Practice Tests

An update on my practice tests:

Last weekend I took one of the official GMAT practice tests. I scored 670.

Yesterday I took the second and final official practice test. I scored 740.

The difference between the two? Aside from a week's worth of study, I was noticeably calmer the second time around. The first time I took the test, I sat right down and took it cold. The second time, I chewed on a few difficult review questions right before I started. Also, during my latest test I missed fewer questions out of each section's first 10, which I attribute to taking my time and double checking my first few answers. Actually, I missed more overall questions on the second test. Hell, because my pace was slower up front, I ran out of time and ended up guessed on the last 5 quantitative questions. I still scored well beyond my 700 target, which lends credence to the theory that getting the first questions correct is far more important that nailing the later questions.

Ultimately, I feel calmer now. I completely believe that I can make it to the top of this mountain. In 24 hours, we'll know if I'm right.

Another interesting note: I have received higher math scores than verbal scores on every single practice test I've taken- a surprising feat considering I have a degree in English and I have answered as many as 36 out of 41 verbal questions correctly.