Help! Unexpectly low score

[szaronsj]

Just took test, got a 610. Was shooting for 700+... this week's practice results:

PR: 690
GMATPrep: 730
PR: 760

So... what happened? I feel like I"m in a state of shock. My quant was 45th percentile and that has been my strong suit, scorign in the 99th.

Any thoughts appreciated. Will this kill my chances of getting into a top school?

[beatthegmat]

Just took test, got a 610. Was shooting for 700+... this week's practice results:

PR: 690
GMATPrep: 730
PR: 760

So... what happened? I feel like I"m in a state of shock. My quant was 45th percentile and that has been my strong suit, scorign in the 99th.

Any thoughts appreciated. Will this kill my chances of getting into a top school?

Your practice test scores were certainly solid--seems like you were indeed within striking range of a 700+.

Did you feel nervous during the test? Do you have a history of performance anxiety in previous standardized tests?

Rest assured, this score will not "kill" your chances of getting into a top school: (1) the score actually isn't too bad; (2) re-taking the test is normal. Admissions folks will consider your highest test score; and (3) the GMAT is only one of many factors considered for admission.

Don't give up! This community is here to help you succeed, so let's get you back on track!

[szaronsj]

thanks!

Any suggestions for how to prepare? I've pretty much exhausted materials from Priceton Review, OG, and Kaplan.

I think taking full-length practice tests helps me the most.

[beatthegmat]

thanks!

Any suggestions for how to prepare? I've pretty much exhausted materials from Priceton Review, OG, and Kaplan.

I think taking full-length practice tests helps me the most.

I agree that taking full-length practice tests would probably serve you the best. Try to take the tests in a simulated environment that matches the real test center fairly well.

When I took my practice tests, I positioned myself in a somewhat trafficked area of a library to get used to ambient noise, other people, etc.

Best of luck!

[aim-wsc]

Yes! You seriously should think of retaking the test if you think you deserve a better score.


roam 'round and dig archives at strategy section you'll find similar cases there.
ATB. 8)

[Nisha1218]

szaronsj - I'm in the same state...shocked by my real scores compared to my practice exams. Remember the beauty of the GMAT is that you can take it multiple times, and business schools will take the highest score. So my advice to you is take the GMAT a second time, and beat it! Gluck!