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I just recently took the GMAT for the 1st time and got a 680...I am planning on taking it again.

Anyway, in terms of average GMAT for the top schools, I find this to be in the lower range of the average GMAT scores.

What do I need to get in order to apply to top schools? Is 680 far far too low?

misterchipper 680 is not FAR to low... i know it may seem like 700 is the magical number, but this is not the case. Remember that when school report their scores they are giving the mean, so approximately 50% of candidates are below the number. Although I think it's skewed because they accept very exceptional people with very low scores so it drags the mean down... but that's just my theory.

a 680 for your first time is not bad at all... i'm sure Osirus will have some words of wisdom for you because your 1st scores are identical. if you're confident that with some more studying you can score in the 700+ range, definitely go for that. if it was your 5th time taking the GMAT id try to steer you against it... but in all honest, you're in a good position to knock it out of the park the next time... i know i know it's disheartening that you didn't just get a 750 out of the gate so you could call it a day but very few people do so...

how did you do on your practice CATs?

on my practice CATs my scores have ranged from 610 to 690....I really think my problem is I just make so many stupid mistakes....so many dumb mistakes

Not to mention, my writing sample score was a 4...which is not ok. So I definitely need to bring that up.

Any other words of advice? Your help is most appreciated.

mate, As per my view if your profile is unique, have more certifications, greater responsibilities and captures the adcom attention then a score above 650+ is enough.

If your profile is similar to crowd then aiming for 700+ is worth to try.

misterchipper... so it looks like your score fell right in with your practice CATs. I think that's a good starting point. Now it's time to hone in on your weaknesses which will improve your base. The key to improving on the GMAT is getting everythign right that's below your level while getting SOME of the difficult ones correct. If you do plan on taking it again, really analyze where you did one of the following:

- spent too much time answering a question - even if you got it correct
- just didn't understand and had to guess - even if you got it correct
- got wrong - obvious

I know some of the software will provide phenomenal reports illustrating this... definitely use it to your advantage!

Thanks guys. Actually through Manhattan GMAT, I have actually started printing out the listing of my tests, looking through the whole test, and determining which type of problem I typically get wrong--and fine tuning work on these problems.

It seems as if the probability questions are my real bugaboo. Any thoughts on studying for these? Thanks so much.

did you purchase all of the mgmat study guides as well or just the exams?

Are the Qbanks of MGMAT any good ?

or is just the study material and the mock GMATs ?

bhumika.k.shah wrote:Are the Qbanks of MGMAT any good ?

or is just the study material and the mock GMATs ?

Qbanks of MGMAT is also very good ..

misterchipper wrote:I just recently took the GMAT for the 1st time and got a 680...I am planning on taking it again.

Anyway, in terms of average GMAT for the top schools, I find this to be in the lower range of the average GMAT scores.

What do I need to get in order to apply to top schools? Is 680 far far too low?

The score of 680 is indeed considered a good one though not great .
You can plan for re exam if u r very confident to score above 720 .. otherwise just apply with this score only..Your chances depends on other factors too.. like ur academics..your work experience etc...so if u have good acad and work exp I think 680 will lead to a good uni .... I would say go for applying... rather re-exam...

misterchipper where are you looking to go?