I didn't beat the GMAT

[tngearhart]

I took the GMAT yesterday. I had been scoring in the middle 600's on my practice tests. I figured with all the problems I had done (around 2500) and the 8 practice tests I had taken I would earn a decent score. I was hoping for a 680-700. I figured that the practice test don't throw out problems the way the real GMAT does so I would have a better shot.

Instead I scored a 580 - well below any practice test I ever took. I couldn't sleep the night before, and the first Quantitative question I got, I didn't recognize. I assume I got it wrong, the test then asked me about 3 more questions that were similar. I guess it was trying to figure out my ability with that type of question.

I didn't do much better on the verbal section. I think it was nerves. I couldn't make myself go to sleep the night before.

I've had a lot of difficulty with timing and I think that's what ultimately screwed me on this test. I can answer questions correctly all day long, but once I start the clock I freak out and make stupid mistakes.

I'll probably take it again in the next couple of weeks. I've put so much into this already, I don't want to loose the discipline that I have.

Any suggestions would be great. As I said, at home I can consistenly score 650. I'd like to get up to 750 at home, but I can't seem to break through the 700 mark. HELP.

[chix475ntu]

As you said, you have some phobia with the timed tests. Take as many tests as you can and you will be able to overcome this.

Then you have to find out where exactly is the problem area.
In verbal - not a good answer
in SC - still not a good answer
in SC, pronous - you hit the ball.

Work on as many pronoun problem and find out where you are making mistakes.

To get 750, you have to be good in all the areas. If you have a weak area then you have to be atleast good enough to do most of hte problems in that correctly.

HTH

[beatthegmat]

It's my opinion that GMAT performance is heavily related to confidence. If you are not going into your test believing in yourself, then there is a high probability that you are not going to perform to your potential.

To add to Chix previous post, I would go through the OG book (repeat it if you've all ready done it) and do more practice problems. Carefully study your mistakes and review all explanations. Try to focus on identifying patterns you see in question structures as well as figuring out where you make consistent mistakes (for example, do you have problems with SC questions that test prepositions?).

Take more practice tests under simulated conditions. The best way to prep yourself for the GMAT is to take a lot of practice tests in an environment similar to the testing facility. During my prep, I went to a busy area of a library, put on my earplugs, and went through practice exams under real time constraints. Doing these tests in this way will help you build your confidence and allow you to feel less intimidated by the actual test setting.

Finally, make sure you get some sleep before your exam! I know, it's hard. But don't study the day before your exam. Do some exercise, and if needed, take a sleeping pill. You need to save that energy!

I hope you can stay focused for the next few weeks to reach your goal. Look through some of the posts on this site, there are some good tips on GMAT strategy that may aide your preparation.

Be confident and walk into that next GMAT with a killer attitude. KNOW that you can beat the GMAT, believe that you can--it's certainly within your grasp.

Best of luck!

[tngearhart]

Does anyone have an excel sheet that lists the question types and diffuclty level for the 11th edition of the OG. I have the one for the 10th and have used it. I arrange table so that the spreadsheet will tell me statistical detail on every question I get wrong. I am now starting to go through the 11th edition and need the info on question type for that book. Let me know if anyone has put one together. Thanks.

[beatthegmat]

I've been looking for such a grid for OG 11 myself. If you do find it, could you please share it with the forum?

Even if you can't find it, it may be a good exercise to try identifying the question types yourself. The ability to identify question types will certainly help you in your preparation.

Best of luck!

[chix475ntu]

Quick sheet - OG 11 actually has questions in increasing order of difficulty. So you can divide the problems in some range to be the transition range between 2 levels.

HTH

[tngearhart]

This sheet has become increasingly important to me as I have tried to look for ways to shore up my short commings.

If you are adapting it to yourself, just erase the "X"s in the missed and 2nd missed columns and imput your own results from your practice sheets.

I haven't taken the time to adapt the sheet for the 11th edition, but if anyone did it would be a great addition. Thanks.

[800guy]

thanks man!!

[800guy]

hey tngearhart--

when are you retaking your test? i hope you reach your goal!!

[tngearhart]

I hope to take it the last week of August or the first week of September. I will know better next week when I have completed the OG11 and have taken a few practice tests. Last time I scheduled the test and worked to get ready, but test day came before I was fully prepared. This time I am not going to schedule the test until I clear a 700 threshold at home. I figure once I do that I can practice to stay sharp until test day.

[800guy]

I hope to take it the last week of August or the first week of September. I will know better next week when I have completed the OG11 and have taken a few practice tests. Last time I scheduled the test and worked to get ready, but test day came before I was fully prepared. This time I am not going to schedule the test until I clear a 700 threshold at home. I figure once I do that I can practice to stay sharp until test day.

good luck man, you can do it! and let us know how it goes...

[aim-wsc]

long time no noose old pal.
whats up.

i feel, we r like a family.
whats ur status now? what GMATPrep says?

[tngearhart]

Sorry, took a new job and haven't been looking at GMAT. Need to retake it soon so I can put this behind me. Hope to take it by the end of the year. Thanks for the concern.

[tngearhart]

It's time to go back to school. After two years of ignoring all the GMAT materials in the corner of my room, I'm ready to tackle the GMAT again. I've spent the past two years working for the derivatives shop at a bank, and now I need the MBA designation after my name to shore up my resume.

Hope to better my score from last time by a long shot. I'll check back in on other formums as I progress. Looking to take the test the last week of September.

Later.

TNGearhart

[aim-wsc]

It's time to go back to school. After two years of ignoring all the GMAT materials in the corner of my room, I'm ready to tackle the GMAT again. I've spent the past two years working for the derivatives shop at a bank, and now I need the MBA designation after my name to shore up my resume.

Hope to better my score from last time by a long shot. I'll check back in on other formums as I progress. Looking to take the test the last week of September.

Later.

TNGearhart

Welcome back buddy! glad to see you back

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