Verbal score discrepancy

[topspin20]

After scoring 45 on the verbal section of two consecutive practice tests (GMAC software), I essentially neglected all study of verbal material to focus more on my lagging quant score.

I was somewhat surprised when I got a 39 verbal score on a real GMAT, especially since I felt very confident while taking the test.

Is it common to see this wide of a discrepancy? If so, how can I get a better idea of the verbal concepts I need to focus on, since clearly the GMAC software will give me little indication?

My feeling is that the more difficult questions probably show up in critical reasoning.

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Hi topspin20,

These types of score drops are usually due to an external difference between exams (and it might be something that appears relatively minor). Here are some examples:

1) Taking the test at a different time of day
2) Skipping the Essay/I.R. on the practice exam (which means that you didn't have to deal with fatigue until you hit the real GMAT)
3) Not enough sleep
4) Minor cold/illness
5) Taking the GMAT on a Saturday (after a full week of work)
6) Silly mistakes

A V39 is still a strong performance on the Verbal section. What was your overall score?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[topspin20]

Thanks for the reply, Rich.

I think that a few of the factors you listed may have contributed to my lower than expected score. I think the main culprit was abysmal time management. Nerves also played a factor, although not a huge one. I am working hard to ensure that my second time around will be much smoother.

My overall score was Q39 V39 for a 640. I was testing higher on the quant on my practice tests as well, although my quant scores were always considerably weaker than my verbal. I think that Q43 V44 is a very reachable goal for me on my next try.

This seems to put me at odds with many of the test-takers on forums like these, who seem to have astronomical quant scores and more pedestrian verbal scores.

Is there anyone else out there who's strengths are skewed toward the verbal section? How do you approach preparing for the exam?

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Hi topspin20,

The 640 overall is a really nice score and might be enough to apply with (depending on the schools/programs and the overall strength of your application). Many Business Schools place extra emphasis on the Quant Scaled Score, so if you're planning to apply to a Top-20 program, then I'd advise that you put some extra time into the Quant section and try to pick up some additional points there. Many of the questions in Quant combine knowledge with tactics (and finding faster ways to solve problems besides doing complex calculations). Since you're already in a strong position, you probably don't need to spend too much extra time studying either, so I'd suggest that you check out the EMPOWERgmat course. Since it's modular, you can pick and choose which sections to work on and be done within a short time and at a low cost. Try the FREE DS Workshop & Quiz - you'll learn some tactics that you'll find really helpful on Data Sufficiency and you'll get a sense of the style of the course.

If you have any additional questions, then feel free to email me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[David@VeritasPrep]

You probably now regret neglecting the verbal section in your studies!

While Verbal is a strength for many test takers, most people who participate in forums like this have English as a second language and have very solid quant skills - as you noticed. But have your own strengths and it is worth it for you to try to maximize your verbal score as well as improve the Quant.

As to what happened on your test. I wrote an article that seems to exactly answer your question of what happened to you on verbal. It is not uncommon to feel great about the section but not score as well as you thought you would.

"Why was my verbal score so low?" https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2013/03/ ... ore-so-low

[topspin20]

David,

Great article. I think it describes my experience very well. I did end up finishing the verbal section with about 20 minutes to spare. That was partly because I had all but decided I was going to retake the test after my performance on the quant section.

I will definitely take a more in-depth approach next time around. (And might even try a little studying).

Thanks again for the post-the best part of making mistakes is learning from them!