Scored 550 only. Please suggest to improve.

[sruthianem89]

Hi All,

I gave my GMAT on 10th May 2012. Scored 550 (Q47 V20) AWA: 4.

Firstly l would like to detail about my approach/study pattern.
- My study period was for 8 months.
- Went through all MGMAT books
- Wrote all the 6 tests in MGMAT, The scores were better than what I had scored at the finals (To list few: 610, 630, 650, 660).
- Referred to all the OG-12 examples
- Referred KAPLAN premier guide

Exam experience:
Started with AWA, coming to this section I referred to few AWA patterns a week before the exam and ensured that I follow the words/sentences that will add up to the score, as I heard that the AWA score is being triggered by the computer and it usually looks for certain words - Not sure if this is correct. I prepared an initial draft and then read the question and filled the gaps where and all its needed.

Quant:
Maths I have scored 47. I expected 2 more points - 49, but somehow I couldn't score better.

Verbal:
Verbal was worst. I think a person not prepared with all the above materials can also score more than what I have done so :(. I worked real hard when it comes to verbal as I know its my weak point, but somehow that doesn't work out.

Loopholes:
- When I start doing a CR or RC or SC, I somehow feel I loose the concentration. I am not a fast reader. I have practiced SC & CR to the core. But I am not sure why I am unable to score better in VERBAL. It leaves me very disappointed and its the only reason why I decided to quit GMAT. Now today almost after 7 months, I again feel I should give GMAT and this time with a lot more hard work.

- When I take sample or practice tests also I get nervous, Even a small sound or talk disturbs me and I cannot concentrate. I get very much disturbed and keep telling people not to talk. I dont get to concentrate and get nervous most of the times.

- At times there were instances when I started the test and in the midst I had to stop it because I feel I cant pursue GMAT.

This time I am planning to prepare well and once I score consistently more than 650 I am planning to book a slot.

Do you think I can write my GMAT again and score better? Can you please give me some suggestions that will really help me.

Thanks,
Sruthi

[shreerajp99]

I have also scored poorly 630(Q39,V37) but i feel can help u out here.
Since u said u cant concentrate while reading,i'll suggest that u start reading quality stuff.I personally read economist blogs.I dont read them as an exercise but it keeps me aware and gives various perspectives.
Also,to improve verbal score,do read Ron's/stacey's explanations on these forums.They are truly awesome!

Thanks,
Shreeraj

[StaceyKoprince]

I'm sorry you had a disappointing test experience. There are things you can do to get better, but we need to figure out first what was going on before.

How were your quant and verbal scores on the practice tests? It sounds like you were a bit better on quant (49-50?) so that means you were also a bit better on verbal (in order to account for the full score drop on the real test) - is that accurate?

Did you take your practice tests under 100% official conditions, including essay, IR, and two 8-minute breaks? If you deviated from official conditions in ANY way, let us know. It's possible that your practice test scores were artificially inflated for some reason.

You mention multiple issues with nerves / anxiety when practicing. Those issues will be even worse on the real test, because you know the real test counts. :(

Here are some resources that might help with anxiety issues:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/

If you'd like to get more specific advice about how and what to study, then we need more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses in order to advise you. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
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. (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!)

We'll then tell you whether we agree with your analysis and we'll point you towards specific resources that should help. :)

Note: I'll start you with these two articles because almost everyone has timing problems in one or both sections:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

Also, because you mentioned issues with mental fatigue, take a look at this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... you-crazy/

[sruthianem89]

Thanks Stancey for your reply. I will take a look at the articles you mentioned and also the analysis to be done. I shall get back at the earliest.

Thanks,
Sruthi

[bhupathireddyo]

Hi Shruti,

We both are on the same boat, i also referred to the same resources as mentioned by you, got pretty similar scores as you got on practice tests. I also screwed up verbal badly and got 47 in quant, same frustration, in spite of spending so much time to improve verbal score.

I also have started preparation afresh, hope this time will be able to improve my verbal score. I am looking forward to share the strategies on our journey towards 700+.

[StaceyKoprince]

Great, I love when people can share their experiences / help each other. :)

bhupathireddyo, I will just mention that if you want to discuss anything related to your own particular case, please start a thread of your own. I like to keep each student's case separate so that I don't mix up any details or anything like that. (You can still post in someone else's thread, of course, when you want to discuss something relevant to that person's case - as you just did here. But if you want to discuss other things, do that in your own thread.)