How to proceed (Assessing standing, improving timing)

[sandmandreams]

Hi, just would like some advice.

I took the GMAT last year and got a 570. Prior to the test, I scored 700, 650, and 680 on the GMATPrep software respectively. I believe the 580 was due to a bad case of nerves since I was getting 550+ level questions midway thru the quant part and everything went downhill from there. My qualitative which was at 83-87 percentile during the practice tests was at a pathetic 48 percentile.

Anyway, I'm giving it another go this year. I'm currently scheduled on Oct 8.

I just took a partial GMAT Prep test an hour ago (there was a software error while after 3 qualitative questions and I never got a look at how I did in quant), and based on my personal assessment, my quantitative skills have improved from last year since I was consistently seeing 700+ level questions (IMO) until around question 15. However, at that point, I found out I was WAY behind and things again went downhill and my last few questions were at a 550+ level again.

Can I get a rough assessment as to around what level I'm currently at?

Also, I've been checking online regarding timing improvement, but given I have around 1.5 months left, does anyone have some additional study strat for that timespan?

Sorry for the lengthy post and thanks for taking the time to read (and hopefully answer).

Thanks again.

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Hi sandmandreams,

Based on your self-assessment, I have a few questions.

1) Since the GMATPrep software only includes 2 tests (but you listed 3 scores), how many times did you take each of those exams? And did you take the ENTIRE exam every time (including essay and IR) or did you skip any sections?

2) What resources are you currently using to study?

3) What is your scoring goal? What school/program do you want to attend?

You scored a 570 on the GMAT because that's the score that you earned. Your "self-assessment" seems problematic in certain spots, so I'd suggest that you not overthink the "level" of question that's in front of you during a practice test.

The good news is that Business Schools really don't care how many times you take the GMAT, so retesting is not a big deal. Also, since the GMAT is standardized, it's predictable and you can properly prepare for every aspect of it. The bad news is that something was "off" about how you studied the last time (and possibly with your performance on the Official Test), so we need to figure out WHY your score was so different from your practice work.

Beyond the questions that I listed above, if you have any specific questions, then feel free to contact me directly.

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

[sandmandreams]

1) I retook practice test 1 for the 680. I never skipped anything, I always did the full length test, I even let 2 minutes pass for some repeat question that I got.

2) MGMAT guides, OG, and materials from a short review course I took last year (their practice material are actually old GMAT questions).

3) Around 680. The higher the better of course. I'm currently in Asia and I'm planning to take an MBA in the region: CEIBS, HKUST, or Nanyang.

I try to get that mindset of not overthinking the question level, but I can't shake it off once I see the easier ones on screen. I also get got a bad case of nerves during last year's GMAT and when I was taking the test yesterday. I couldn't even answer around 3 repeat questions that I got yesterday since I couldn't think straight with time running out.

I've heard before that multiple testing could result to Business schools thinking you only got a great score because you're already familiar with the test?

Anyway, hope the additional info helps.

Thanks!