GMAT Test day score 700 - guidance required

[namit.joshi.ncsu]

Hi Manhattan GMAT team

I just finished the GMAT test and secured 700 scaled score with the break down of Q 50, V 34, AWA 6.0

Firstly, for 2 practice tests that I gave within strict test conditions I had 730 and 740 scores respectively.

Secondly, my math score steadily increased from 48 to 50 and remained the same (50) on the test day; but my verbal decreased in the opposite direction from 39 (1st practice test), 38 (2nd practice test) to 34 (in real GMAT)

I have exhausted my MGMAT tests and now get inflated scores such as 780 to 800 because I seem to know the correct of solving most problems. ( is there a 800 score test set I can look at ? )

My questions:
a) Should I try another attempt with GMAT in a month from now ?b) Weak areas tend to change in Verbal on test basis, (that means sometimes I get all correct on that particular area and sometimes I get 70 % incorrect in the same area and there is not pattern to how this occurs because the areas seem to have no consistent pattern)

What do you suggest ?

Thanks...

[StaceyKoprince]

From your questions, I can tell that you wanted a better score, but I still have to say congratulations! 700 is a great score. And awesome job on the quant! :)

Let's start with your last question: whether you should take the test again. You should really ask an admissions consultant. They'll want to know where you're applying and the rest of your profile, and then they can advise you as to whether a 700 is likely to be enough for those schools, or more borderline (or not enough). Go post in the Ask An Admissions Consultant folder and find out!

Second, If you took our course or one of our Guided Self-Study packages, then you're eligible for a free Post-Exam Assessment. 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.

If you're eligible for that, go do that first, and then come back here if you feel you need more help. If you're not eligible for that, then just start below.

Your official score was within one standard deviation of your "official conditions" practice tests, so it isn't a surprising result necessarily. It sounds like you were struggling to diagnose your verbal strengths and weaknesses; this article can help:

http://www.manhattangmat.com/articles/e ... -part1.cfm

It takes time to do a thorough analysis - I take about 30 to 45 minutes to analyze the data from one test (and that does NOT actually include going through the individual problems!). So take your time, using the article above as a guide, and then come back here to tell us what you find out. We'll help you figure out how to interpret the data and what to do about it.

(This all assumes, of course, that the admissions folks tell you to take the test again. If you don't have to take it again... well, have fun doing whatever else you do instead. :)

[namit.joshi.ncsu]

Hello Stacey,

Firstly thanks for your answers.
As per your suggestion, I posted the GMAT retake question in
"ask an admissions consultant" I would like to share the response here and take your take on that-

"A 700 is a competitive score for the schools we're talking about, although if your practice tests indicate you can raise the score slightly, or at least balance the distribution between quant and verbal more, you may want to consider taking the GMAT again."

Secondly, I took one one of Manhattan GMAT 9-session courses and I am checking out my validity for free Post-Exam Assessment.

What do you suggest breaking down the response from the mba mission admission consultant about retake GMAT ? Once I get some decision on that, I will read through strategies to analyze my verbal test results.

Thanks.
Namit Joshi

[namit.joshi.ncsu]

Hello Stacey,

Firstly thanks for your answers.
As per your suggestion, I posted the GMAT retake question in
"ask an admissions consultant" I would like to share the response here and take your take on that-

"A 700 is a competitive score for the schools we're talking about, although if your practice tests indicate you can raise the score slightly, or at least balance the distribution between quant and verbal more, you may want to consider taking the GMAT again."

Secondly, I took one one of Manhattan GMAT 9-session courses and I am checking out my validity for free Post-Exam Assessment.

What do you suggest breaking down the response from the mba mission admission consultant about retake GMAT ? Once I get some decision on that, I will read through strategies to analyze my verbal test results.

Thanks.
Namit Joshi

[StaceyKoprince]

It's true that there's a fairly large difference between your quant and verbal subscores, and some schools do look at the subscores. You may want to contact the schools directly to see whether they place more emphasis on the overall score or the subscores (if they consider the subscores at all). If the school does consider the subscores, ask what kinds of subscores they like to see - and see how your subscores compare.

Also, if you took our class, you do qualify for a post-exam assessment. The only reason you wouldn't is if you've already had one! So definitely sign up for that.