690 - 710 GMAT PREP - 550 on Actual GMAT on 2nd attempt.

[GMATDUD]

Hi All ,

I retook the GMAT today . It was my second attempt. I downloaded the the GMAT prep last week . Took test 1 scored a 690 and took test 2 last thursday and scored a 710. The actual GMAT was a 550 . The first time round I had a 560.

I am very confused . The first time round my GMAT prep scores were in the 640 - 660 range. After working on verbal section for 3 weeks, and seeing a higher GMAT prep score 690-710 , I find it hard to understand why my actual GMAT score was soo low.


I am trumped. I was on track with the timing and compared to test 1 where mid way through the verbal section my head was hurting. This time round I had enough energy at the end of test 2 to spend another 4 hours for another GMAT exam .

Any Suggestions? I know I can nail it and I am not sure why I miss the bus at the test center.

For the rest of the folks , the content area was focussed on a lot of geometry and stats. It has been a trend this month .

[faraji13]

Are you doing something different taking the practice tests relative to the GMAT? With those kinds of practice scores, clearly the question isn't your ability, it has to be something else. Nerves, second guessing?

[GMATDUD]

I think its just the pressure that the test is real ... I am more concious unlike at home where I am more relaxed. I dont care if I bomb at the exam . I enjoy the test . At the center I am just probably too focussed and unable to relax as I know this is all that matters. Bombed twice. The first time I know there was work to be done in verbal . The second time .. I definitely had learnt my basics twice. To the extent, I have a memory of most of the OG11 questions . I have done that book soo many times. Hopefully the third try will be a charm .

[faraji13]

My experience:

I studied for about all of 10 days. Made it through to page one hundred something in the GMAT book and went in fully expecting a 60, which were my practice test scores. Was super-relaxed because I figured I'd have to retake anyway. Ended up with a 680. I would credit a lot of that with being relaxed because I'm not really that bright. So whatever you can do, exercise, good night's sleep, full breakfast, etc, to get in a good mindspace will probably be invaluable to you.

[GMATDUD]

I agree Faraji. I took my GRE with one weeks prep and came out with a 86 percentile overall ,with a 96 in quant and analytical and 65in verbal . I guess at that time I did not care much for the exam.

I think in addition to making the 700 , the fear of failure from the first attempt had me go through a few sleepless nites before the exam . I wish , I could take the gmat the next day again . Waiting a month , will require me to refresh and review all the material . I am hoping this is the only problem and I am not making any false assumptions.

Thanks for all the support people. Good Luck on your exam .

[faraji13]

Judging from your previous test performances, it's definitely just a mental block. You might try taking the test in an environment that simulates the test as opposed to at home so you get used to the subtle distractions that happen during the test. Good luck!