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Sadly Third Attempt!! Need expert Advice

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Sadly Third Attempt!! Need expert Advice

by MTariq » Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:41 pm
I took the GMAT for the second time on 17th of April, after studying 8 hours everyday for more than a month and scored just 560!! Quantative 62 Percentile and Verbal 39 Percentile
I am highly devastated by the score because before taking the test, I was very confident about my preparation and was aiming atleast above 660.
On my first attempt, I scored 550. I used all the Kaplan materials and Official guide for the preparation. I also took the Online course with Kaplan. To prepare for the second attempt. I bought Manhattan word translations, sentence correction, fraction and decimal books. Also, I bought the Critical Reasoning Bible to work on Critical Reasoning. Along with these, I took the Kaplan online course again.


My CAT results were as follows during the preparations for second attempt:
GMAT Prep 1: 630
GMAT Prep 2: 630
Kaplan CAT 1: 610
Kaplan CAT 2: 630
Kaplan CAT 3: 620
Kaplan CAT 4: 630
Kaplan CAT 5: 660
Kaplan CAT 6: 580
Kaplan CAT 7: 600
Kaplan CAT 8: 620
Kaplan CAT 9: 660

I was very confident the second time. During the test, all the time I thought that I am doing really well and was shocked when I saw a score of 560. It was not even close to my average score on practice tests.
The school I have applied to has asked me to retake the GMAT. Now I will be writing it for the third time on 20th of May, Please people help me out regarding what should I be doing in next 20 days.
I wish I could see my second attempt GMAT once again and see what kind of mistakes I made because I still can't believe I scored soo low.
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by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:52 pm
From the looks of your practice tests, which certainly seem to have a trend, my guess is that you are not accurately simulating the test environment. While it is nearly impossible to do so, you might try taking the practice tests in a place and position as much like the actual test as possible (for example not curled up on a couch with a laptop...not to imply that's how you took your practice tests). Additionally I can't help but notice you do not list an instructor-led course in your preparation regimen. I would highly recommend taking such a course before your May test date. You will be very pleasantly surprised at how much it can help. Good luck in May.
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by rockeyb » Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:32 pm
Another point that I think is crucial is AWA . Did you take the test with AWA or without AWA ? This matters an added hour takes a toll on the mental process specially in english section where even a single word can make the answer wrong .

I think its all about mental stamina than any thing else . If your prep scores are accurately showing your stamina to last 4 hrs then you can be at least 90% sure to mimic the prep score in the actual test .
"Know thyself" and "Nothing in excess"
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by MTariq » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:32 am
@Bryant.

I did take the instructor led course not only once but twice. I attended Kaplan Online classes which are instructor led. I also tried simulating the environment of the actual GMAT during my tests

@ Rockeyb

I took all CATS with AWA. For all my CATS, I sat there for full three and half hours. Also, I tried taking the practice test at the time my actual GMAT was, that is 8 o clock in the morning.
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by 2010Chick » Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:37 pm
MTariq,

I think there may be something wrong with the Kaplan tests. I took an instructor-led course with them, and I just had a similar experience last week. My practice scores were the following:

Diagnostic:630
Cat 2: 640
Cat 3: 630
Cat 4: 620
Cat 5:700
Cat 6: 620
Cat 7:630
Cat 8: 650
Cat 9: 710

Actual GMAT: 610

In my case, as in yours, the difference between the final Kaplan CAT and the Actual test was decrease of 100 points. Additionally, I simulated test conditions by requiring myself to sit in a desk with no TV on or music playing while I practiced. I also made sure to practice at approximately the same time in the morning that I was going to take my test. After I took the test, I contacted the Kaplan facility at which I took my course to tell them the bad news. I've yet to hear any apologies, condolences, or anything from them. I guess they don't care though- they already have their money. It's okay, though. I will NEVER recommend a Kaplan course to anyone as long as I live!

I know it may not make you feel better, but know you're not alone. Hang in there, and advise your friends not to take the Kaplan class!
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