The GMAT Beat Me! 580 Q35 V35

[teffyray]

Well, I just took the GMAT for the first time and I bombed it with a nice 580. I have been preparing for about a month with the OG, Kaplan 2009, Kaplan Math Workbook, and Kaplan 800. I feel miserable now since the cutoff to apply for my program is May 1st, I will have to wait until next year to attempt.

I am going to peruse this website for tips, I just thought that I would share.

-Stephanie

[VP_Jim]

Sorry to hear that you didn't get a score that you expected, but now that you know where you stand (and what the actual test conditions are), you will be able to prep more effectively.

Had you taken any practice exams before taking the actual GMAT? If so, what were your scores on the practice exams? If your practice scores were a lot higher than your actual score, a number of factors could have come into play:

1. Endurance (when you took your practice exams, did you perhaps skip the AWA section and went straight to quant and verbal?)
2. Pressure (I always recommend my students to not change their routines the day of the test - this way they feel more relaxed and get a good night's sleep!)

Good luck!