The GMAT beat the @!($&% out of me

[tim.rahto]

So...

I started studying for the GMAT in May. I signed up for the Veritas prep class, did all the lessons, and reviewed reviewed reviewed for the last month. I took two Veritas practice tests, and scored 650 and 660 on each of them respectfully. I took the test today...

And I scored a 460.

A 460? Really?? How is that even possible?? I sat there and looked at the score making sure I didn't read it incorrectly, but nope, that's the score I received. Both math and verbal completely sucked and I have no clue as to why or what happened. I wasn't overly nervous, the test facility wasn't noisy, everything was fine except the score. I haven't been blindsided by an exam like this in years.

Right now I am in shock. Veritas states that most of their students can expect to score within 30 points of their best test score. Obviously, I am one heck of an outlier.

Tomorrow I will try to find the motivation/enegry to start the studying process over again. Right now though I just want to crawl into the bottom of a bottle. I won't mind you, but I'd sure like to.

I'll stop whining now.

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Hi tim.rahto,

You might consider asking a Veritas rep about this. There's a forum to do so here:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/ask-a-verita ... e-f56.html

To try to explain such a significant score drop, I'd take a good look at the specific details about how you went about studying and how you took your practice CATs. Then I'd look at the details of Test Day itself.

Did you take the ENTIRE CAT every time (including the Essay and IR sections)?
Did you begin your CATs and your GMAT at the same time of day?
How did you sleep the night before your GMAT?
Was there anything about Test Day itself that was out of the ordinary?

The good news is that Business Schools don't care if you take the GMAT more than once. Until we figure out this disparity, and fix it, you shouldn't book another Test Date.

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

[tim.rahto]

Thanks for the advice. I will check out the Veritas forum.

Of the two practice tests I took, the first one included all parts of the exam so I knew what to expect. The second one was only Q and V. The practice tests were taken after work, while the official exam was scheduled for 2 PM. I slept well the night before, the exam room was quiet and comfortable, I wasn't hungry or thirsty, nothing. About the only thing out of the ordinary is that I decided to take the day of the exam off from work.

I'm still in shock, but I'm also beginning to look forward and come up with a plan. I am taking the weekend off before starting the review process over again on Monday.