Beat The GMAT

ketnet1 · Tue Oct 06, 2009 2:03 am

Hi,

I took my gmat end of September, but got a 490. I wanted to apply to schools such as Santa Clara U, Boston U, and University of San Francisco. My plan was to get at least a 560 and start the application process and essays during the last week of September and October in order to send out the applications by the school's deadline, which are in November. But just by GMAT standards, my gmat score is not even close to the mean, in addition, it is not even in their 80% range. Despite the fact that I was determined to apply this year (becasue I don't want to wait another 2 years to physically go), it seems like I have to face reality- 1) Take a break 2) Start studying for GMAT again 3) Retake test next year. Please advise if my decision is a good one and whether I should even try applying for University of SF this year? (Assuming I can put application package together all within 1.5 months).

In addition, here is a more detailed summary of my background:

I got a 490 (AWA4.5) on the 1st try. 450 (AWA 5)the 2nd time (had some distractions few days before taking the gmat, and knew I wouldn't do well).

UG gpa 2.79, 3 years work experience in business (stable job function).

Since I want to increase all chances of getting in (that is why I would have to wait till Nov'10 to apply for 1st round). I am ALSO thinking about Boston or USC PT (since they require a LOWER gmat- starting range for both schools is at least a 540 and 550). Does my 490 even stand a chance for their PT program? Or should I at least try to raise the 490 to 550?

For University of SF- the PT avg is 554. I assume the range is around 520 or so.

Eventhough I really don't want to wait another year (and 2 years to physically attend) to go to bschool, should I just face the reality that I have to buy time and wait until my score is better before I apply? I hope this is enough information for you to answer the question and concerns. Thank you very much for your thoughts!!!

Thank you very much for the input.

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Sophia007 · Thu Oct 08, 2009 10:53 am

Hi Ketnet,

You've already figured it out. Yes, you have to retake your GMAT before you can take further steps. Just make sure that you plan to take your GMAT in Jan or Feb of 2010. This way, if you score low you'll still have ONE more chance to re-take before you actually start applying for the schools. Make sense?

Good Luck!
Sophia

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ketnet1 · Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:29 pm

Hi Sophia,
thank you for your reply and affirmation. When you say I would have time to retake again after Jan or Feb, which deadline are you referring to? R2 of '09 or R1 of '10? If I take it in. Jan/ Feb, then it would be my 3rd attempt. I probably shoulnt take it the 4th time. Thank you for your input!

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Sophia007 · Thu Oct 08, 2009 12:36 pm

Hi - Can you 'hit' thanks? It helps me know if my feedback has been really helpful! Smile

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ketnet1 · Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:27 am

Sure. But I don't see where I can hit thanks option? I would be more than happy to hit it. With the last GMAT score I got I don't feel confident to just take it in the next 30days- maybe I can, but I'm too afraid to take the chance and feel like I should for a longer time frame. As of today, I have also have taken a 3 week break from the day that I took it. So would have to re-review/ read all the prep books (esp. Manhat. SC). I have also ordered the critical reasoning bible by powerscore this time. Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Reread & review prep books & notes. Start doing verbal n math prob from prep, then redo all Official quest timed. Will review and redo ones I got wrong. Do CAT exams. with my background and past GMAT score, seems like I shouldn't be rushing it to take it within 30 days? Thank you!

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Sophia007 · Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:23 am

Sounds like a reasonable plan. The CR bible is over a 500 page step by step document. Make sure you take good notes while going through it.

Good Luck!

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