A few thoughts:
1. Yes, you should take the GMAT again in 1-2 months and shoot for a 500+...YOU MUST BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT! I am convinced that at least 50% of the GMAT is your overall state of mind. The GMAT is the ultimate test of psychology, determination, and stamina. Just you and the CAT ... mono-e-mono. You must truly believe you can do it. In addition, I'm guessing you got tired and frustrated and let negative feelings spill over from quant to verbal and from question to question. Do your best not to let this happen.
I have some thoughts as to why some individuals' actual GMAT score differs significantly from their GMATprep scores:
- Not taking the practice CATs under timed conditions
- Not taking the practice tests with the laminated sheets and marker (DO NOT USE PAPER/PENCIL!)
- Taking the practice tests multiple times and seeing 25-50% of the same/similar content (especially if reviewing a lot from OG 11 and OG 12)
- Not taking 1-hour on the practice tests to do the essays. (Yes, they are not graded on the practice exams, but that is not the point. It is a stamina issue. You must do the essays on the practice tests!)
- Letting the GMAT dominate your life. (I have tutored people that cannot stop thinking about the GMAT. Guess what? It is only a test and won't ruin your life if you score poorly)
- ManhattanGMAT practice CATs will give you a better indication of where you will score on the actual GMAT. In my opinion, Manhattan quant is harder than you will see on the actual GMAT. However, Manhattan verbal is a bit easier than you will see on the actual GMAT.
- I truly believe the actual GMAT is more difficult than the GMATprep exams for a multitude of reasons. One reason (in my opinion) is that as the mean GMAT score continues to rise, GMAC is making the test more difficult. Some people will disagree with me on this...
2. Remember that the GMAT is only one part of your MBA application package. I interviewed a guy who got into Harvard Business School (HBS) with less than a 600 on the GMAT. How did he do it? He set himself apart from the "typical" applicant. MBA programs do NOT want the typical applicant. You must show programs how you are different. Have you started a foundation? Have you started a business? Do you freelance on the side? Have you ever volunteered in a third-world country? Do you know a ton about Internet marketing? Have you ever produced measureable results when nobody else could? What is your estimated future return for the program? Will you contribute as an alum? Did you play sports in College? Have you ever been a team captain?
I think a lot of people stress way too much about the GMAT. Yes, you need to get out of the 300s, but you do NOT need a 700. Most programs will take a unique person with a 500+ any day of the week.
3. A practice score in the 300s indicates you need to spend more time with the basics. Many people study with 600-700 level questions without focusing on the basics first. Remember, you will not get a 600-700 level question without dominating the 300-400-500 level questions first. The best way to learn the basics is to study with FLASHCARDS. TestSoup has the best GMAT flashcards available as well as a BlackBerry app:
www.testsoup.com
Best of luck to you my friend! You can BEAT THE GMAT!
