Failed to cross the 700 barrier

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Failed to cross the 700 barrier

by Jill_2011 » Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:08 am
Hi,

I am looking for advice for what my next step should be.

I just gave my GMAT yesterday 680 (Q48,V35). I am so disappointed with the score..

I have attempted twice already

First attempt (Sep 2009) 640 (Q47, V31)
Second attempt (Dec 2009) 680 (Q47, V36)

My background: I am an Electrical Engineer, I work for a semiconductor company, Female, coming from an overrepresented country.

I applied last year to three schools (second round) and got rejected by all of them. Yale gave me a feedback to re apply with a higher score. (Yale's class average for last year was 723).


I enrolled in the mgmat class, did all the exercises, my mgmat scores are as follows
MGMAT 1( Q49, V38) 710
MGMAT 2( Q48, V41) 730
MGMAT 3( Q46, V36) 680 (I had just gotten back from two week vacation, was very rusty)
MGMAT 4(Q50, V40) 730
MGMAT 5(Q48, V45) 740

I couldn't use GMATprep practice tests anymore to judge my level, I saw a lot of repeats, I scored a 760,780. But I knew its highly inflated.

I worked really hard for this last attempt. I felt so much better with SC this time (it was my weakest area).

I am really apprehended to apply with the same score again. I am also worried that if I attempt one more time, the adcom is gonna look at me as some obssessed person. Also my confidence is really shaken since I actually dropped a point in my verbal.

I am looking for any advise from experienced veterans of this community. Please help.

Thanks,
J
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by InkyBinky » Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:44 am
You know, I took mine yesterday and also scored quite a bit lower than my practice tests. Maybe they decided to make a "hard day" just to screw some of us over!

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by uprightcitizen » Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:20 am
I am a native English speaker, so if you are not one, perhaps my advice is misguided.

However, for SC, I can suggest what was the most valuable experience for me: about 5 years ago, I had to learn to diagram sentences for a college class on grammar. It is not something that is generally taught anymore in the US, but I am sure there are some online classes (and definitely plenty of books) that could teach you it.

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by uwhusky » Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:33 am
Doing Grammar is a self-taught book on learning diagram grammar. In fact, you guys probably used the same book. I recommend the book, but one needs to study far beyond the book and structure of sentences alone.
Yep.

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by uprightcitizen » Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:45 am
That may have been the book I used. I feel the majority of SC questions can be solved with a sound knowledge of grammar, with the rest being some odd English idioms that most well-read people have seen. Those idioms, I imagine, are tougher for non-native speakers; however, I have seen websites with helpful lists.

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by mohit11 » Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:51 pm
Jill_2011 i am sorry to hear that things have not gone as planned, but its time you moved on. After a while you just have to move on, 680 IS A VERY COMPETITIVE SCORE !! - Repeat this to yourself for the next one month. Focus on writing stellar essays.

Even if you retake the test and score 720, what difference will extra 40 points make? - The Adcoms will probably discount 20-30 points off your score since you will be taking the test for the fourth time. Not all of us end up with aces, but all those who have aces do not always win. Play your cards right and sky is the limit.

Good luck.
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