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680 (47Q, 35V) - Should I retake?

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680 (47Q, 35V) - Should I retake?

by shanrizvi » Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:14 am
Hey,

I wrote the GMAT on the 2nd of September and scored 680 (47Q, 35V). To be honest, I expected such a score. I thought I'd score between 680-720 so 680 wasn't a surprise but somehow, it is bothering me now. I only prepared for 3-weeks, did only the 2 GMATPep CATs (+2 repeats) and scored 680, 720, 740 and 720.

Quantitative 44
Verbal 39
Total 680


Quantitative 47
Verbal 41
Total 720

Quatitative 49
Verbal 41
Total 740

I am sort of confused right now. On one hand, I think 680 is good too and maybe I shouldn't spend another US$300. On the other, I know that I can do better! I know it for a fact. Firstly, I prepared for around 3-4 weeks. Secondly, I spent most of that time practicing Quantitative. Hence, I think Verbal killed me and if I manage to work on that, I can get a much better score in a month!

Do you think I can reach 750 in a month's time? I can dedicate a lot of time to GMAT Prep as this period (till October), I only have one course at university and will be free for most of the week!

I don't know if I should re-take it but if I do, I am thinking of buying access to the Manhattan GMAT CAT Exam Practice Set.

Need help! I'm really confused! :( :S
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by Bryant@VeritasPrep » Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:04 pm
That's a loaded question and the answer, of course, is it depends. A 680 is a great score and will definitely communicate to the committee that you can handle the rigors of an MBA program. On the other hand, schools are always trying to improve their average GMAT score, so being "one of those" who comes in ahead of the average is not a bad spot to be in. So whether or not you should retake depends on some key factors:

1) what schools are you targeting? If you are targeting highly competitive schools and you feel you can achieve a higher score (sounds like from the evidence you presented that you have a shot to do that), then retaking (and improving) your score could be a bonus in a very competitive year. Are you targeting full time programs or evening programs? For evening programs, the school's application data are not figured into the ranking system, so they are generally more forgiving.
2) What does the balance of your other qualifications look like? Did you have a good or bad GPA? Did you go to an average or a top-rated undergraduate school? What kind of work experience do you have? All these things can potentially boost your application status, rendering the GMAT simply a "check the box" item.

Ultimately, if you have the time to retake and are relatively secure in your ability to get a seven handle on your score, why not? If you think the chances are good you will not break 700, it might not be worth the effort (and potential risk of scoring lower). Hope this helps you figure it out...
Bryant Michaels
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by shanrizvi » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:44 pm
My profile is actually different. I am not targeting a MBA program. I am in the last year of my Bachelors degree and want to apply to pre-experience MSc degrees at some really good institutions: Queens University (Canada), London School of Economics, University of Warwick, University of British Columbia.

To be honest, I think I neglected Verbal. In the last 2 weeks I think I mostly practiced Quantitative from this forum and pretty much left Verbal. If I keep working on Quantitative and put real effort in Verbal for 2-3 weeks, I think I should be in a position to get 40+ in Verbal and 47+ in Quantitative.

Firstly, does anyone know what the typical student profile is for universities that I have mentioned? Secondly, can anyone suggest any good prep resources for ME? Like going to 50 from 47 in Q and going from 35 to 40+ in Verbal?

I think if I use the right resources and strategy, I can achieve it in a month! Comments? I'll be grateful if anyone can help me out heree!
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by shanrizvi » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:53 pm
Actually, that should be a question. Do you think it is possible to go from 680 to 750 in a month? (Considering my past practice tests and current areas of weakness/strength)

Btw, my current GPA is 75.25/100 (4 on a scale of 1 to 5). I don't know how good or bad that is :S Plus, I have decent extra curriculars and I think I can write a good essay. I need to cross 700 :S It is just bugging me too much.
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by shanrizvi » Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:39 am
Hello? Anyone?

By the way, after serious consideration, I have decided to take GMAT after a month. I have ample time during this month and I can dedicate at least a few hours everyday to GMAT. I will keep honing my math skills but the focus will be on acing Verbal (mainly SC and CR). Any tips? I have ordered Manhattan GMAT's Sentence Correction Guide and will also use the 6 CAT's provided with it.

Any tips? For reaching 50 on Quant and getting a good score on Verbal?
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by DanaJ » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:50 am
I don't know anything about the profiles of students at the programs you've mentioned, but I do believe you can improve your score in a month's time. A 70-point improvement is not that hard, especially if you study the right way and using the right materials.

I see you've already ordered the SC guide. If you're having trouble with CR, you could also go for the PowerScore CR Bible. However, if you believe that SC is the only section dragging you down, just stick to the MGMAT SC guide. If you feel comfortable with CR and Rc and just feel like going for a little bit of advanced practice, try using LSAT sets (here are two of the released ones).

I was at around the same score when I started prep - I had a 36 on verbal in GMATprep 1. I used this post to develop my strategy. It might help you as well!

As for quant, you're already at a pretty comfortable level. Beefing it up means targeted practice on your weak spots, like number properties or geometry. I can't recommend any books though, since I did not use any (started off with a 50 in quant). However, the practice that I did get was obtained by browsing the forum and answering questions. You can also search for keywords to practice types of problems that you're having trouble with (i.e. "permutations" or "triangle").

All the best!
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by shanrizvi » Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:06 pm
Thanks a lot for the help DanaJ, I really appreciate it! For me, the biggest source of hope at the moment is the fact that I barely prepared for Verbal the first time around. This time, I am trying whatever I can to ace Verbal!

GMAT is ALL I think about these days. I went through the Powerscore CR bible during the past 3 days and found it helpful. I've been practicing on online forums. Went through the Manhattan GMAT SC flashcards. They're of great help.

I can use all the tips I can get right now! Hehe. I can DEFINITELY get 48+ on Quant if I pace well and don't panick. I just need to reach 45 on Verbal. SOMEHOW!
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