Took it for the second time this Saturday. First time was a 680 (39q, 44v), but I needed over a 700. Here's the breakdown.
As stated, I took the GMAT for the first time last month and scored a 680. During the quant section, the stress got to me and I had a block of questions where I simply could not even think. I started over-thinking (was that an easy question? did I get that last one wrong?) and lost my focus. I was able to get my focus back during the break, and did well on verbal. I felt terrible and was anticipating a score in the 500's and was seriously contemplating canceling my score. After hearing everyones' stories about being pleasantly surprised when they didn't cancel, I hit submit and was genuinely surprised by my 680.
I am applying to full time programs in the twin cities (MN) and was told by one school I would greatly increase my odds of a full-ride if I scored a 700. Thus, I decided to re-take.
I decided to take a real prep course for the second go around. I had to do a re-test immediately after the 31 days, so my time-line was a bit constrained. The only option available (live, not online) was a Kaplan prep course that met twice a week for 4 weeks. They also have their "higher score guarantee" which was attractive because of my need to get a 700. I figured my only bad option was a 690 - not a 700 and wouldn't get my money back.
This second time around, I felt much more relaxed - especially during the quant section - and absolutely rocked it! I had scored over a 41 in quant only once in my practice tests. My only disappointment with this test is that I didn't mirror my previous score in verbal. If I had, I could have scored a 750. Oh well, not looking back now!
Thanks to all in this forum! You rock!
As stated, I took the GMAT for the first time last month and scored a 680. During the quant section, the stress got to me and I had a block of questions where I simply could not even think. I started over-thinking (was that an easy question? did I get that last one wrong?) and lost my focus. I was able to get my focus back during the break, and did well on verbal. I felt terrible and was anticipating a score in the 500's and was seriously contemplating canceling my score. After hearing everyones' stories about being pleasantly surprised when they didn't cancel, I hit submit and was genuinely surprised by my 680.
I am applying to full time programs in the twin cities (MN) and was told by one school I would greatly increase my odds of a full-ride if I scored a 700. Thus, I decided to re-take.
I decided to take a real prep course for the second go around. I had to do a re-test immediately after the 31 days, so my time-line was a bit constrained. The only option available (live, not online) was a Kaplan prep course that met twice a week for 4 weeks. They also have their "higher score guarantee" which was attractive because of my need to get a 700. I figured my only bad option was a 690 - not a 700 and wouldn't get my money back.
This second time around, I felt much more relaxed - especially during the quant section - and absolutely rocked it! I had scored over a 41 in quant only once in my practice tests. My only disappointment with this test is that I didn't mirror my previous score in verbal. If I had, I could have scored a 750. Oh well, not looking back now!
Thanks to all in this forum! You rock!
