I just Beat The GMAT!

Hey

I just took my 1st GMAT. I must say I am far from happy. I scored 690 (Q50 V33) I can not imagine how I scored that low on Verbal. In all my GMAT Prep, PowerPrep tests, I scored 38, 41, 42 types and even on Manhattan Tests,i never scored less than 36.Plus, during the test, Verbal actually went so well that I was apprehensive of Q score and expected a 47-48, since I had guessed on two/ three. Plus, poor time management had me finish the Quant with over 9 min still left, which was nonsensical now that I think about it.

As I completed my test, I was actually more keen on Verbal score as I thought I had done extremely well. I was expecting something to the north of 42. I was shocked when I saw 33 on Verbal. It's like the worst score ever. Please help me navigate through this and tell me what exactly I should do in next 31 days (yes, rescheduling while I submit my earlier GRE score of 326 to admission offices and ask for permission to submit a GMAT later).

My target is Q50 and V42. I can do it. I just need t know how. I have been following Manhattan, GMATPrepNow and have tons of materials from various sources.Someone please help me. I need a 720+ score on GMAT. Plz Note: with TOEFL 114 and IELTS 8.5, I do have a good grounding in english. I need to mold it to the tune of GMAT. I have never erred at SC, I am not sure how I got 33 despite my enjoying the test so much that at one point I was wondering if I will find any question challenging enuff! Crazy me.

Thanks..in distress

Synchro

Hey Rich

Thanks for the mail.

I guess you are right in saying that I was more focused on quant. My preparation for the test started in June end. I was consistent with quant as I knew I was good at it and could score pretty high. So each single mark was very very precious for me. I am a pretty gopod test taker in terms of stamina and yes, 2 out of the 4 CATs I tool before hand were actually complete simulations, including the IR and Essay. In fact in the actual GMAT I was feeling so fresh during verbal from the word GO! As I said, I was expecting a score of above 40 easily. Anyways, the first step to learning from mistakes is to believe there is room for improvement. So yes, I must have screwed up somewhere. My guess is that I need to give verbal a 30 days intensive shot and maintain my quant score and aim for 51. For the alter approach will be to take tests, analyze and improve.

Well, about schools, I have a complicated case. I took GRE last year and score 326 (168Q 158V). I have over 9 years of exp and am aiming at top 20. So yes, 700+ is desirable. I got waitlisted at 2 schools in top 10. Got admit from a top Canadian school but wanted to get into a top US School with better bearings in my niche field - Design Strategy/ Innovation. One of the schools, in its feedback, even said that my GRE score was not a problem but in the last 2 minutes the representative added that I may look at taking GMAT this year in case I decide to reapply, although that was not mentioned in the annotated notes from the interviewer/ admissions team, she quoted. Now this was mid June and I started off on full throttle. Actually I have been involved in launch my 3rd start-up this year and lots of other interesting things I can quote to the admissions for reapplication, but I really wanted a score that was an improvement over the GRE 326. So here is what I am gonna do. I need your honest opinion Rich.

I am applying to Round 1 of these colleges with GRE 326 again and writing to Admissions if I could append the score later. I am not one of those who ever give up Rich. I actually am taking another shot at GRE next Saturday. GMAT date taken -5th October. I am flying to US on 6th, for applicant initiated interviews. I have to make this happen. Do you think writing to admissions will be the right approach. I will apply in Round 1, have my applications ready. At the most they will shift me to Round 2.

Thanks and please opine. Means a lot to me. It sets an agenda for me to work on.

Synchro

thanks Rich

Yes, this one is turning out to be an admissions forum post, but lemme add in 2 things.
1. The school that gave me feedback said I was amazing in the interview and there is just not any particular feedback that they can give at this pt. in time . To quote verbatim "This is one of the toughest feedback calls I have to make since there is no one thing I can point to", the gracious lady started off with.
2. You will be amazed that alumni of one of the Top 5 schools interviewed me in India and all he asked was Why GRE why not GMAT?, how will you fund it? He knew nothing about the 'niche program' (dual degree) I was applying to. Hence, reapplying this year, I am choosing an on-campus interview coz I had networked with students like crazy. Could not leverage it at all.

That said, Plz advise on Verbal. What could be my approach.

Thanks

Synchro

[email protected] wrote:Hi Synchro,

2) Invest in some new Verbal resources as a way to gauge how sharp your Verbal skills still are and to help you improve from this last performance. There are a variety of options.

Thanks so much for you suggestions, Rich.

Would you suggest Aristotle Verbal Grail. I have heard a lot about it, esp the SC portion. My best guess is that I need a different approach to Verbal, esp CR and maybe SC Plus regular practice daily. Any other suggestions, given I have 3 weeks with me.

Finally, My GMAT scores (Sept 2014)
Overall 690 = 87%
GMAT Verbal: 33 = 67% - GRE Quant: 50= 88% - Analytical Writing: 5.5= 81%

Thanks

Synchro