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Just took GMAT 3rd time, practices were great, actual exam =

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Just took GMAT 3rd time, practices were great, actual exam =

by hayden4749 » Sat Jun 07, 2014 1:37 pm
Hi all,

I just took my 3rd attempt of the GMAT. I scored a Q39/V26 - 560. I just need some help understand why is there such a discrepancy with my actual score and practice tests. I've taken them under timed conditions and I reviewed all the incorrect problems afterwards.

My practice exams ( I have been taking them weekly)

Veritas 1 -660
Veritas 2 -620
Veritas 3 -640
Veritas 4 -650
Veritas 5- 650
Veritas 6 -650
Veritas 7 - 680
GmatPrep1 - 750
GmatPrep2 - 680

There was nothing on the actual exam that I found difficult. Every problem I saw I have done in practice and I knew how to attach and formulate a correct answer. I will be doing a re-take in approximately 1 month. I am not sure how to prep. I will purchase the new question pack and exam for sure. I was not stressed, I was not rushed or was I stumped.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
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by [email protected] » Sat Jun 07, 2014 1:57 pm
Hi hayden4749,

While you're probably not happy right now, we should be able to figure out what went wrong and fix it. Business Schools don't care if you take the GMAT more than once, so that won't be a problem.

In these sorts of situations (when one's Official Score is significantly lower than one's practice CAT scores), the big area to look into is the "reality" of how you took the CAT. If you can answer the following questions, then we'll be better able to define your situation.

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR)?
2) Did you do anything unrealistic during the exam (e.g. listen to music, pause the Test, eat/drink during the exam, etc.)?
3) Did you take the CAT in a test-like environment (away from home), using a desktop computer?

4) Did the time of day and day of the week of your Official GMAT match the time/day of your practice CATs?
5) Was there anything surprising or extra-stressful about Test Day itself?
6) Did you have a long ride to the Testing Center?

7) What did you do in the last week before Test Day? What about in the last 24 hours before Test Day?
8) How did you feel the day of the Test? Tired? Sick?

It's also possible that you just had a "bad day" when you took the GMAT, but I've never been a fan of this "explanation" as it's not actionable (meaning there's no clear way to "fix" it).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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by hayden4749 » Sat Jun 07, 2014 3:02 pm
[email protected] wrote:Hi hayden4749,

While you're probably not happy right now, we should be able to figure out what went wrong and fix it. Business Schools don't care if you take the GMAT more than once, so that won't be a problem.

In these sorts of situations (when one's Official Score is significantly lower than one's practice CAT scores), the big area to look into is the "reality" of how you took the CAT. If you can answer the following questions, then we'll be better able to define your situation.

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT each time (including the Essay and IR)?
For the first
For the first 4, I only took the Quant/Verbal. For the last month, I took the entire thing, AWA and IR

2) Did you do anything unrealistic during the exam (e.g. listen to music, pause the Test, eat/drink during the exam, etc.)?

No, locked myself in my room with headset with nothing playing for silence
3) Did you take the CAT in a test-like environment (away from home), using a desktop computer?
I was using both laptop and desktops. Some of the exams on laptop were in hotel rooms while I was on business

4) Did the time of day and day of the week of your Official GMAT match the time/day of your practice CATs?
Yes, as best as I could. My exam was at noon, some of my practice exams started at 10am, while other started around 3pm.
5) Was there anything surprising or extra-stressful about Test Day itself?
Not to my knowledge, I felt I Was getting Quant questions right and I even had time to double check.
6) Did you have a long ride to the Testing Center?
No

7) What did you do in the last week before Test Day? What about in the last 24 hours before Test Day?
My exam was on a Saturday. I took a practice exam on Wed AND on Thursday and reviewed. 24 hours prior, I just did some light studying for about an hour and review high level concepts.
8) How did you feel the day of the Test? Tired? Sick?
I felt wonderful, relaxed, stress free, the AWA/IR I was having fun and just preping myself up for the Quant/Verbal.

It's also possible that you just had a "bad day" when you took the GMAT, but I've never been a fan of this "explanation" as it's not actionable (meaning there's no clear way to "fix" it).

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