Inconsistent Practice Test Scores- postpone? what's wrong?

Expert replies

ntinny: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:25 am

by ntinny » Wed Aug 25, 2010 5:04 pm

Hi-

My practice test scores have been quite inconsistent. Is this a sign that I'm not ready? I have my test scheduled for September 4 but am really considering postponing.

These were all gmat prep practice tests. I just kept retaking it.
600 (june 11)- this is really before i started reading through MGMAT guides. I had just done some problems in the OG before this
680, Q 44, v 39(July 11)
580, Q 35, V 35 (Aug 7)
700, Q47, V38 (Aug 22)
620, Q42, V 34 (Aug 25)

I didn't take AWA with these; I haven't even reviewed AWA at all. How much studying do i need to do for this?

Does any one have any advice? I'm thinking of postponing my test for two weeks to give myself more time. However i"m doing a lot of traveling for work at the end of september so I want to take it before my travels. Would that be sufficient time for me to get a good range? I need to break 700.

Any advice is helpful.

Thanks

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Wed Aug 25, 2010 5:04 pm

kal750gmat: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 40; Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:45 pm; Location: USA; Thanked: 4 times; GMAT Score:750

by kal750gmat » Wed Aug 25, 2010 5:07 pm

If you're aiming for 700+, I would seriously consider postponing. I think a month of intense studying to bone up your Verbal and solidify your Quant will be helpful. It looks like your Quant scores haven't been very consistent. Have you broken down your test results by problem type and category yet? It will give you a better sense of where to focus your studies.

Check out my GMAT videos at www.youtube.com/gmatwalkthrough!

InkyBinky: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 114; Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 9:25 am; Location: Atlanta, GA; Thanked: 12 times; GMAT Score:700

by InkyBinky » Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:07 pm

I would take a GMAT Prep w/AWA asap and see how you do. Your MGMAT average is 645, but a lot of people (me included) think that the MGMAT undercuts your true score by about 30 points, putting you at the 670-680 range. A 700 is certainly possible, but you may only have a 30-40% chance of hitting it.

Aren't you past your refund deadline, anyway? I doubt you need over 700 on your first hit. Maybe you could give it your best shot and retry if you miss the mark.

ntinny: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 8; Joined: Sun Jun 20, 2010 7:25 am

by ntinny » Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:14 pm

Thanks I think i will postpone. I don't think i'm in the right place mentally- the confidence level isn't there. I might take an online class or something. I feel that timing is a big issue for me.

The deadline to reschedule the test with only a $50 fee is 7 full test days before the test. I am going to change my date tomorrow.

kal750gmat: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 40; Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 9:45 pm; Location: USA; Thanked: 4 times; GMAT Score:750

by kal750gmat » Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:44 pm

I think that's the right decision. I think it's important to be consistent on your GMATPrep test scores. If there are too many fluctuations, it indicates there's still some material you need to internalize. Just remember to use this time wisely. Develop a rhythm or pattern of studying.

Good luck!

Check out my GMAT videos at www.youtube.com/gmatwalkthrough!

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