disappointed after prep test 1

[beingAndNothing]

all:

I gave my first GMAT prep today and am a bit disappointed with the result.
I got a 700 (Q50, V35). My target score is 740ish.

My MGMAT test scores are as follows:
MGMAT Free Test - 640
MGMAT test 1 - 720
MGMAT test 2 - 740
MGMAT test 3 - 770

I did use up about 5 extra minutes on the last two tests. I am taking the GMAT in about 2 weeks. Do you guys think I should postpone my exam
for me to have a decent shot at around 740. Also any advices for the last 2
weeks.

[beatthegmat]

I would go for it. I think you are within striking distance of your target score. Only postpone if you think that you would materially benefit from the extra time. Otherwise, you have two weeks!

There were some posts in the past about how to spend your last two weeks of study, check out: https://www.beatthegmat.com/resources.html

Good luck!

[beingAndNothing]

thanks eric. i plan on giving the 2nd pr test on saturday.

i realized that i was mentally striking off the choices for cr and rc rather than writing them down which i think would save me some time. i ran out of time in the verbal for the last 2-3 questions.

eric, would you happen to know whether postponing the gmat more than once affects my application negatively or that it has no impact all.

thanks again.

[beatthegmat]

Postponing will have NO impact.

[Stacey Koprince]

Remember that the test scores are not as precise as many people assume. The standard deviation on the official test is around 30 points and, though an SD for GMATPrep hasn't been published, I think of it as almost as good but not quite the real thing, so call that 40 points. This means that any given score really reflects a range, not a precise score - if you score a 700 on the real thing, there's no statistically significant difference betweeen your score and a 670 or a 730.

Also, I do applaud you for setting a very high goal (740) but realize that this is not like a school test in which you just need to study more to score 98%. This test is like a "forced curve" - only 2% of all of the people taking the test are going to score that high, period.

This doesn't mean you should abandon your goal - go for it! But just be aware that (a) it is extremely challenging to earn such a score and (b) schools aren't going to ding you for getting a 700 instead of a 740! So just don't be disappointed if you don't quite get there.