First, breathe. Yes, now. Breathe deep.
You might not love everything I have to say, but I do believe it will help you out.
Ok, here we go. I don't know much about you or your case to make definitive statements about what you
specifically need to do, however, i did take note of
what you wrote, so if this is any indication of where you're at with studying, it's time to buckle down and get busy.
1.
"I familiarized myself with the test... took note..."
This test requires much more than 'familiarization' and 'taking note.' You will need dedicated study, understanding, WORK. This test doesn't measure much more than how well you do on the test, but remember, how we do some things, is how we do all things. (sorry about the tough-love)
Think of a business school looking at an applicant who just, "familiarizes themselves" and "takes note." I'd think they'd want someone who is passionate, consummate, and ever interested in improving (you've got that one down.) Business school is leadership school. Leaders do more than familiarize themselves...they immerse themselves in the issue and then become decisive in their action.
2.
"One thing to note is I did have over 25 minutes left over on each section."
Tsk, Tsk. Unless you're scoring above a 700 having left over time is a big no-no. There are very few people who can finish this exam in full time, never mind having leftover time (most, if not all, our tutors finish a little early - - but they are brainiacs, and have eaten, breathed and fed the GMAT for years. They also score perfectly in their specialty subjects, so they're allowed.) SLOW DOWN.
3.
"During the practice test I thought I would run out of time so I rushed my questions and just guessed to save time."
First, see 2. above. Then...this might fall into your vague familiarization process. You should have a decisive KNOWING of the TIMING of the test. This comes with practice. Obsessive practice, even. You will learn, as you move through the material, how long it takes you to do a section - - or even a question...Some schools prescribe to a 2-point-something minute per question. Some break it down into chunks of questions over each 25- minute block based on your score-goal. Whatever you go about it, have a plan. And KNOW what this time segment feels like. YES, you read me right. Feels like. (consider all the different ways we 'feel' time -- waiting for a train, being late or early, waiting...as you practice enough,you'll soon 'feel' the time. THAT is your goal here.)
4. Consider taking REAL tests rather than 3rd party tests. I appreciate 3rd party tests as practice - - but for the real VIBE of the test, (YES, I did write VIBE) I believe its better to use real tests, even if they are paper tests. It's just closer to the real thing.
Do what you can to learn from your most recent test, and let go of your inner critic chastizing you about your score. Focus on the prize - - a high score. Your recent score is the past. And in the big scheme: a gift. Hopefully, it is motivating you to take the next step to do something to make an impression on yourself...and those deciding your acceptance.
If you believe that you can do it, and are willing to put in the work, I have NO doubt that you'll be able to do it. We've had students start off in the mid-400s go up to the 700s in record time.
Rock on,
