR Bible.
I practiced using the OG13 and GMATPrep questions. I would prepare under timed conditions and review the incorrect questions.
I understand that the retake scores would be inflated but I am mindful about my personal mindset and conditions under which I gave the tests. I have always ensured that I give the test in full test conditions.
For the last attempt, I spend approx 6 months with average 15-18 hours per week.
Does this input help?
thank you for your reply.
Details below:
1 attempt: 590 (Q 39, V34) 20 Nov 2009
2nd attempt : 650 (Q 47, V34) 23 Nov 2010
3rd attempt: 620 (Q 41, V34) 29 Nov 2011
4th attempt: 650 (Q 47, V34) 25 Nov 2013
5th attempt: 640 (Q 45, V34) 26 Jul 2014
I have used Magoosh for my Quant prep and Egmat for verbal concepts. For CR, I used Powerscore CR Bible.
I practiced using the OG13 and GMATPrep questions. I would prepare under timed conditions and review the incorrect questions.
I understand that the retake scores would be inflated but I am mindful about my personal mindset and conditions under which I gave the tests. I have always ensured that I give the test in full test conditions.
For the last attempt, I spend approx 6 months with average 15-18 hours per week.
Does this input help?
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Hi vikramjain,
Yes, the information you've provided is quite helpful. You are a remarkably consistent performer on the Official GMAT, which is equal "parts" good news and bad news. The good news is that once we get you into the right way of "seeing" the GMAT, you could score at a really high level. The bad news is that you've been thinking about (and responding to) the GMAT in the same way for so long that you've developed a series of patterns (and bad habits) that will take some work to "break" you out of. To score 700+, you can't do things "your way" any longer.
You're clearly goal-oriented, you have the right attitude and you're willing to do lots of work - these are all positives. We need to combine these abilities with the proper resources AND you'll have to adapt to a new set of tactics (in effect, a new way of "seeing" the GMAT).
Have you thought about when you might choose to retest? My guess is that 1-2 months of proper additional study time is all that you'd need.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Yes, the information you've provided is quite helpful. You are a remarkably consistent performer on the Official GMAT, which is equal "parts" good news and bad news. The good news is that once we get you into the right way of "seeing" the GMAT, you could score at a really high level. The bad news is that you've been thinking about (and responding to) the GMAT in the same way for so long that you've developed a series of patterns (and bad habits) that will take some work to "break" you out of. To score 700+, you can't do things "your way" any longer.
You're clearly goal-oriented, you have the right attitude and you're willing to do lots of work - these are all positives. We need to combine these abilities with the proper resources AND you'll have to adapt to a new set of tactics (in effect, a new way of "seeing" the GMAT).
Have you thought about when you might choose to retest? My guess is that 1-2 months of proper additional study time is all that you'd need.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
- vikramjain
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Thank you Rich, thats encouraging.
So coming to the point, what would be your suggestions on areas to focus and how I could improve?
Look forward to your advise
So coming to the point, what would be your suggestions on areas to focus and how I could improve?
Look forward to your advise
- vikramjain
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2010 1:54 am
Hi Rich,
one more question - I have already exhausted the offical GMATprep tests ( free and paid) and am wary of using unofficial sources.
So how do you suggest I take fresh practice tests? Or in way, which sources are more closer to actual GMAT based on your experience.
one more question - I have already exhausted the offical GMATprep tests ( free and paid) and am wary of using unofficial sources.
So how do you suggest I take fresh practice tests? Or in way, which sources are more closer to actual GMAT based on your experience.
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Hi vikramjain,
I've sent you a private message with some suggestions.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
I've sent you a private message with some suggestions.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich