Got 170 in quant.
Few points.
The estimations by some people of the share size of this 170 group are way off. First of all, based on their logic, it should be that the group is either >1% or >4% since the guides says "above" a certain percentile. But this metric is misleading because it counts attempts and not people. Given that all of us who see HRM in our wildest dreams try 2 or more times if we are not satisfied with initial results, it is hard to estimate what is the size of that group exactly. I would bet that it is >6%.
Further, some people have no clue how the test is scored. One can make one or two mistakes and still get 170. The scoring is complex and it involves the difficulty of questions and the difficulty of the exam overall. In the preparatory exams, I made 3 mistakes in quant in easy questions and still scored 169 so the math behind exact scores is tricky.
Regarding getting 170, one does not need that. People speculate about 167 as a cut off. I was aiming at 168 as a safeguard and this should be more than enough. 170 was my second attempt. Aiming at 170 actually ruined my first one.
Besides a lot of preparation, I would advise taking care of small things like:
- taking the test when your brains actually works (morning vs evening);
- good sleep;
- nutrition (really no sugar!!!!);
- hydration;
- outside noise;
- room temperature;
- mental state (I was repeatedly telling myself that this is just a practice test like several I have taken before);
- etc.
Chemistry would also help but I would not go that way.How was your first attempt? Outside noise really blew up my exam, so be careful (for the at home takers)
161. The difference is 9 points between the 1st and 2nd attempts.In the 1st attempt, I was overconfident and got stuck on a simple question not being able to move on, had a mind block. That is what ruined the overall result. But I think I got lucky with 170 because the max I got in preparatory tests was 169 and the average was about 167.
How did you prepare for q? Can you briefly tell it
1. I quickly reviewed all the math.
2. I was doing about 4-5 full Q parts (40-50 questions) a week. I timed myself each time. I did all official ETS samples and all questions in 3 other books.
3. I dedicated about 30 min after each test working on mistakes and checking whether there is an alternative way of doing troubling questions even if I did it right.
4. I did about 3 or 4 full tests from ETS website just to make sure that I still can do math after 3 hours of intensive brain work.
5. I did not do anything brain intensive the day before the exam.
It is essentially like a marathon. Even if one is a really good sprinter, it does not necessary mean she would be able to finish even a half marathon. The test endurance also requires training.