Dear Anujladha,

Thanks for your post!

I'm sorry to hear that the GMAT exam has been such a significant hurdle for you thus far. I have a few points of advice I'd like to offer:

1) Don't worry about taking the test a third - or even fourth time. While the ideal scenario for anyone would be a 750 on the first try, the truth is that many applicants take the test a few times, and that your overall best score is more important than the number of times you take it. Obviously, I don't advocate taking the test 6 or 7 times, but given that you've only taken it twice and that one of those times was actually 3+ years ago, I see no reason for you to be concerned about taking it one or two more times if need be.

2) If you have a documented learning disability you may want to contact the folks at GMAC/Pearson to see if you can take the test under special conditions (e.g. with extra time). This may help you deal with some of the timing issues you are having. Read this document to learn a bit more: https://www.mba.com/NR/rdonlyres/C8CAE4A ... 010507.pdf

3) Try using GMAT prep materials from another company like ManhattanGMAT or Kaplan. Princeton Review's materials are known to be a bit easier than the actual exam (largely to build one's confidence), but it sounds like you need something that will push you a bit harder. Both MGMAT and Kaplan offer sample questions that are more accurately correlated with the real exam (if anything Kaplan's questions are a bit more difficult than the real test). The MGMAT Strategy Guides are particularly good.

4) Consider working with a GMAT tutor to specifically isolate and understand the areas in which you struggle. Given that you've taken the exam twice without the results you'd wanted, I'm not sure I'd venture into a third sitting without a good deal of rigorous training via tutoring, another course, etc.

Best of luck with your GMAT efforts,

Graham

Hi Graham,

Thanks for your advice. I had submitted proof of a documented learning disability as well 4 years of proof in college, however, it was rejected by GMAC. So, now, I have to adjust accordingly like any other regular, mainstream student.

This whole week, I have just been reflecting on how I should go about studying for the next attempt. My plan is to try and combine study guide materials from Kaplan, Manhattan GMAT, and 4GMAT.com for different sections of the exam, namely Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Data Sufficiency, and Problem Solving. I may then take a course sometime in February or so with Veritas Prep. Do you know much about this test preparation company? I will choose to go with Veritas Prep should I decide to take a course again simply because they have more practice examinations compared to their competitors. They administer 15 practice exams. Perhaps, you may have some feedback/advice concerning Veritas Prep?

Thanks again,
Anuj

Graham wrote:Dear Anujladha,

Thanks for your post!

I'm sorry to hear that the GMAT exam has been such a significant hurdle for you thus far. I have a few points of advice I'd like to offer:

1) Don't worry about taking the test a third - or even fourth time. While the ideal scenario for anyone would be a 750 on the first try, the truth is that many applicants take the test a few times, and that your overall best score is more important than the number of times you take it. Obviously, I don't advocate taking the test 6 or 7 times, but given that you've only taken it twice and that one of those times was actually 3+ years ago, I see no reason for you to be concerned about taking it one or two more times if need be.

2) If you have a documented learning disability you may want to contact the folks at GMAC/Pearson to see if you can take the test under special conditions (e.g. with extra time). This may help you deal with some of the timing issues you are having. Read this document to learn a bit more: https://www.mba.com/NR/rdonlyres/C8CAE4A ... 010507.pdf

3) Try using GMAT prep materials from another company like ManhattanGMAT or Kaplan. Princeton Review's materials are known to be a bit easier than the actual exam (largely to build one's confidence), but it sounds like you need something that will push you a bit harder. Both MGMAT and Kaplan offer sample questions that are more accurately correlated with the real exam (if anything Kaplan's questions are a bit more difficult than the real test). The MGMAT Strategy Guides are particularly good.

4) Consider working with a GMAT tutor to specifically isolate and understand the areas in which you struggle. Given that you've taken the exam twice without the results you'd wanted, I'm not sure I'd venture into a third sitting without a good deal of rigorous training via tutoring, another course, etc.

Best of luck with your GMAT efforts,

Graham

Hi Graham,

I took the test for the third time on June 2, 2009 but scored a low 520 this time (Math 33 & Verbal 28). Even after 3 months of hard work, sincerity, dedication, and discipline and higher practice scores of 550, 620 & 630 on Kaplan practice tests (Kaplan course and Ultimate Practice Test), I scored a 520.

I plan to re-take the test on September 5 or September 12, 2009. This time, however, I am really trying to get extended-time accomodations through an updated evaluation report from an neuropsychologist that will be proof for meeting GMAC guideline requirements hopefully.

If you have any advice or encouragement going forward, I would REALLY appreciate it.

Thank you,
Anuj

Hello everyone,

I am looking to retake my exam on Saturday, October 24 if not, Saturday, October 17. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get a 600 on a new practice exam. I have now taken 4 Manhattan GMAT practice exams and have scored the following in order: 530, 580, 560 & 530. I have been putting a lot of effort, dedication, and persistence to studying and it seems like I am just not able to get a good score in the 600's. The root problem is strategy - I am trying to answer questions with short cut, efficient strategies in the least amount of time. I am trying so hard and I feel something is going wrong. Could someone please give advice?

Second, I am waiting to hear back from GMAC regarding my request for extended time accomodations. They are now 1 week late in getting back to me and I was told I should hear back this week. I can't think right now that I will definitely get extended time and regardless if it is granted or rejected again, I am not going to change my study habits. I have been diligently getting up at 5am on a weekly basis on the weekdays since July now to do studying. Just trying to maximize my study time because I should really be nailing my next GMAT attempt and not thinking about taking it again. My target goal is a 660. If I do not get at least a 640, I am quitting applying to business school for the fall of 2010 and will instead wait another year and apply for the fall of 2011. If anyone has any advice on strategies, please let me know.

I have been working with a private tutor from Kaplan after I finished a retake course with Kaplan. He too told me it is "strategy, strategy" that is the problem here. I know how to do the problems but only 1.5 to 2 minutes should be spent answering each question on the GMAT!

Thanks. I am trying not to stress too much about this. I recently attended a World MBA Tour fair in boston where I got to meet with admission officers of schools I am interested in. I had to tell them about my extenuating circumstance and they clearly understood my situation. At this point, I can't worry about multiple attempts, but at least recognize the fact that I am working towards an important and worthy goal.