Please help me.
Prior to the test (may 26), I had spent 1 1/2 months studying, but I cannot believe that I did so poorly - 530 (41 Q, 23 V)
Here are the study guides that I've used:
+ Barron's
+ Kaplan Verbal
+ Kaplan Prep
+ Kaplan English Grammar
Since English isn't my first language, I expect to have a lower verbal score than the quantitative score, but did not expect it to be this low. (I was frustrated not finishing the quantitative section that I could barely concentrate on the Verbal section).
As a side note, I took the GRE before graduating from college last May 2006, and I've received 780 Quantitative, 630 Verbal and 5.0 on Writing, resulted a total of 1410.
The last two weeks before the test, I've completed 6 practice tests, resulting between 630 and 720.
What bothered me the most is the inability to finish the quantitative section, which I believe to be my strongest area since I've graduated with a chemical engineering degree and currently working as an engineer for a petrochemicals company. Through out my practice tests, I've focused on Permutation and Combination problems since these are the trickest problem sets that I'll have to face. But still, it's shocking to me that I did poorly on the quantitative section because I've got hung up on several questions, which most of time were spent on them that it did not leave me enough time to finish the test. This never happens to me during the practice tests.
What annoyed me the most is the test center. Having to raise my hand every time I need new non-erasable papers while the lady takes her time to deliver, had distracted me and threw my concentration off.
Currently feeling unease about my result, I cannot take my mind off this poor performance. I'm planning to retake the test in mid September; this will give me 3 months to refocus and restragetize my preparation.
I intend to start doing practice tests in similar setting as the test center, with the corporation of non-erasable papers and markers. I only hope that this tactic will provide me the confidence that I'll need to achieve a better score.
Question 1: I don't know if I should take one of those GMAT prep courses or hire a private tutor for the summer? (Any suggestion: Veritas or Kaplan course. these two programs are offered in my area)
Question 2: I did not take the advantages of the Free 2 practice tests from the MBA.com website when one had registered the test. Although I took some simulation CD tests with a timer prior to the test, I felt that I was under a lot of pressure at the real test, which had impeded my ability to concentrate. Where can I obtain more CD practice tests that simulate the real CAT test?
Question 3: Even if I score higher on my next retake, will this first low score jeoparadize and/or pose a significant drawback on my applications for business schools? I want to pursue an MBA that focuses on Non-Profit (and/or international relation).
Prior to the test (may 26), I had spent 1 1/2 months studying, but I cannot believe that I did so poorly - 530 (41 Q, 23 V)
Here are the study guides that I've used:
+ Barron's
+ Kaplan Verbal
+ Kaplan Prep
+ Kaplan English Grammar
Since English isn't my first language, I expect to have a lower verbal score than the quantitative score, but did not expect it to be this low. (I was frustrated not finishing the quantitative section that I could barely concentrate on the Verbal section).
As a side note, I took the GRE before graduating from college last May 2006, and I've received 780 Quantitative, 630 Verbal and 5.0 on Writing, resulted a total of 1410.
The last two weeks before the test, I've completed 6 practice tests, resulting between 630 and 720.
What bothered me the most is the inability to finish the quantitative section, which I believe to be my strongest area since I've graduated with a chemical engineering degree and currently working as an engineer for a petrochemicals company. Through out my practice tests, I've focused on Permutation and Combination problems since these are the trickest problem sets that I'll have to face. But still, it's shocking to me that I did poorly on the quantitative section because I've got hung up on several questions, which most of time were spent on them that it did not leave me enough time to finish the test. This never happens to me during the practice tests.
What annoyed me the most is the test center. Having to raise my hand every time I need new non-erasable papers while the lady takes her time to deliver, had distracted me and threw my concentration off.
Currently feeling unease about my result, I cannot take my mind off this poor performance. I'm planning to retake the test in mid September; this will give me 3 months to refocus and restragetize my preparation.
I intend to start doing practice tests in similar setting as the test center, with the corporation of non-erasable papers and markers. I only hope that this tactic will provide me the confidence that I'll need to achieve a better score.
Question 1: I don't know if I should take one of those GMAT prep courses or hire a private tutor for the summer? (Any suggestion: Veritas or Kaplan course. these two programs are offered in my area)
Question 2: I did not take the advantages of the Free 2 practice tests from the MBA.com website when one had registered the test. Although I took some simulation CD tests with a timer prior to the test, I felt that I was under a lot of pressure at the real test, which had impeded my ability to concentrate. Where can I obtain more CD practice tests that simulate the real CAT test?
Question 3: Even if I score higher on my next retake, will this first low score jeoparadize and/or pose a significant drawback on my applications for business schools? I want to pursue an MBA that focuses on Non-Profit (and/or international relation).
