Hi there,

So remember that the GMAT tests one thing: how well do you know how to take the GMAT? To get a good score, you need to master three areas: 1) content, 2) pacing, 3) strategy. So your scores are nothing to be ashamed about! They simply reflect your abilities in these three (super specific) GMAT-centric areas! The GMAT is very learn-able if you are following a study schedule that works for you. Before you attempt the GMAT again, I think you need to be honest with yourself.

1) CONTENT. How well do you know what the GMAT tests? I mean, can you tell me when to use "that" versus "which" on Sentence Correction? How to tell an RC "Inference" question from an RC "Function" question? Can you identify an unstated Assumption in a CR in less than 1 minute?

2) PACING. What pacing benchmarks were you using? Were you consistently finishing each section with 1-minute to spare? What specific types of questions bogged you down? What was your "stress meltdown" strategy? Did you do pacing drills 2-3 times a week (minimum)? Were you leaving questions blank?

3) STRATEGY. Did you have a written out, practiced strategy for EVERY GMAT question type? (Step 1...Step 2...Step 3). Or did you just willy-nilly panic your way through? How did you utilize your scratch paper to maximize your organization? Did you follow process of elimination or belabor answer choices?

Once you've really assessed WHY you got the scores you did, you can decide (1) what your target score is, and (2) what you realistically need to do to get there. The GMAT is NOT an intelligence test and you CAN do it, but you'll have to face some home truths first.

Good luck!