Worth the money

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Worth the money

by sb1336607 » Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:49 pm
I am scheduled to re-take the GMAT Feb 4th, 2010. This will be my second time taking the test, and lucky me I get to take it for free this time due to an "anomaly" found in my first test. The first time I took it, I studied for about 2 months ahead of time, even took some free classes to brush up on doing math with out a calculator. I basically did as much preparing as I was mentally capable of handling. Unfortunately not only did I test below what I was expecting I tested unbelievably low = 410 to be exact. =(

On this go around I have also been studying since I knew about the test well ahead of time. And I am scared that I will end up testing just as poorly as before. I would like to shoot for a 540-600 range. I don't think I have high expectations.

My main question is for those people who have taken it numerous times:

1. Do you honestly find that it improves your score to take it more than once or twice?
2. Do you find it worth your money ($250) to take the test again?

Other than the GMAT I have a 3.75 undergrad GPA, and excellent letters of recommendation from professors and previous employers. So my question to current or applying MBA students and those with lower scores:

1. Are you finding it hard to get positive feedback from schools due to lower score?
2. Do you find it worth your money to apply to schools of your choice, or should I just aim for schools with low expectations???

Any suggestions from anyone would be great, thanks so much!
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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:05 am
I would say take it again only if you're really confident that you will score higher. If your scores are in the same range, then it probably won't be worth the money.

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by kat187 » Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:27 pm
I feel you brother. On my practice exam I dont know how these people are getting 700 and up. It seems almost impossible.
On my GMAT prep I got a 230 and 300 . I would study concepts like DS and SC CR rather than practice test or retaking exam again.

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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:20 am
kat187 wrote:I feel you brother. On my practice exam I dont know how these people are getting 700 and up. It seems almost impossible.
On my GMAT prep I got a 230 and 300 . I would study concepts like DS and SC CR rather than practice test or retaking exam again.
Out of curiosity is English your second language? If so, the biggest thing that you may need to raise your scores is to focus on increasing vocabulary. English is my first and only language, but I'm focusing on increasing vocab right now to help with the Reading Comp section.

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by money9111 » Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:08 am
osirus0830 I must say that your focus and dedication are an inspiration to us! I love reading your posts.

sb1336607 I think you should retake the exam. As much as they say that the GMAT isn't everything for B-school.. it is something. Now I wouldn't say that without also pointing out that... look on the bright side... you got the first exam out of the way. Think about how nervous you were while in the exam. This beast is a rude awakening for most people. The next time you take the exam you'll be more at ease, since you've been through the process already.

I would also say... become a student of this message board. There are a ton of bright HELPFUL people here... we're here to help you succeed!
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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:31 am
money9111 wrote:osirus0830 I must say that your focus and dedication are an inspiration to us! I love reading your posts.
Thanks, I have to be motivated. I told myself when I started 730 and admission to a top 10 program or I wasn't going.

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by money9111 » Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:27 am
I think we can do it! Just keep forging ahead
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