Took the GMAT (690, Q49/V35)

[singh.gauravkr]

Guys,
I took my GMAT today and 'm thoroughly disappointed with the score. However, I must say it wasn't completely my fault. I was well on course to score 700+.

Here are my scores from mock tests:

MGMAT1 : 720(49,39)
MGMAT2 : 680(48,35)
MGMAT3 : 670(48,33)
MGMAT4 : 750(50,42)
MGMAT5 : 710(49,37)
MGMAT6 : 720(51,37)

Retake :
MGMAT1B : 760(49,45)
MGMAT2B : 730(50,40)
MGMAT3B : 750(49,44)
MGMAT4B : 750(51,41)
MGMAT5B : 750(50,42)
MGMAT6B : 780(51,45)

GMAC mock test I 710 (Took about a month ago before actual GMAT)
GMAC mock test II 680 (Took entire test in one sitting without any break, wanted to stress myself as much as possible, so that I feel less stressed on the exam day when i would have breaks between sections)
GMAC mock test I retake 730 ()

Now the question is why I did not score 700+. Looking at the scores above I should have. So, this morning I started the test with lot of confidence. Started well in AWA essays (expecting score of 5.5-6) and took the first break. When I returned from the first break, I was under the impression that I'll be told when the break is about the get over, since they do not allow even wrist watch to take inside the test center. When I felt a little uneasy that the 8 min break looks to be over I asked them to let me go in. When I reached inside, it was over by 3 min. Though, I'd always finished maths section atleast 4 minutes before during the practice tests, sometimes even 15 minues before, but the added pressure that I've lost 3 minutes upfront on the exam day made me loose my composure. At one point I thought to give up the exam, but somehow convinced myself that I can still do well. From the beginning, I started guessing (though tried to make intelligent guesses) as opposed to actually solving the problem in order to make up for the lost time. By the time I reached question 15-16, I realized that I've caught up on time and now onwards I can continue with the normal speed. Eventually, I finished the test 4.5 minutes before time.
However, guessing on the initial questions cost me dearly. I lost atleast one point in maths section. I would have surely got 50/51, if I had not lost those initial 3 minutes.
Took the second break. This time I made sure to return to my seat as soon as possible, without trusting the center people to inform me . I started with verbal section. I tried to concentrate as much as possible, but at the back of mind I was very scared that may be I'll get 45/46 in maths section, since I knew I made a lot of guesses.
That thought continued to haunt me in the verbal section, though I tried to convince myself that I've done well, and let me do well in verbal section too, but in reality you know what you've done a bit of patchy work. This thought made me uneasy and I think it affected my verbal score by 2-3 points as well. I think I was on course to get 50/51 in Quant and 37/38 in verbal and overall ~710-730. I lost approx 30 points for 3 minutes of delay.

Now, let me ask what has been your experience ? Do the test administrators tell you that your break time is about to get over or do you guys just go back on your own. I was under this impression that they will inform me because I was not allowed even to take wrist watch inside. They did not have even a big clock where one can see the time. Moreover, the test administrator was so lazy, that once I raised my hand to ask for break, she came after one minute to take me out. I had already lost 1 minute because of her laziness.
Moreover, I want to ask, is it administrator's "legal responsibility" to inform the candidate that his break time is about to get over.

Guys, in any-case, please make sure to return to your seat as soon as possible whether someone informs you or not. I don't have an immediate plan to retake the test. I will apply this year with this score and see if I can still make it to Haas. I've 9 years experience in semiconductor industry as a engineer and B.Tech from the top engineering institute in India. If I don't get through, I'll retake the test next year and make sure to return to my seat asap without someone informing me.