From 690 to 710: Don't be afraid of the test

[jolenewjy]

Hi,

I just took my second test yesterday and got a 710 (Q49 V36). My first score was 690 (Q49 V34)in 2011. (Quant background: I went to high school in China). 710 not super high but I am happy with it and am done with GMAT.

If I would pick one thing that really helped me when I took the test is that I have the right amount of nervous. The "right" amount is hard to define as it is different for everyone. You want to be nervous and or excited, but not too nervous that overpowers your ability to think and focus. There is this constant worry before I took the test that I am not going to get as high as I did last time and it will make things even worse. You cannot let this fear guide you. DO NOT BE AFRAID!!!!

Before I took the test, my two mock tests with GMATprep are both 650, where my Quant fluctuated but verbal was stable at the 34-36 range. Two tests with Manhattan CAT are 580 and 600, these two were done before I started studying Quant.

One advice: mock tests should be used as a guide for your review plan but do not take the score too seriously. There are so many things that will impact your score on your test day. Focus more on the section scores (quant and verbal) instead of the total score, and focus on the pace. You want to make sure that you are familiar with four hours of intense thinking.

One last thing, DO NOT GIVE UP. I was preparing this test working full time, it is hard and exhausting but you know this is for something bigger and better. Keep doing the right thing and the right thing will happen.

I wish everyone good luck and get the ideal score!

P.S. Study material: Manhattan foundation of verbal, SC and CR, official guide (13th) and I also used the Empower GMAT for one month.

[GMATinsight]

Many Congratulations Jolenwjy!!!

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Hi jolenewjy,

That's great news about your score increase. To be clear, both 690 and 710 are great scores (each is right around the 90th percentile, which is a level that most Test Takers will never reach).

You bring up an interesting point about the "right amount of nervous"; nervous-energy can be a powerful asset, when used correctly. The value comes from "funneling" that adrenaline into your work (and not flailing about).

What schools are you planning to apply to? A 710/Q49 will give you lots of options.

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

[jolenewjy]

Hi jolenewjy,

That's great news about your score increase. To be clear, both 690 and 710 are great scores (each is right around the 90th percentile, which is a level that most Test Takers will never reach).

You bring up an interesting point about the "right amount of nervous"; nervous-energy can be a powerful asset, when used correctly. The value comes from "funneling" that adrenaline into your work (and not flailing about).

What schools are you planning to apply to? A 710/Q49 will give you lots of options.

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

Hey Rich!!! I was watching your video. It's a little bit weird that now I get to actually talk to you.

I was thinking about Duke.

[[email protected]]

Hi jolenewjy,

Duke/Fuqua is a highly-ranked school and the process to apply will be competitive. Your GMAT score is certainly high enough to take care of that "part" of the application, but you have to make sure to put in the necessary time and effort into the other parts of the application to make sure that you're presenting yourself properly. I highly suggest that you look into working with an Admissions Expert. There are plenty to choose from, and you can post questions directly to many of them on this site (there's a separate sub-Forum for those Experts); we have one that we personally recommend, if you're interested.

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

[Almu2015]

Great insight!! Thanks for sharing!

[gmat barcelona]

That´s a fantastic achievement jolenewjy!!!
Great improvement!!