Test taking strategy question -- Please help

[das.abhijit34]

Hello,

Please help if anyone has come across the same situation.

Scores :
GMAT Prep Exam Pack Practice Exam 3 - 690 (V34 Q49) -- 5th July
GMAT Prep Exam Pack Practice Exam 4 - 710 (V38 Q49) -- 12th July (I think I got 2 questions in verbal that I had seen earlier)
My last actual GMAT Exam - 610 (V24 Q49) -- 10th Jan

Below is my last two GMAT Prep exam verbal missed questions data. The most puzzling part here is that in GMAT Prep Exam Pack Practice Exam 3 I was behind early in the exam so I guessed and hurried between q 10-20 and got consecutive wrong. Also the more important point here is that I was guessing regardless its my weak node or strong node. However in exam 4 I was behind early in the exam as well but I kept concentrating on my strength and wasn't guessing unless its my weak point. As a result I had to hurry and guess between questions 30-41. But the thing is that I got almost same questions wrong but my score is 4 points higher.

Now when I look back and reflect on my last GMAT experience, I remember doing the same thing as I did for Exam 3 meaning just guessing if I am behind regardless its a strength or weakness. My question here is that is it advisable to do what I did in Exam 4 in the Real Exam? I am really in a dilemma here as I have read numerous articles in which it says not to get many questions wrong towards the end of the exam however the GMAT Prep software is showing a different picture here. I would really appreciate your opinion on this.


GMAT Prep Exam Pack Practice Exam 3 -- V34

Got wrong
Question 1-10 -- 2
Question 10-20 -- 5 (Consecutive wrong 16-19 & 21-22 - Faced time crunch here so guessed consecutive)
Question 20-30 -- 4
Question 30-41 -- 1
Total -- 12


GMAT Prep Exam Pack Practice Exam 4 -- V38

Got wrong
Question 1-10 -- 1
Question 10-20 -- 2
Question 20-30 -- 2
Question 30-41 -- 6 (Consecutive wrong 37-39 & 41 - Faced time crunch here so guessed consecutive)
Total -- 11

[StaceyKoprince]

I'm sorry that you had a disappointing test experience.

There are multiple reasons why a score could drop - take a look at this and tell me which factors you think apply in your case:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... t-wrong-2/

The algorithm is extremely complex - it can't be broken down by the type of analysis you tried to do, unfortunately. The key is likely to lie in the issues discussed in the above article (possible artificial inflation of practice test scores, timing issues, mental fatigue issues, anxiety issues). If we can figure that out, then we can take measures to avoid a similar problem next time.

In addition to the above information, I'd also like to get more information on your relative strengths and weaknesses in verbal.

First, read these two articles:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

Then, use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT (this should take you a minimum of 1 hour):
http://tinyurl.com/analyzeyourcats

Figure out your strengths and weaknesses and anything you think you should do based on that analysis. Then come back here and tell us; 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!)

Please also let me know what materials you have used to study for verbal.