vodkarain

Manhattan 1 Q - 161 V - 162 Total: 323 (Stopped once on math) Manhattan 2 Q - 164 V - 161 Total: 325 (Stopped twice on math) Manhattan 3 Q - 161 V - 164 Total: 325 Manhattan 4 Q - 161 V - 163 Total: 324 Real - Q - 167 V - 165 Total: 332 (After 3 months of part-time prep with a full-time job and lots of international work travels) As you can see, I never did break a 165 barrier on quant in ANY of my full-length practice tests (even when I gave myself a bit more time). 167 was a nice surprise, but I felt that the quant sections in the real thing were MUCH more manageable than any of Magoosh/Manhattan sections. I would say that Magoosh quant problems were slightly harder than the real thing, while the Manhattan quant problems were not only much harder BUT also not very representative of the real test. I think, in general, it's good to practice with more difficult problems, but it does have the effect of freaking you out. Those working on Manhattan practice tests - DON'T freak out. The real thing is easier. As for the verbal...I felt that the real test was much easier than all the other verbal practice problems I've done. The real test felt like there was a consistent internal logic on WHY a certain choice was the right answer as opposed to other tests I've done, in which I sometimes questioned the validity of some answers' internal logic. The most important takeaway from my GRE experience is to BE FOCUSED for the entire duration of the test. I know this may sound super obvious, but I think this was the only thing I was thinking about as I was writing my exam. I want to point out that I'm NOT a naturally gifted test-taker. I detest standardized tests. I actually got super bored/distracted after the 10 minute break, and had trouble getting back into the test (hence the verbal section I got at this point cost me a few points). Find ways to keep yourself engaged with the test! Glad I got this one over with though.