50 point drop in the second attempt?

[BrianClough]

I first appeared for the GMAT in June 2008. I wasn't feeling too well during the test and ended up with a 690 (Q50 V34) on the first attempt. On my second attempt, I went through these forums and also picked up the Manhattan SC Guides along with the Aristotle Guide for CR. I did reasonably well on my 2 GMATPreps (730,720) and didn't score below 35 V in any of the Manhattan Tests either (this was the first time I was attempting these tests). On the actual test day, I messed up my Quant section and ended up with a paltry 47 but what really surprised me was the VA section. I thought I'd done the first few questions well but I ended up with a 31 V. This is the lowest I've scored across Mocks/Real exams in 10-11 attempts.

What course of action do people suggest now? I'd really like to apply with a 700+ score by December this year and I think I have the time for one last crack at this.

[Jim@StratusPrep]

There is some variability in scores. Sounds like you had a bad day. Get back on the horse and give it another go.

[mtt240]

Hey, I had the same issue both times I took the GMAT. I had been scoring in the low 40s on verbal in mocks and been averaging between 700-750. On the tests, I got a 33V and 36V. Not sure if the scale is much tougher on the real thing than the mocks.