[Help!!]Huge difference between the mock tests and real test

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Hi Experts,
Before giving the bad news, let me list my last 2 mock tests results , the tests which I took this week :

MGMAT full test : 710 ( Q50, V36) --- 28th Jul
Gmat Prep : 730 ( Q48, V42) --- 29th Jul

Also please note that my other mock test results were between 690 to 730 in the past 1.5 months

And my real GMAT score today : 640( Q48, V29) . This is lower than my past GMAT score : 660 ( Q50, V29).

I am not really not understanding what really went wrong.

Analyzing what really went wrong with verbal today :

1. 1-20 questions : I felt that I am going fine. But finished in 45 mins ....there was a disturbance in between when there was network issue and I was at the 12th question(2nd RC 1st question), but I was fine ( at least thats what I felt .. in fact I got extra time to think for sometime as the screen hanged in front of me and there was no time loss because the clock stopped ticking.. I could think about the question seeing the screen)
2. But as I was late by 5 mins when I started the 21st question , I had to randomly mark Q 21, 22, 23 , 24 as (c) in all cases , as these questions were from the 3rd RC. May be I did the blunder here. Not sure.
3. Other questions for CR , SC were fine... but I think I randomly marked the RC again ( 3 questions as C) when I was at the questions in early thirties. I think this might be another blunder ?
4. I skiped 38th and 40th question ( both were CR) as I was short of time

But whatever be the case, I think skipping 2 RCs cant bring my score down to 29!!!!! Can it ? But I did the same many times in the mock tests , randomly marking (C) for the 3rd and 4th RC, but still managed to get 35 in verbal.

My questions to you on my verbal disaster:

1. Please tell me what you feel about my performance today. Do you really think that I still need to work on the basics,or strategy was the issue for me. If you feel that I had a issue with the strategy, what were those issues

2. Have you come across any other students who had such a difference in scores between the mock tests and real tests. If yes, what were their issues? Can such issues be rectified in 1 month by an a student who is working( because I cant take leave next month)

3. Please advice me what next steps should I follow. If I want to re-take the exam on 1-sep, can I get 40 in verbal(I will take care of Quant and make it 50 at least in 1 month) Do you really doubt my preparation ? Do you advice me to retake after 2 months instead of 1 month?

4. If I re-take in 1 month, please help me with the steps as to how I will prepare this month.
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

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by [email protected] » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:48 am
Hi Practicegmat,

From your scores, it's clear that you have a strong ability in Quant (the differences in those Scaled Scores comes down to just a couple of questions), but your Verbal appears inconsistent. Here are my thoughts:

1) Taking practice CATs on back-to-back days is a BAD idea. Taking 2 practice CATs within a few days of your real GMAT is ALSO a BAD idea. It's likely that you were "burned out" by the time you took your GMAT. You might not have even realized it, but that could certainly have contributed to the Verbal score drop.
2) When you took your practice CATs, did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including essay and IR)? If you ever take a CAT without completing every section, then the scores are likely to be "inflated" because you didn't have to deal with the "endurance issue" (meaning that you don't get as tired as you normally would if you skip a section).
3) You're scoring well-enough that you could absolutely retest in 1 month and be fine. The truth is that your current score is competitive enough to allow you to apply wherever you want to apply. If you're looking to increase your chances and/or apply for a scholarship, then a higher score would certainly help.

To score a 40 on Verbal would require a strong performance and good pacing skills. Guessing on too many questions (in the way that you're describing) could pull your score down though, so you have to adapt your tactics. You'll likely need some consistent, professional help with your studies. With 1 month, you could enroll in the EMPOWERgmat course and focus solely on Verbal tactics (although the Modules on Physical and Psychological Tactics as well as the Module on Pacing would be beneficial). Once you're done with the training, you can cancel at any time.

If you have any additional questions, then feel free to contact me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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by Practicegmat » Sun Aug 04, 2013 7:21 am
Hi Rich,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Could you send me some links on the pacing trainings you have which I may enroll?

I feel time management is my real issue which I need to overcome.
It would be great if you culd help me in this regard
Thanks !

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by [email protected] » Sun Aug 04, 2013 10:13 am
Hi Practicegmat,

All of the content and Tactics are built into the EMPOWERgmat course. You can follow any of the links below this post to visit the website and enroll.

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