300 GMAT HELP!!!

[abwilson29]

I just finished with my pathetic attempt at the GMAT. I am a 29 year old professional with 5 years of work experience in Human Resources. I am very interested in securing an MBA for my future. Unfortunately, it's clear that I have a lot of work to do.

I am not entirely sure what went wrong after receiving a 300 on the GMAT. I was so angry that I tore up the score. I recall my quantitative being in the 3rd percentile and my verbal at 10 percentile. I know it's pathetic.

The problem is that I have not had math since high school. The highest math I completed was Geometry in 10th grade. Unfortunately, I managed to squeak by with no math in college because, frankly, I am afraid of it.

After reading numerous websites, I am reading that it is very hard to improve a score 200 points or more. I am not shooting for the stars here. A 550 score would be wonderful.

What do you recommend I do? HELP! I am going to have to forgoe my business school aspirations for another year

I earned a 3.6 gpa in undergrad, have solid recomenndations, achieved management status in my job this year, and have a well-written statement of purpose.

I am thinking of taking a college algebra course....or even a pre-algebra course to start. Should I do geometry as well? I am weak in verbal too!

I am so discouraged. Can anyone provide advice? I don't know where to start. OH and I studied with a personal tutor for 3 mths. The personal tutor was a math teacher and went through a kaplan GMAT workbook with me.

[beatthegmat]

Sorry about this struggle you are dealing with! I am surprised to hear about this performance especially in light of the fact that you were engaging in private tutoring during your prep.

Were you scoring in the 300s during your practice exams, or something much higher?

[abwilson29]

I was scoring 500-510 What would you suggest?

[4meonly]

abwilson29,
1sr of all, do not panic. You are not alone. I am 28 years old physician with last Math lesson 11 years old. I never used English in my work.
GMAT for me is a real hell, a spent already 10 months for preparation andt I scored 510 in my 1st attempt, 620 at second and I am sure that I can make 700+. Because of my weak score I will not apply this year, as I wanted. I do not give up. GMAT is an evil that can be killed only by your desire and work.

What I can suggest you:
1. Do not panic.
2. Do not schedule your exam until you are really ready.
3. Spend nearly 2 hours every day at this site - read and try to solve. Ask when you are stuck, do not hesitate.
4. Read all the links in BeatTheGMAT resource Directory, download all stuff and read it.
5. Do not use simulators until you will$ be able to solve 90% of problems here.
6. You have 6 months to prepare before next 1st deadline, prepare to GMAT. 6 month is a good time when you know BeatTheGMAT.
7. Finally, sh*t happens. Don't stuck on sh*t. Forget it - go ahead, dude!

[beatthegmat]

Really dig deep and analyze your last test experience. Perhaps your nerves got the best of you and dropped your score by 200 points? If that is the case and if you are aiming for about a 500 anyway, think about doing some research on calming down in high-stress environments. That may do more good for you in improving your score than even studying more!

Good luck,