Could not beat it - 690 (Q49, V35, 90 percentile).

[hitesh019]

Disappointed as I was hoping for a 700+ score. I put in 2 months of solid effort into my preparation. Strangely, my verbal score turned out to be lower than all my GMATPrep and PowerPrep practice scores. Moreover, I got a 730 in my last practice test on Thursday. I was worried earlier as I was stuck at around 700 and then landed up getting just below that.

I strongly believe that I had prepared well and was confident going into the test. And I felt good after clicking on "Report my scores". I feel disappointed that I landed up scoring in my lower range (practice scores: 680-730).

Not sure what to do. I know I can get 720+ but I feel burned out after two months of rigorous preparation. One month break may not enough and I was actually planning to apply this October. Not sure if 690 makes me competitive enough as the top programs I'm looking at are ultra-competitive.

Oh well.

Thanks a lot to the forum. It helped me fine-tune my preparation. I'll detail my preparation in a bit as I'm still in a little shock.

[aim-wsc]

It is expected to you to be in shock!
but I dont think the difference of 20-30 GMAT points hardly matter in your overall application package.

690 is definitely considered to be great score.
7XX club is just a mythalogical no., which doesnt decides your admit.
know it well.
Relax! You have scored terrific. It all now rests to your rest of the applications

cheers!

[hitesh019]

Thanks, guys. I'm actually more concerned about the breakup I got. A low verbal score may raise questions about my verbal skills, which I believe are much better than what the GMAT score reflects. Not sure how admissions look at the individual percentiles.

[hitesh019]

Hello all,

Few suggestions and tips based on my GMAT preparation and experience:

- I think 2-3 months is ideal in order to prepare. Register for a date as early as you can. This will help shape your study schedule and keep you focused.
- I studied around 2-3 hours most weekdays and 3-4 hours on weekends for around 2 months (mid-June to mid-August). One mistake I made was that I did not take enough breaks during my preparation. Maybe a weekend or two away from the books might have helped me from getting burned out.
- I found reviewing problems that I got wrong most useful. Keep track of any all incorrect questions and visit them regularly. I waited until the last couple of weeks to do this and I think that was my biggest mistake.
- Both accuracy and timing are important. My recommendation would be to focus more on accuracy in the first half of your preparation (fix any weak areas) and the latter half on improving your speed. But do take one test every week or so to keep both these aspects in check.
- I personally think that GMATPrep and PowerPrep are the best indicators of how well you will do on the final day. I would keep one GMATPrep test for practice one week before the final day.
- I primarily used OG 11, Kaplan 800, MGMAT SC guide, and Princeton Review material. I started with the Kaplan practice tests but I found them unrealistic. Princeton Review tests were much better. GMATPrep and PowerPrep were undoubtedly the best.
- If you are aiming for a 700+ score, i definitely recommend the Kaplan 800 book. The author does a good job in keeping you engaged.
- During practice tests, I made sure I did the AWA essays to the best of my abilities. I found this particularly useful as it gave me the stamina to sit through 3.5 hours. Do not skip the essays when you give the practice tests.
- If possible, give the practice tests in a library or a public place where several people are studying or working on computers. I found the heavy typing in the test center a bit distracting. So get used to giving the test in such an environment (maybe a computer lab).
- My exam was at 9 in the morning. 4-5 days before the test, I tried to sleep early and wake up at 7 pm to emulate the test day. It helped.
- Do not study one day before the test. Best thing is to just lounge around and do nothing. You will need a lot of energy and stamina on the G-day. Splashing water on your face during the breaks does wonders.

I think that's about it from my end. As described above, I landed up getting a score that was in the lower range of my practice tests. But such is life. Just be confident, work hard, and give it your best shot.

Good luck!

[Prasanna]

hitesh019

Excellent write up. Congrats on your great score. All the best.

Prasanna

[Yuke]

Hitesh, could you see the whole passage for the RC or did you have to scroll through it?

Thanks,

Yuke

[hitesh019]

Hi Yuke,

Yes, I had to scroll down to see each of the RC passages.

All the best!

[Yuke]

Hi Yuke,

Yes, I had to scroll down to see each of the RC passages.

All the best!

Hitesh, how many lines could you see, or how much of the passage could you see? I'm asking this is because I get perfect scores if I can see the whole passage because I am good at skimming, but if I can only see 2-3 lines at a time, my scores drop dramatically. I'm hoping you're going to tell me that you can see at least half the passage at a time.

Thanks again,

Yuke

[hitesh019]

There are a few RC passages in the practice section of the GMATPrep software as well. You can download GMATPrep from www.mba.com

Good luck!

Hitesh