680 on GMAT - targeting top 10 schools...help!!

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Targeting Stern, Columbia or Cornell and wanted to apply in the next month, but sat GMAT this week and only got 680. I am consistently strong in Verbal (47) but totally bombed on Quant (37). I have struggled with the Quant the whole way through and got mid 600s in many of the Kaplan CATs (having started at 550) due to weaker quant. I sat the two official prep downloads and got 730 and 720, so was encouraged that the Kaplan ones may be set harder, but struggled on test day. I don't know where to go from here? I obviously need to re-sit, but do I focus on GMAT for the next 6 weeks and then aim for second round applications, or try and write all the admissions essays etc whilst studying and aim for the early November deadlines with a GMAT re-sit early Nov. How important is it for international students to meet the November deadlines?

Also, how do I improve the quant? I have done the Kaplan classroom course, done all their CATs, and their Quiz Bank questions. I understand the syllabus but just freeze when it comes to the problems? What's the secret to getting a major improvement in Quant in 1 month? What are the best materials to use? Is private tutoring worth it?

So many questions, but any advice would be massively appreciated as I am confused as to the best way forward from here...and freaking out just a little. Thanks in advance!!
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by euro » Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:24 am
simunda wrote:I obviously need to re-sit, but do I focus on GMAT for the next 6 weeks and then aim for second round applications, or try and write all the admissions essays etc whilst studying and aim for the early November deadlines with a GMAT re-sit early Nov. How important is it for international students to meet the November deadlines?

Also, how do I improve the quant? I have done the Kaplan classroom course, done all their CATs, and their Quiz Bank questions. I understand the syllabus but just freeze when it comes to the problems? What's the secret to getting a major improvement in Quant in 1 month? What are the best materials to use? Is private tutoring worth it?

So many questions, but any advice would be massively appreciated as I am confused as to the best way forward from here...and freaking out just a little. Thanks in advance!!
Here are my 2 cents...

Reappearing for GMAT in November and simultaneously trying to meet deadlines in November will be a big mess. Essays and GMAT - both have equal importance. It will be tough prioritizing between the two. In my opinion, it will be better to take one thing at a time.

Did you score low just because you had a bad day? Retaking the exam is advisable only if the current score doesn't reflect your true potential and you are confident that you can do better with little preparation.

As far as Quant section goes, you need to figure out where are you lacking - is it the fundamentals on some specific topics? Or is it pacing and speed? Identify the weak areas and work on them. There are enough resources on this website to help you. But it is you who will have to identify the weak spots first.

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by bacchewar_prashant » Fri Oct 08, 2010 6:58 am
You need to get your basic understanding clear.
I would suggest following
1. Go through the MGMAT guides 5 in All. They are very good.
2. Simultaneoulsly solve OG questions and check in what area you are getting questions wrong.
3. Keep log of errors and go through them.
4. Go through OG10 it is also good source.