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

Redeem

Insonsistency with Scores: Is it Stamina? Something Else?

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 56
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:27 pm

Insonsistency with Scores: Is it Stamina? Something Else?

by dnkcdnguy » Sun Jan 11, 2009 3:12 pm
Hi there,

Just looking for some expert advice on why my GMAT scores are up and down. Also, some tips for time management.

Below is my brief background:

- Graduated June 2007 (been working full time since)

- Work full-time (40-55hrs per week)

- Wrote the GMAT in Apr 2007 and scored 360 overall. Only studied about 10-15hrs, which was 2 weeks before the exam. The valuable lesson I learned is that you can't cram for the GMAT. Also, there's no such thing as "memorization" and it's important to understand each question type and the different variations of each question type.

- After the first GMAT exam, enrolled in the Kaplan Course from Sep - Dec 2007.

- Personal issues and a busy work schedule permitted me from writing in early to mid 2008

- Started to study again (off and on) from Sep to Mid-Nov 2008

- Hired a GMAT tutor at the end of Nov 2008; best decision I have ever made in terms of studying for the GMAT

- Here's a breakdown of recent practice scores:

Nov-13-2008
GMAT Prep 1: Q: ? V: ? Overall: 340

Dec-13-2008
GMAT Paper Test (from MBA.com): Q: 36 V: 41 Overall: 610

Jan-2-2009
GMAT Prep 2: Q: ? V: ? Overall: 400 (was hungover from NYE..Not a good idea to write but I did anyways and the results show..lol)

Jan-6-2009
GMAT Paper Test (from MBA.com): Q: 33 V: 43 Overall: 620

Jan-9-2009
GMAT Paper Test (from MBA.com): Q: 22 V: 45 Overall: 580

Jan-12-2009
GMAT Prep #2: Q: 33 V: 23 Overall: 480 (Increased from the previous GMAT Prep #1 test and time management is a lot better..Only guessed on the last 5 questions per section...Q is almost where I want it. Focus is needed on the V, especially SC and RC).

The main incosistencies are with the fluctuation in the Quantitative scores within the paper tests and the big difference in GMAT Prep vs. the Paper Tests. I feel more relaxed and at ease when writing the paper tests, which may be one reason why I'm not doing as well on the Computerized Tests. Also, I have been a little more generous with time on the paper tests (i.e. allowed 1 or 2 extra minutes). One thing I have noticed is that I'm left guessing at least 5-10 questions for the Quant and at least 5 for Verbal on the GMAT Prep test (Computerized Tests).

I have improved my time management for the Verbal section by not writing down any notes. This has saved me at least 10-15 minutes. However, for the Quant section I'm writing down a lot of information. I'm trying my best to not write as much.

When I'm working and writing the practice tests during the weekdays, my scores suffer. I have learned that stamina is key as well. Therefore, I'm writing the practice exams when I'm not working (i.e. either on vacations or on the weekends). I'm scheduled to write the acutal GMAT in Feb-2009; during a time I will not be working so I'm able to stay focused.

Please help me with any time management and stamina tips you may have. Also, feel free to critique anything I have mentioned. Why do you think my scores are fluctuating?

My goal is to achieve a 600+ score.

Thanks

P.S. Other than MBA.com, where else can I obtain computerized GMAT tests that are as reputable as the GMAT Prep tests?
Last edited by dnkcdnguy on Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"If you fail to plan,..then you plan to fail"
Top
Source: — GMAT Strategy |
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:17 pm
Thanked: 15 times
Followed by:2 members

by Jen Kedro » Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:40 pm
Hi there,

First of all, congrats on all of the work you have put in so far; as we all on this board are aware, GMAT studying is quite challenging, especially as most are also working full-time as well. That said, to really see improvement, that effort IS needed, so keep thinking positively as you focus on the GMAT between now and your exam date.

Some thoughts on your situation:

1) It is fairly common for people to see quite different scores from paper tests to CATs, and since the real exam is a CAT, you should be taking your practice tests in that format. The only way you will do well on a CAT is to practice taking CATs! And keep in mind, with a paper test, the exam is not adapting to your ability level, so the scoring will not be nearly as accurate. Schedule in at least one CAT/week, and also schedule time to review each CAT after you take it—a great way to learn from your mistakes and hopefully continue to improve. Most test prep companies, on this board and elsewhere, offer CATs as part of their courses or with books you can purchase.

2) Timing is a key element of the GMAT, so do not “allow extra time” as you train for this, but keep to the real time requirements to develop your time management skills. Part of what they are testing is your ability to manage your time, prioritize, and perform under pressure.

Most people who struggle with timing on the GMAT are not necessarily slow with each question, but they get STUCK on a few questions here and there and spend way too much time on them, and that throws off their entire section and timing. Keep in mind that EVERYONE will miss a lot of questions on the GMAT, because it is adaptive (i.e. as you do better, it gets harder…your ability level or score estimate is theoretically where you are only getting about 50% correct…each time it gets easier, you get it right, and each time it gets harder, you get it wrong….), so don’t feel that pressure to spend an inordinate amount of time to get every question correct. In fact, by recognizing that you won’t be able to do all of the questions, and allowing yourself to guess and move on quickly when you get stuck, you’ll free up more time to get THROUGH the entire section and have more time to spend on the questions you CAN do, therefore improving your overall score.

Try to practice your timing even when you are not doing full CATs, also. Give yourself around 2 min/question for a set of say 10 questions at a time. Work on these practice sets, as well as timing individual questions, so you can get to know what 2 minutes FEELS like on the GMAT, and if you are getting nowhere after about that 2 minutes, make a strategic guess and move on. You should never spend more than 3-4 minutes on any one question.

3) There are other reasons for fluctuations along the way, while you are studying, including physical and psychological factors (as you mentioned, taking after NYE!); specific strengths and weaknesses; changes in your performance in the short-term as you learn new approaches to problems, and general variability (even the real GMAT has a 30 point margin of error on a given day).

4) Finally, I’m not sure if you’ve set a test date yet, but that can be the best thing sometimes to crack down and set a date to work towards, as opposed to letting the studies continue over a long period of time.

Wishing you the best for your studies and actual test!!
Jen Kedrowski
Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions
GMAT Teacher
MBA Admissions Consultant
National Product Team Member
Top
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 56
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:27 pm

by dnkcdnguy » Tue Jan 13, 2009 3:13 pm
Thanks for your reply Jen!

Great tips and I will keep tracking my results.

Again, thanks!!
"If you fail to plan,..then you plan to fail"
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1