GMAT Strategy

MGMAT5 on mar16: 720 45Q 42V --finished both sections with two minutes to spare. Guessed on six quant questions to preserve my timing plan and got a few right, though had a few careless errors elsewhere. Overall am pleased with Quant at this point, am definitely better prepared than I was going into my first GMAT on Feb 2nd. This past week I focused mostly on Verbal, completed Manhattan SC, completed the Verbal diagnostic in OG11, and the CR Manhattan question bank. On MGMAT 5 I missed only two CR and two RC questions though still missed about half SC. Am hoping I can still tidy up SC a bit so this week I will continue to practice aspects of SC while reviewing Quant again leading up to Saturday's upcoming retake.

My current plan:
1. complete all review of the MGMAT5 misses by Tuesday.
2. Work OG 11 Quant diagnostic test for some additional Quant practice.
3. Continue using the flashcards a little bit daily.
4. Review a bit of Manhattan SC, work some practice questions.
5. Nail/Own/Beat Official GMAT retake on Saturday March 22nd.

Come get your beating, GMAT. I got mine back on Feb 2nd, now it is your turn.

reag wrote:
My current plan:
1. complete all review of the MGMAT5 misses by Tuesday.
2. Work OG 11 Quant diagnostic test for some additional Quant practice.
3. Continue using the flashcards a little bit daily.
4. Review a bit of Manhattan SC, work some practice questions.
5. Nail/Own/Beat Official GMAT retake on Saturday March 22nd.

Come get your beating, GMAT. I got mine back on Feb 2nd, now it is your turn.

The plan has been executed.

I retook my GMAT today and scored a 660 q42 v39.

My first reaction was one of disappointment since I didn't hit the 700s, and shock that my quant was still only 42. Now that I've had a few hours to reflect, I'm glad I improved on my first test (a 620) even if it was only in the Verbal. Everything about the 2nd test was better. My pacing was good. I consciously guessed on two quant questions and kept pace through the end of the test -- no end-of-test-random-guess-spasms like last time. The verbal threw me some super-tough questions, which I interpreted as a good sign.

In the next few days I'd like to determine what I need to do next related to the GMAT, if anything.

While I am not targeting Harvard, Stanford, Wharton or other top 10 schools, one full-time MBA program I am very interested in lists 680 as their "average GMAT" and middle 80% range GMAT scores from 630 to 740.

Any feedback would be appreciated. I don't really want to take the GMAT again if I don't have to. I would rather focus on making my essays stand out and beefing up my extra-curricular activities.

Btw, my profile:

-- 13 years continuous employment since university. Certified Project Mgmt project contractor currently working with Accenture on telco data conversion project in Canada. Previously a software dev and QA leader with unusual international specialty with experiences at big name companies like Apple (4 yrs) and Ebay (2 yrs) and elsewhere. Overall, many work experiences in Japan, China, Korea.
-- undergrad BA Japanese from top-ranked Japanese language program at a public U.S. university. GPA 3.2 (low the first two years because I was focused on athletics and other things, but much higher achievement over the last two years which included a stellar year of study abroad in Japan). That was my 2nd year in Japan as I was also a Rotary scholar to Japan in high school.
-- have wife and two small children, will travel, am 35 years of age, believe I would be an asset at any fine MBA program.

In closing, any thoughts on how this profile should relate to my 660 GMAT score? Should I stay with a 660 or focus on the rest of my application?

Btw, if anyone is curious, on the AWA portion of both of my official tests I rec'd 6.0 scores. Anyone have any info on whether or not the AWA score is worth anything to any school?

Great blwo by blow of your studying.....thanks.