GMAT PREP 680, Real GMAT 540 :(. In need of advice

[alex.gellatly]

As the title suggests I did very very badly on the GMAT yesterday. I am confused, depressed, and in need of advice.

I am confused because I have been studying since November. I have been studying very diligently, about 3+ hours a day and a lot more on the weekends. I have read all eight of the MGMAT books and took good notes and studied them daily. I also did every problem in the OG at least twice. I have also done well on practice CATS. I took five MGMAT CATs and got around the 620-670 range. My two GMAT prep tests were also in the same range with the second one (one week before the test) at 680(Q40V41).

How did I possibly get a 540 (Q35V29)? Sure, I could accept a score lower than my 680, maybe a 650 or something.... but a 540!!! I slept well the night before, I ate right, and I was alert during the test.

Obviously I am going to retake the exam. Sadly, the exam is changing, so I will have to take the new version. I guess it's back to the drawing board. Does anyone have any helpful advice, tips, or strategies to help me achieve my goal. Originally I wanted to get a 650+, but now with such failure, I would like to strive even higher and get a 700.

Thanks

[StaceyKoprince]

I'm sorry you had such a rough time with the test. We need to figure out what went wrong - if we don't, then you can't take steps to ensure that the same thing doesn't happen again the next time.

Read this article and think about what happened and what might apply to your case:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ent-wrong/

The most common culprits:
- timing problems (note: you can finish a section on time and still have severe timing problems)
- inflated practice test scores due to skipping essays, taking longer breaks than allowed, using the pause button, giving yourself more time than allowed, etc.
- stamina problems (studying way too much in the last few days, exhausting yourself / burning yourself out, etc.)

Then come back here and tell us what you think may have happened in your case. We can then figure out a plan from there.

Originally I wanted to get a 650+, but now with such failure, I would like to strive even higher and get a 700.

Just FYI, if you do get your eventual goal score, then you don't have to get something that's even higher than your original goal. The schools look at your highest score - so if 650+ worked for you originally and still works now, then you can still go for that. It's not the case that you have to get an even higher score to offset the earlier, lower score.

(I'm not trying to tell you not to go for a 700 - I'm just saying that there isn't necessarily a reason that you *have* to do so!)

You can also analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s) using this article:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

And again come back here and tell us what your analysis shows. In terms of developing a study plan going forward, we need to have this specific data with details on your strengths and weaknesses.

Finally, did you take a class with us, do one of the Guided Self Study packages, or do tutoring? If so, you may be eligible for a free Post-Exam Assessment (if you haven't done it already). This is a phone call with an instructor to figure out what went wrong and come up with a plan to re-take the test. If this applies to you, please send an email to studentservices@manhattangmat.com and request the Post-Exam Assessment (and do so right away!).