Poor planning for GMAT. Can I go from 440 to 700+ ??

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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Hi,

I gave my GMAT today (2nd March 2011) and scored just 440. I know I should be ashamed and I am. But I didn't plan this properly. I thought that I could do it in a month and scheduled my exam with only one month to study. Believe me, after reading some the (700+) stories on this site I really don't think I have given this exam my best shot. In the one month that I had, little did I know that I would fall sick and be hospitalised for a week, thus loosing more on my study time. And with the anitbiotics and the constant drowsiness the 20 or so days that I got to study, now seem like only 10 days. My case would be a very good example of poor planning for such an important exam.

But, even after having given all the above excuses for my poor performance, my confidence to overcome this score has dropped drastically. :(

What should I do? Is there anyone with a success story (i.e. from 400 something to 700+) out there to cheer me up and get me back on track?? :(
Source: — Quantitative Reasoning |

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by VivianKerr » Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:38 am
Don't give up, Sushil, and don't berate yourself for an unforeseen medical issue! Knowing the work you need to do is half the battle to prep for a re-take. Personally, I really like this post about the mind-set needed for prepping for GMAT. Hope it helps to inspire you a bit!

https://www.beatthegmat.com/lessons-from ... tml#238364
Vivian Kerr
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Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"! :-)

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by sushil.pndt » Fri Mar 04, 2011 11:45 am
Thanks Vivian. I went through the post you suggested and it was very helpful in boosting my confidence and to know that there are others like me who have made some wrong choices and have not given up. I have not given up either and have a solid 6 months time to prepare before I retake the exam but have not yet made a study plan/schedule. I am also planning to take up coaching from Princeton Review and do self study post that (practice, practice & more practice) till my exam time. Which books do you refer for my current score level to help me improve and be able to aim for 700+ ??