Most test prep experts argue that when you practice, you really need to do your best to mimic test day conditions. This is probably why your scores were slightly inflated, while stress probably helps explain the rest of the difference. My advice is to try and take tests in simulated conditions - AWA is not important, but it takes a toll on your system, so to speak.

Another thing to remember is that you should not change your habits for the big day. Some people go so far as to suggest that you should take practice tests at the very same hour of the day that you'd be taking the real thing. Drinking coffee might also explain why you underperformed.

Wow. Seems like we're in almost the same boat. Check out my post here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/700s-in-prac ... 49775.html

I'm trying to setup my strategy for my next test so I can get back to the regime again in the new year. Verbals are definitely my weak spot, so I'm going to be focusing on those. From what I've read on the forum, the following books seem highly recommended:

1. Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible - Apparently awesome from CR and RC questions.
2. MGMAT SC Guide - I've used this over the past few months and it's made my SC accuracy rate improve from about 50% to 80%.
3. Powerscore LSAT Reading Comprehension Bible - just as the previous post says, LSAT verbal questions are much harder than the GMAT's, so I'm definitely going to try this one out.

I've also ordered the Economist to read at least 30 minutes per day - where I'll summarize each paragraph and try to link them all together to help with comprehension. I definitely struggle with summarizing RC questions in a consise and accurate manor.

I think I got stupid nervous... I'm gonna take 2 months or so to write the next one.
Any thoughts?

I think you're on the right track, but don't forget to get both OGs, the general one and the verbal one. They're the best resource for practice, because of several reasons:
1. official questions, from the creators of the test
2. patterns from the OGs repeat on test day (I saw one CR that had the exact same reasoning as one from the OG)
3. best quality questions, with clean cut answers and great explanations.

One side note: the newest edition of the MGMAT SC guide references the OG 12, but the verbal OG first edition. Be sure to take this into account when shopping!

Thanks for the great reply DanaJ. I'll be sure to incorporate both OGs into my verbal study. Cheers.

DanaJ wrote:I think you're on the right track, but don't forget to get both OGs, the general one and the verbal one. They're the best resource for practice, because of several reasons:
1. official questions, from the creators of the test
2. patterns from the OGs repeat on test day (I saw one CR that had the exact same reasoning as one from the OG)
3. best quality questions, with clean cut answers and great explanations.

One side note: the newest edition of the MGMAT SC guide references the OG 12, but the verbal OG first edition. Be sure to take this into account when shopping!

do you find the 3 official guides enough for preparing for the test at all?

The books are certainly the best when it comes to practice, but they are a bit lacking in difficult problems. If you're shooting for a 720+, you will need to supplement them with some other resource. Of course, the OGs are sub par when it comes to strategies, so you will need to get your hands on some other books for tips and strategies.

DanaJ wrote:The books are certainly the best when it comes to practice, but they are a bit lacking in difficult problems. If you're shooting for a 720+, you will need to supplement them with some other resource. Of course, the OGs are sub par when it comes to strategies, so you will need to get your hands on some other books for tips and strategies.

hmm I actually don't need some high score. I need minimum of 450. But anyway I have difficulties, I'm so nervous when I can't get something wright...

If it's a minimum of 450 you're looking for, then don't worry about practice: everything you will need is covered by the OGs. Invest in some other book for strategies, like the Manhattan GMAT series or the Kaplan Workbooks.

DanaJ wrote:If it's a minimum of 450 you're looking for, then don't worry about practice: everything you will need is covered by the OGs. Invest in some other book for strategies, like the Manhattan GMAT series or the Kaplan Workbooks.

oh, thank you very much