BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Taking GMAT Tuesday need 550 score

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri May 16, 2014 3:27 pm

Taking GMAT Tuesday need 550 score

by Mike858 » Fri May 16, 2014 3:36 pm
Hello,

This is my first time posting. I have been studying on and off for about 1 full year now. I half ass studied for the exam last June/July and took 2 practice exams resulting in scores of 510 and 490. I then went in and took the GMAT and scored a 400!!! I attribute this low score to severe test taking anxiety that I experienced in the exam.

I was devastated and took several months off after that. In January I started private tutoring with Manhattan and have had practice exam scores of 500, 460 and 2 weeks ago I scored 530. After I scored the 460 I panicked and started studying 4 hours a day 6 days week. I have been on this regimen for roughly 1 month now and feel like I have made significant progress. For the most part I have just been rolling through every problem in each section of the OG13.

I am taking the GMAT on Tuesday of next week and as I get closer I start to get more and more anxiety about it. The time factor fucks with my verbal section quite a bit when I am not thinking clearly.

My question here is, do you think its possible for me to go in there and score my 550? What are some strategies I can utilize to stay calm and stay on track?

I often find myself thinking about my score and what level of questions I am getting at that point of the exam. It does nothing but screw me but I do not know how to stop. Any suggestions for this or maybe something I should cover before I sit the exam Tuesday?

Thanks in advance!
Top
Source: — GMAT Strategy |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri May 16, 2014 3:42 pm
Given your practice tests scores, I think a 550 is possible. You just need to manage your emotions on Tuesday.

If you're interested, we have a free video on the topic on overcoming test anxiety: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1252

As part of managing anxiety, it's crucial that you adopt the proper mindset/attitude on test day. To this end, you may be interested in reading the following BTG articles:
- https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2013/06/ ... -destroyer
- https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/04/ ... n-the-gmat

Also, if you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 10392
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Thanked: 2867 times
Followed by:511 members
GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Fri May 16, 2014 4:28 pm
Hi Mike858,

Are you facing any type of application deadline?

Assuming that you took the entire CAT each time, your practice CAT scores show that you could absolutely hit a 550+ on Test Day. If you're having that much test anxiety, then is it possible for you to push your Test Date back and do some more practice work (and try to put your anxiety in check)?

If you have no choice but to take the GMAT this Tuesday, then here are some things to keep in mind while you're working through it:

1) Take lots of notes. You'll be far more likely to spot patterns and solve problems quicker if you write everything down.
2) Getting a question wrong won't kill your score, so if you're "stuck", then don't be shy about admitting it, taking a guess and then moving on.
3) Make sure that you answer all of the questions in each section, so that you avoid the "un-answered" penalty.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri May 16, 2014 3:27 pm

by Mike858 » Fri May 16, 2014 4:52 pm
Thank you both for your advice.

It is tough because I know I am very close. If I get just a couple more 5-600 level questions correct in either section I probably push up to my goal. I am taking it on Tuesday for sure because I really have prepared hard this past 6 weeks or so and in the event I do not hit my goal I have until July 18 to submit one. I tried to get accommodations for extra time because my ADHD significantly effects my ability to stay focused. I was diagnosed in 4th grade and the GMAT denied my request. Not that surprising.

As long as I can keep my mind right I absolutely have the ability to hit that score.
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 16207
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Thanked: 5254 times
Followed by:1268 members
GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri May 16, 2014 5:13 pm
You are, indeed, very close, Mike858.

Keep working on the mental/confidence aspect of your prep. To that end, I strongly encourage you to read the articles I referenced.

All the best on Tuesday! Keep us posted.

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
Image
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri May 16, 2014 3:27 pm

by Mike858 » Tue May 20, 2014 1:40 pm
Well I took it. 450 Q.29 V23 Last time I took a practice exam was 5/2 and I scored 530 Q.36 V.27. Luckily I have until July 15 to submit my final score of a minimum of 550.

Any insight, suggestions? Ideas on maybe why I scored low?
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 10392
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Thanked: 2867 times
Followed by:511 members
GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Tue May 20, 2014 5:27 pm
Hi Mike858,

While you're probably not feeling great about your situation, you do have plenty of time to study and retake the GMAT. Also, the GMAT is predictable and you've learned what Test Day "feels like", so you can use that knowledge to better prepare for your retest. Business Schools don't care if you retake the GMAT, so doing so won't be a problem.

Since your Scaled Scores dropped in both the Quant and Verbal sections, the short answer to "why" that happened is likely "silly mistakes", although pacing problems could have factored in as well. It's important to note that you studied "your way" and didn't score at the level you wanted, so it might be time to invest in some new GMAT materials that will provide the consistent, professional advice that you need to hit your goal score.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri May 16, 2014 3:27 pm

by Mike858 » Tue May 20, 2014 7:49 pm
At this point i have invested 3k in a Veritas private tutor last summer who guided me to a 400.

Then, I hired Manhattan in January and had a private tutor with them as well and spent roughly 4k. Along with 500 in test fees.

What do you suggest I do?
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 10392
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Thanked: 2867 times
Followed by:511 members
GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Tue May 20, 2014 10:51 pm
Hi Mike858,

I've sent you a private message with some suggestions.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri May 16, 2014 3:27 pm

by Mike858 » Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:29 pm
So, been back at the drawing board with this for about 2 weeks now. My MGMAT tutor suggested I DL the GMAT Prep software and take my next practice exam on there because it is supposed to be the most accurate in regards to what your capable of on the ACTUAL GMAT exam. So I went ahead and took one today and scored 530 Q.39 V.23. the 23 on Verbal is what I scored on the real thing on May 20th but my quant soared in this practice exam. NORMALLY, I score a 26 on the verbal so I need to find out where I am going wrong there.

My question here is: How accurate is the GMAT Prep software in comparison to the real thing? I have taken several practice exams at this point both from Veritas, MGMAT, GMAT prep and the real thing. Im curious where most of you see students score and what may be the most accurate. Scoring 530 twice now and scoring 400 and 450 on the real exam is extremely frustrating but I have 1 final shot at the GMAT on July 15th so I need all the feedback I can get, thanks.
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Elite Legendary Member
Posts: 10392
Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Thanked: 2867 times
Followed by:511 members
GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Tue Jun 10, 2014 8:25 pm
Hi Mike858,

The GMATPrep CATs are arguably the most realistic of all that are available (since they use former GMAT questions and have enough material to adapt to your performance). However, a CAT is a diagnostic tool - it's only as realistic an experience as you make it. If you do anything unrealistic (skip sections, pause the test, use a calculator, listen to music, etc.) or do anything that does not align with your Official Test Day (take the test at a different time of day, take it at your kitchen table, take it on a laptop computer, etc.), then the results may not be accurate. All things being equal, if you completed the entire exam, then the GMATPrep CATs will give you a reasonable assessment of your ability.

It's important to do a full-review of this practice CAT. Make note of what you got correct/incorrect and WHY. How many times would you say that you guessed? How was your pacing? Etc. You're looking to duplicate your successes and fix your silly mistakes. You can still hit your score goal in July, but you must find a way to fix the inconsistencies in your performance.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
Image
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1