Please advice

[Rohit3249]

Hi Guys,

I just gave my gmat today. It was the 4th time that I gave my Gmat (Out of 4 times, 3 times I wrote it within a gap of 1 year). My recent Gmat score is

600 (Apt 49, Verbal 23)

The last 3 scores are as follows

600 (Apt 47, Verbal 25)
570 (Apt 48, Verbal 20)
560 (Apt 47, Verbal 20)

In my all mock tests I was doing good. The least score that I got was 660 and highest 720.

However, on the all 4 gmat tests, I was not able to concentrate on the verbal part thinking that I've screwed my Apt portion, which is my strength (Having scored 50 in mocks most of the times). Also, the least score that I got in verbal was 29 in mocks. I gave so many attempts to Gmat since I believed that my verbal is definitely better than what my actual scores suggest. But I could not improve. Like I said, it's more of a phycological problem whenever I write gmat.
I am not able to cope up with the test pressure thinking about my Apt portion. Though, in all the 4 gmat tests I was able to get a decent apt score.

Now, could you please advice me on this. Shall I write the test again, considering that it would be my 5th attempt. Eagerly Waiting for you replies..

[Linda Abraham]

Hi Guys,

I just gave my gmat today. It was the 4th time that I gave my Gmat (Out of 4 times, 3 times I wrote it within a gap of 1 year). My recent Gmat score is

600 (Apt 49, Verbal 23)

The last 3 scores are as follows

600 (Apt 47, Verbal 25)
570 (Apt 48, Verbal 20)
560 (Apt 47, Verbal 20)

In my all mock tests I was doing good. The least score that I got was 660 and highest 720.

However, on the all 4 gmat tests, I was not able to concentrate on the verbal part thinking that I've screwed my Apt portion, which is my strength (Having scored 50 in mocks most of the times). Also, the least score that I got in verbal was 29 in mocks. I gave so many attempts to Gmat since I believed that my verbal is definitely better than what my actual scores suggest. But I could not improve. Like I said, it's more of a phycological problem whenever I write gmat.
I am not able to cope up with the test pressure thinking about my Apt portion. Though, in all the 4 gmat tests I was able to get a decent apt score.

Now, could you please advice me on this. Shall I write the test again, considering that it would be my 5th attempt. Eagerly Waiting for you replies..

I wouldn't retake the GMAT again unless you can address your test anxiety and get it under control. I realize doing so is easier said than done. I am not an evaluator of test prep companies, but there is one that claims to have techniques that address test anxiety: TestPrepNY. Look into it. However, I see no point in doing the same prep and the same test one more time. You've given it your all.

Best,
Linda

[Rohit3249]

Hi Linda,

Thanks a lot for your reply. I really appreciate that.

Linda, the reason that I gave Gmat so many times and may want to give it again is that I don't think with a score of 600, I can get into any decent school, if not good. Also, I can see a good chances of improvement in verbal part since I scored only 23 in that. (Accepting the fact that I wasn't able to do so in my last 3 attempts)

Please let me know your suggestions on this. Would it have a very negative impact on my applications if I write it again? Or I should go ahead and apply with the same score?

Thank you one again for your reply.

Regards.
Rohit

[Linda Abraham]

Hi Linda,

Thanks a lot for your reply. I really appreciate that.

Linda, the reason that I gave Gmat so many times and may want to give it again is that I don't think with a score of 600, I can get into any decent school, if not good. Also, I can see a good chances of improvement in verbal part since I scored only 23 in that. (Accepting the fact that I wasn't able to do so in my last 3 attempts)

Please let me know your suggestions on this. Would it have a very negative impact on my applications if I write it again? Or I should go ahead and apply with the same score?

Thank you one again for your reply.

Regards.
Rohit

Your chances of getting into a higher ranked (English speaking) MBA program with your current GMAT are poor. You are correct there. Taking it again and doing well will greatly increase the likelihood of an acceptance at a ranked program. At the same time, if you have taken it four times with similarly disappointing (albeit improving) results, something has to change to make me thing the results are going to change markedly.

You have two separate questions here:

1) Where to apply given your GMAT? The schools won't change their criteria or your competition just because your GMAT is lower than it should be. You have to decide if it makes sense to apply and attend programs that you are competitive at.
2) Should you retake the GMAT? I would retake only if you feel you can take a prep course or do something different that will raise your score such that it will be within 10 points of your target schools' average. Doing what you have done the previous 4 times is unlikely to change the outcome.

As you approach this, just to put a possible retake in perspective, remember that the only way to go is up. There is nothing to lose here; you can only gain by raising your GMAT. No downside.

Best,
Linda

[Rohit3249]

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for your reply.

I hope I could do something different that would make me believe that I can improve my score by a considerable points. Your reply has motivated me to go for it again. I hope that I would be able to mail you with my good Gmat score.

Thank you once again Linda. You have been a great help.

Regards,
Rohit

[Linda Abraham]

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for your reply.

I hope I could do something different that would make me believe that I can improve my score by a considerable points. Your reply has motivated me to go for it again. I hope that I would be able to mail you with my good Gmat score.

Thank you once again Linda. You have been a great help.

Regards,
Rohit

You're most welcome. I am glad you found my reply helpful.

Linda

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Hopefully someone can give me some advise/Insight

I graduated from a california state university with a BS in computer science : GPA 2.96.(I faced tremendous social and

cultural impediments being a international student and also lost a major source of funding for my education forcing me

to work full-time for 2 years).

Although my GPA is not stellar, I tried to supplement that fact my getting involved in various activities and organizations.

I returned to Africa for a year and volunteered at a National Game Reserve, doing database development for wild-life tracking

and also got involved in volunteer math teaching at a small rural school. Furthermore, I started an E-Strategy consultancy

firm that grew rapidly and was profitable too, employing 3 full-time people. After one year I returned to the same university

and did a M S in Quantitative Business Methods : GPA 3.45. In addition, I took courses in Sailing and became a member of

the local Yachting club. Before I graduated, I got an intersnhip offer from a top 3 Semiconductor company, and I assume

that was a big feat in itself considering I was an international Student. Within 3 months I was promoted to a full-time

position as a Project Management Analyst.


I am planning to apply to Cornell's MEng Program in 2010. Do I have any chances to get in? What scores might I need

to overcome my low undergraduate GPA (4 C's , one W )

Any information would be appreciated including other schools I might try for.

[Linda Abraham]

Hopefully someone can give me some advise/Insight

I graduated from a california state university with a BS in computer science : GPA 2.96.(I faced tremendous social and

cultural impediments being a international student and also lost a major source of funding for my education forcing me

to work full-time for 2 years).

Although my GPA is not stellar, I tried to supplement that fact my getting involved in various activities and organizations.

I returned to Africa for a year and volunteered at a National Game Reserve, doing database development for wild-life tracking

and also got involved in volunteer math teaching at a small rural school. Furthermore, I started an E-Strategy consultancy

firm that grew rapidly and was profitable too, employing 3 full-time people. After one year I returned to the same university

and did a M S in Quantitative Business Methods : GPA 3.45. In addition, I took courses in Sailing and became a member of

the local Yachting club. Before I graduated, I got an intersnhip offer from a top 3 Semiconductor company, and I assume

that was a big feat in itself considering I was an international Student. Within 3 months I was promoted to a full-time

position as a Project Management Analyst.


I am planning to apply to Cornell's MEng Program in 2010. Do I have any chances to get in? What scores might I need

to overcome my low undergraduate GPA (4 C's , one W )

Any information would be appreciated including other schools I might try for.

Do you have a GRE score?