From 620 to 460! Need Advice

[KhamoKor]

Dear All,

I have been studying religiously for about 2 1/2 months and my scores have been fluctuating in an alarming manner. A quick brief about myself is that I am currently a second year law student who wants to enroll in the JD/MBA program.

I started studying towards the end of May and I will continue studying until I get my desired score of 650. I am currently enrolled in Veritas Prep and I have all of the MGMAT books.

I have taken a total of 9 Exams within the time span. My exam scores are:

1. May 17: Veritas Prep: 550 (Q:32/ V: 34)
2. June 12: Veritas Prep: 600 (Q: 41/ V: 32)
3. June 21: Veritas Prep: 580 (Q: 39/ V: 31)
4. July 3: Veritas Prep: 610 (Q: 39/ V: 35)
5. July 5: Veritas Prep: 610 (Q: 43/ V: 31)
6. July 19: Veritas Prep: 550 (Q: 39/ V: 27)
7. July 21: Economic Tutor: 480 (Q: 30/ V: 23)
8. July 23: Veritas Prep: 620 (Q: 44/ V: 31)
9. July 27: GMAT Prep: 460 (Q: 32/ V: 23)

I have analyzed every question in each of the test and I know where I made my mistakes. Again, I still make careless errors unintentionally. I understand that scores fluctuate, but should the scores really fluctuate by over 100 points when taking a test through other programs (Economic Tutor & GMAT Prep)?

I am more confident with the verbal section now because I feel as if I have a good grip around both SC and CR sections. However, my RC section fluctuates between 50- 75%, so I feel as if I do not understand the concept behind the problem sets. I really need some advice because it truly is heart breaking. I have been studying like a madman every day because I put in around 6-14 hours daily. However, I have the motivation to continue on because I know I have the capability to achieve 650!

Thank you for your time.

[ceilidh.erickson]

The GMATPrep exam is certainly the best indication of what the real test would be like, so you should treat that as the most predictive score. It may be that the scoring algorithm on tests from certain companies aren't as well matched to the real test, or the style of questions isn't exactly like the real thing.

Whenever I see wide fluctuations on practice tests, it's usually due to shaky technique. For example, swings in SC usually indicate that the student is relying heavily on his/her ear, rather than knowing and recognizing grammar rules. Sometimes they get lucky, sometimes they don't.

You say that you've analyzed each practice test thoroughly, but what other work are you doing? In order to have a thorough knowledge of every topic, you want to connect that question to others that you've seen. If you get a parallelism question wrong, try to find 5-10 other questions from the OG that have a similar parallel structure, and think about how you could recognize it the next time. If you miss an exponent question, compile every exponent question you've already seen, try several new ones, and ask yourself - how does the GMAT test this concept? Then try to write a few of your own.

If the majority of your studying time is spent taking practice tests, it will be very difficult to improve. Tests are the measure of your progress - they don't create the progress itself!

[[email protected]]

Hi KhamoKor,

The GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam - it's based on the same material, concepts and patterns every time you take it, so you CAN train to crush it. Your inconsistent scores mean that you're not approaching the GMAT is a consistent fashion.

First off, silly mistakes will hurt your score; if you're consistently making lots of silly mistakes, then that would provide some explanation as to your variation in scores. Usually, silly mistakes occur because the work that you do is disorganized. DON'T do work in your head. DO write everything on the pad - take notes, label your work, leave nothing to chance.

During the last week or so, you took a Test almost every other day, which was a mistake. Practice CATs do NOT make you a better Test Taker - they will give you an approximate measure of your ability at that point in time and will point out your strengths and weaknesses, but that's it. To improve, you need consistent, strategic practice. By practicing the proper methods again-and-again, they'll become second-nature and you should have no problem using those same methods on your CATs (and scoring higher). The general rule is 1 CAT/week, with the bulk of your time spent on review and practice.

When are you planning to take your GMAT?

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

[KhamoKor]

Thank you Rich and Miss Erickson. While my Exam is August 4th, I still feel as if I have a lot of time to practice. I practiced more OG 13' questions in timed conditions and I feel as if I have a better grip on the techniques. Stay tuned, I will surely update this. Thank you again for the advice and thank you even more to take the time to help me with my issues.