Retaking the GMAT

bourneJ wrote:Hi,
I gave my GMAT yesterday and scored a disappointing 550. I was expecting to get score above 600 atleast. I am going to retake the GMAT again on Oct 22. Any suggestions as to what strategy to use during the course of this next one month. My previous scores are as follows

MGMT CAT 1 :Q-39 V30 590
CAT 2 : Q 46 V 29 610
CAT 3: Q 44 V 31 610
CAT 4 : Q43 V 28 580
CAT 5 :Q 45 V 31 610
GMAT PREP CAT 1: 580
CAR 2 : 610

GMAT : Q 42 V 25: 550
I used MGMAT strategy guides and the 3 GMAT books available including quant & verbal review. My preperation was progressing well, then I had to take a 1 month break due to deadlines at work. The score did not increase after the break.
Should i sign up for the knewton course? Is it designed for someone retaking GMAT in the next 1 month?
Any suggestions would be valuable?
Thanks
J

A 550 is definitely at the lower end of your score predictors (I'm going by the GMATPREPs, which predict a score of 590-600). If you can point out what went wrong on test date (something significantly different than your performance on the simulation tests - perhaps time management?), and if a 600 or so is enough for your purposes, then you basically need to just maintain connection with the material for a month, and then go in there and do what you know how to do.

If you cannot pinpoint something major that needs to be done differently the next time, then you need to increase you overall level. An online course such as newton or Master GMAT is definitely a good choice for you - an adaptive algorithm can quickly analyze your strengths and breeze through those, leaving time to focus on your weaknesses. Just bear in mind that any algorithm needs time to analyze these - don't expect a mere 10-20 hours on an online course to magically get you to 700. It's going to be an intensive month - more, if you can push your test date.

Hi Geva,
Thanks for the reply. I would definitely like to score more than 600, more in the range of 650+. I 'm apprehensive about using any new material as it takes a while to understand and organize study schedule. I have a regular 9-5 job, and would be travelling for the next few months so rescheduling is not possible. This is most convenient time for me.
On The day of my GMAT I tried to follow the usual routine and nothing out of the ordinary happened. During the Quant section i felt the questions were tougher than the one I have come across during my 7-8 CAT's. And was also short on time during Quant and felt a bit rushed. As for Verbal, i know SC was never my strong suite but generally did well on RC & CR most of the times.
Going forward I plan to revise all the material that i already have and emphasize more on reviewing my test thoroughly.
Any other suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks for your time