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retake the GMAT!!

by salma » Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:26 pm
Hi,
Happy new year...wish you the best of everything.
I took the GMAT 3 times...the first time (18 months ago) I got 530, with 2 week preparation, the second time I got 540 wich more preperation...but the most weird score was the last one (one month ago) I got 530 even if I prepared for it seriously and I always got between 600 and 640 when taking the test at home!!!Moreover, I found this last test easy and taught to get at least 620...but was so disappointed!!!
I don't know what to do...I need at least 620...do you think I should retake it? I lost all my confidence and don't know where to start.
heeeelp.
thx
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by nislam » Wed Jan 02, 2008 3:42 pm
Here's my recommendation.

First is to identify where your prep is lacking. I've been studying for the past 4 months and have been following everyone's posts. I plan to give in February. Here's a couple of points to touch on.

1) Pacing. You understand the content and tests thus far indicate decent scores. What I found is that pacing can put a dent. In other words if you go too fast you lose accuracy and too slow means not possibly finishing on time. Obviously we have the 2 min/Q rule. Do you think timing is an issue? Are you making careless mistakes? In my case I initially ignored pacing so that I can focus on content and eliminate careless mistakes (2-4 min/Q). Now I'm trying to improve pacing.

2) Content. There may be areas that are a significantly weak. For me this was definitely verbal SC and RC. The bulk of my prep has been focussed here. Focus on improving your weakest while maintaining your strong areas.

3) Sources. I thought studying from one or two sources was good enough. Strangely enough I found myself first with PR and then a little Kaplan but most if not all has been through Manhattan GMAT books. There are by far and large the most comprehensive. What I found most useful the break the test down topic by topic and organize OG 11 accordingly.

4) Nerves. What I've seen is many people are doing well but lose their nerves on test day. There is a post on this issue.

Lastly, I've analyzed OG 11 with the help of MGMAT books and statistically looked at which questions belong to which topic. I've created a spread sheet that I'm using to attack my weaknesses. I'm not sure it may be useful for you at this stage. If you need it let me know and I can email or post it.

Final word of advice. Don't give up. Give a diagnostic test that will identify your weakness. Look to a different source to help you.
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by Stacey Koprince » Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:48 am
Also, give us some more info about your test experience.

How was your timing? In my experience, the most common factor that has the potential to kill someone's score (>100 points lower than what they expected) is messing up the timing. Were you able to work at a steady pace throughout the entire test, or did you run out of time at the end and have to rush? (If so, give us the details as best you can remember - for how many questions did you have to rush? did you have to guess randomly on any? did you leave any blank? etc.)

How did you feel in each of the sections - essays, math, verbal? Did anything throw you? Did you ever get so caught up in a question that you were still thinking about it three questions later (and distracting yourself from the current question)? Were you overly fatigued at any point (especially during the last section)? And so on.
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Retake Jan 31

by duh2008 » Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:42 am
Took the GMAT in Dec. Applied 2nd rounds with my horrible score of 510. Retaking the GMAT again JAN 31. Should I contact admissions. Any other advice? BTW, GPA 3.2 and zero work experience (just internships at large notable companies)
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by Stacey Koprince » Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:47 am
If you take the exam again and score better, definitely contact admissions and let them know. You may want to ask this in the Stacy Blackman (admissions) thread, as she is the one who specializes in admissions consulting.
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