I just Beat The GMAT!

I was dismayed when I saw a 600 on the screen after completing the exam. I was hoping for atleast a 650 because I knew I'd done pathetic on verbal. For some reason my timing was completely off in verbal as I had to guess last 12 questions in verbal which had not happened to me till date throughout all my practice tests.

Some details about the test:

The math section is pretty easy. Fairly basic questions, only a couple of them on probability and P & C. My timing was a little bit off in math as I had to guess the last 4 questions but I pretty much knew I would get at least a 47.

The verbal section was way tougher than either OG or supplemental guide or GMATPrep. I had done the verbal supplemental guide with almost 98% accuracy under timing and so I was very confident about getting atleast a 38-40 on verbal. The RC's and critical reasoning's were extremely convoluted just like the Kaplan Online CAT. SC was a notch higher than GMATPrep or OG level. After first 15 questions or so on which I spent a lot of time, when I saw the time left I knew I would not be able to finish the section and thats when my meltdown started. I could not concentrate on a single question and things just went haywire post that.

A few things I learned from this experience -- NEVER underestimate the GMAT. One must make sure that fundamentals are strong specially in the verbal section. And last but not the least -- Don't Panic may whatever happen!!

I'm retaking the GMAT in February and this time I hope to learn from my mistakes and do well.

kunsjoi wrote: I had done the verbal supplemental guide with almost 98% accuracy under timing and so I was very confident about getting atleast a 38-40 on verbal. .

The story of my life!

There has to be an explanation for this PARADOX!

First timer posting - be kind.

Maybe I'm an under achiever - or maybe I have different goals - but if i get a 600, i'll be happy.

I've been busting by behind the past few weeks on studying. My first practice test last weekend was a mere 480. I have to work on my timing, as i spent way too much time on math, thus missing a few.

Fortunetly, I only need a 400 to be concidered in to a local program.

Well - it looks like you have time. I, on the other hand, do not. My test date is the 22nd of this month, with a goal of getting in on an 'early administration' deal deadline of the 23rd.

Thanks for the tips, though. I've been spending a lot of time on the math now, but i'll try not to over look the verbal.

I just received my AWA score. Got a 5.5

I had neither studied for AWA nor written a single essay before the actual Exam. Considering that I think I did well. My past blogging experience did help me quite a bit.

However, I think not writing essays during practice test was a mistake on my part. Going forward I'm going to attempt AWA every single time I take a practice test. I'm doing this as part of my endurance and stamina building strategy.

Man, I'm exhausted. . .took my test Oct 29th. Any info on verbal yet?

Mark
Orlando, Florida

mww7786 wrote:Man, I'm exhausted. . .took my test Oct 29th. Any info on verbal yet?

Mark
Orlando, Florida

Hey Mark, how'd you get a 6 on the AWA??