Hey Everybody-
Up until now I have merely been a great admirer of the site and have been able to relate to the trials and tribulations many of you have gone through. At this point I feel the need to draw on the experience of the BTG community and professionals to assist me in my efforts to attain a 700+ score. Hopefully this post can start a conversation that can help others attain their target score and pursue those ventures that help bring happiness and success to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Two years ago I took the GMAT after approx. 2 weeks of study and scored a 640. I became serious about applying to B School last year and subsequently attended the Kaplan Advanced Course in NYC last July, hoping to improve my score to at least 700 - didnt think 60+ points was too much to ask. I took a diagnostic test on the first day of class (granted it was a paper test) and scored a 680. During the class I took practice CATs that ranged from 680-720. After I finished the class, I officially took the GMAT and scored a 680. I subsequently applied to MIT last year-thinking my CFA designation would somehow make up for the 20 point shortfall- and did not get in. I had a chance to speak with an admissions official whom alerted me to some minor things that I could change and one of them was to improve my score to 700 - she said no one would ever question a 700. I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that I have to start this process all over in order to re-apply.
Would you have any advice as to the best strategy going forward? What would be the best study materials? I do not want to take another class as I have neither the time nor the confidence in that method and do not want to waste time with any easy or ineffective materials. I am planning on allocating 2 months of time for this venture. I would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks to all.
Up until now I have merely been a great admirer of the site and have been able to relate to the trials and tribulations many of you have gone through. At this point I feel the need to draw on the experience of the BTG community and professionals to assist me in my efforts to attain a 700+ score. Hopefully this post can start a conversation that can help others attain their target score and pursue those ventures that help bring happiness and success to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Two years ago I took the GMAT after approx. 2 weeks of study and scored a 640. I became serious about applying to B School last year and subsequently attended the Kaplan Advanced Course in NYC last July, hoping to improve my score to at least 700 - didnt think 60+ points was too much to ask. I took a diagnostic test on the first day of class (granted it was a paper test) and scored a 680. During the class I took practice CATs that ranged from 680-720. After I finished the class, I officially took the GMAT and scored a 680. I subsequently applied to MIT last year-thinking my CFA designation would somehow make up for the 20 point shortfall- and did not get in. I had a chance to speak with an admissions official whom alerted me to some minor things that I could change and one of them was to improve my score to 700 - she said no one would ever question a 700. I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that I have to start this process all over in order to re-apply.
Would you have any advice as to the best strategy going forward? What would be the best study materials? I do not want to take another class as I have neither the time nor the confidence in that method and do not want to waste time with any easy or ineffective materials. I am planning on allocating 2 months of time for this venture. I would really appreciate any thoughts. Thanks to all.
) I'll just say that, yes, you will need to get materials that teach you how to deal with the specific types of questions and content areas on the test. Browsing these forums is a great way to find out what others have used and liked.
