MGMAT Cat 5 score makes ZERO sense

[ajaxgreater]

Hi,

I was hoping you could explain the discrepancy in my Cat 5 score.

I have gone through all of the Manhattan books and the OG. Here are my previous scores:

Cat 1: 700 (Q47, V39)
Cat 2: 680 (Q45, V37)
Cat 3: 710 (Q45, V41)
Actual GMAT 710 (Q49.V39) makes sense pretty close to practices

Took some time off, and then studied for a month, focusing mainly on verbal.

Cat 4: 700 (Q40, V45!!). I understand this score somewhat, studied a ton of verbal, but rusty on math skills.

Brushed back up on math and took Cat 5.

Cat 5: 670 (Q44, V37???).

This score makes no sense to me. After a ton of studying in verbal, and after just scoring a 45 in verbal, how can I possibly regress to my lowest score yet, as well as an 8 point drop in verbal? Very discouraging to have my lowest score come after a lot more studying.

[StaceyKoprince]

The overall score change is within standard deviation - these kinds of tests aren't as precise as we'd like to think they are.

I agree that the verbal drop is disheartening. I can't tell you why - but I can tell you how to figure it out. :)

Use this article to analyze verbal on both of your tests:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis and what you think you should do based on that analysis. We'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)

Here are a couple of things to look out for:
- timing issues (usually either rushing through or spending too long on certain too-hard questions that you get wrong anyway and then missing other easier questions because you're rushing to finish)

- mental fatigue issues (will often manifest as: strings of wrong answers in a row; a steady drop in score towards the end of the section; speeding up even when your time is fine / there's no need to rush; etc.)

- holes in your foundation: if you're strong in some areas but have serious holes in others and happen to get a few more questions in your weaker areas, your score will drop

My guess is that you're probably looking at a combo of factors, not just one...