I need help please... please give my suggestions to do well!

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Hello there,

just finished the actual exam and scored a 520 (Math 33, Verbal 28). Frankly, I am very disappointed and feeling somewhat disheartened, especially, after spending so much time and effort with practice exams, exercises (11th edition Official Guide and Kaplan course book), and getting three 600's on the practice tests. Did 11 practice exams total (all 8 from my Kaplan Course, Ultimate Practice Test, and two from MBA.com). But, I am not going to give up until I achieve a much higher score and that's just the way it is. This is why I started planning all this preparation time almost a year before applications are due. I gave the exam my very best, I certainly could have done better on Math and I thought I was doing well on Verbal. I think a lot of this is getting accustomed to the look and questions of the actual exam.

At this point, I would really appreciate some advice and/or words of encouragement from you. I am concerned and it is really helpful for me to share my experience from today. The last time I took the exam in November 2008, I scored a 440.

Do you have any feedback on when to retake the exam? I really plan to retake the exam next month - early July, such as Saturday, July 4. I was going to register. Somehow, I feel that is the right thing because I have been preparing very hard since March and the information is stored in my brain. Second, do you have any suggestions in preparation for the next retake?

Thanks for your help. Please help me to do well. I would really appreciate it. I deserve much better than a disheartening 520!

Anuj
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by vinayakdl » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:26 am
Hi Anuj,

Sorry to hear that. Did you just use OG11 and Kaplan? How is your math? On this forum people have mentioned many other resources that you can use. Analyze where you are making mistakes, is it in geometry? Number theory? SC. Then try finding posts on this forum on how to improve that particular topic.


Vinayak

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by anujladha » Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:05 pm
Hi,

I have been using OG11 and Kaplan practice tests apart from the two MBA.com tests. I think I am using the wrong materials here that are not representative of the actual exams. As for the areas I need help in, I do not think there is necessarily such an area. It could apply to any area depending on the type of questions I get on the actual exam. Is there any kind of software you would recommend for taking practice exams that will be actually a good representation of what to expect on the actual exam? I can't believe I spent countless hours/efforts doing Kaplan practice exams then.

I am considering private tutoring with a qualified GMAT instructor. It is going to be an investment, but what other option do I have?

Any suggestions as to the kind of practice exams, please let me know.
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by vinayakdl » Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:29 pm
Hi Anuj,

The way i do it is when i ma doing OG I not down the kind of mistake i am making and for what kind of questions then at then end i analyze and find what are my weakness areas.

For Verbal SC Manhattan SC guide is a must. It will improve you scores. also look at posts written by people getting around your target score.

I don't know much about tutoring, but i am sure manhattan has a center in Boston.

Vinayak

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by 4score20 » Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:43 pm
Kaplan is a good source for students aiming for 500-650. However, students trying to score higher could use a different source of prep. More difficult problems can be found in the challenge archive of Manhattan GMAT.

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Good source?

by anujladha » Thu Jun 04, 2009 3:56 am
Hi,

Is this is a good accurate source for me to study from? Could you take a look at the following link:

https://www.manhattangmat.com/storeitems ... 28&catid=6

Is it worth buying all 8 Manhattan GMAT Strategy guides which come with 6 full length CAT's? or just simply the 12th edition of the Official Guide (which in this case, it would only be necessary to buy the online MGMAT CAT's separately).

Please advise.
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