I just Beat The GMAT!

Hello All, Just took GMAT for third time and scored 630 Q(49) V(27). Was working hard to reach 700 + but still not sure what went wrong. Previous attempt was 620.

Practice scores were pretty good though. ( Since July 2010)

MGMAT 1: 650
MGMAT 2: 650
MGMAT 3: 690
MGMAT 3: 700
MGMAT 3: 730
MGMAT 3: 750

GMAT Prep 1: 750 ( Though few SCs are known to me - since i was doing GMAT Prep 175 SC Collections)
GMAT Prep 2: 760 ( Though few SCs are known to me - since i was doing GMAT Prep 175 SC Collections)

Now I seriously dont feel going for my 4th attempt, since not able to figure it out why got a low Verbal score. So i am confused on the next step - whether go ahead with the Round 1 for Bschools within Top 40 to 50 or take another attempt.

A little background about me:

Bachelor degree in Computer Sci engg with 3.4/4 GPA from India. Overall 9th rank in the University. Total of approx 6 yrs experience in IT, out of which 4+ years of International Experience.

Involved in extra-curricular activities like Running for a cause, Volunteering for Adult Literacy, Volunteering a NGO operating from India etc.

Now wondering what would be my success rate if i go ahead with the Top 30 to 50 Rank colleges. I am kinda Ok for both 1 yr or 2 yrs of MBA.

So if anybody can share his/her thoughts and suggestions, it would be really helpful.

Hi Chargal

630 is not a bad score. You can get into a lot of decently ranked schools with that score. Also, remember that its the entire application package that gets you into the college - not just the GMAT. Move forward and put your energy into a stellar application package. You will succeed!

First of all, GMAT score is not everything when applying for non-indian B schools, which has stringent CAT criteria. And 630 is not that bad but its not that great as well. So don't evaluate your chances just based on 630 score. Yes you might get less scholarship and might be forced for some compromises, but be prepared for that.

The deadlines are getting closer and you already have 6 years of exp. So I would suggest try your best based on this score and try to get into B-school. For that your first target would be TOEFL and 100+ should be must as your verbal score is low.
Also I would recommend to join any admission consulting first such as princeton Review consulting or any other, who has expertise in assessing the students profile and give a rough idea where are your chances. They will also help you for your essays, university shortlisting, mock interviews and visa counseling.

As you have low score and deadlines are closer but seems a strong profile, so go and apply. Once done with first round application, you can give again GMAT, incase you wish so, and send the score to those universities they will consider whichever is higher.

Hope that helps!!

hey do not loose heart..gmat score is one of the important parameters
i think u need to start working on ur applications. u already have a good work ex..
based on ur score and aspirations post MBA,shortlist schools and work on apps..
u can also get help from soem admission consultants
gurome,clear admit,stacy blakman consulting have a free 30 minutes session.

Go ahead for application, it i not worth putting energy on the exam anymore.

But to learn from you, could you explain your study method ?

For SC, were you very confident afterwards ? Were you confident of fundamentals ?
How were you doing in RC ? Did you have any issue with the RC ? and most important, how did you feel in real GMAT verbal portion ?

Thanks Guys ....I have spoken to couple of admission consultants. For schools within Top-30 I was asked to take the GMAT again. So is it worth taking 4th attempt ???

Coming to my GMAT Prep, First of all, Verbal is bad and Quans resembled my prep exams.

1. Took GMAT Prep under full conditions including essay and exact break for one prep exam

2. When i get repeats, i usually leave few seconds and mark it correct and proceed.

My strategy for Verbal:

SC: Manhattan SC Guide ( 4th Edition)
Spidey and Psahil Notes
GMAT Prep 175 Ques
OG 12 and Verbal Purple Book

CR: CR Bible
OG 12 and Verbal Purple Book

RC: Manhattan RC
OG 12

Now my consultant is asking me to take 660+ for Top 30 and 700+ for Top 15 and then proceed with apps.

Trust me folks i am really really confused now...

Any help is greatly appreciated !!!

Dear Chargal,

I generally found the scores in both the MGMAT and GMAT prep are very reliable indicators of the scores you should be getting in the real exam.



I am kind of suspitious that perhaps the difference between your GMAT scores and the tests is de to the pressure during the exam.

According to my experience it is highly recommended doing the following:
- take the two optional breaks? during the exam
- when doing mock tests do also the AWA
- three days before the exam do not study at all
- 3-4 weeks before the exam eat healthy food and jog daily

The above really helped me!

If I was you, consideringthe high scores in the simulations, I'd retake the test

Hope it helps!

In my opnion, once we have repeat questions , even after pausing few seconds it is not reflection of same capability .Hence, differenc from real GMAT. Only way in my opinion is to get real high score in GMATPrep to be sure of the deviation that might have resulted due to repeat questions.