Where did I go wrong?? Calling ALL experts.

[greg22b]

-Native speaker.
-Age 25
-Software Engineer
-Graduated from Computer Engineering in '06 with a 3.3 GPA
-Working hard for a GMAT score.

Just got back from the test (2nd time) and received the lowest score ever, out of any practice test...... and even lower then when I took the test in '08.

With about an average of 550 on 10 practice tests, I just scored a 420...... In '08 I got a 450!? So I am doing worse than what I thought was my worse.

This time I felt very confident during the entire test, I was relaxed, I studied many hours last 14 weeks while taking the Veritas prep class, took yesterday and last Friday off from work, etc.

I don't know what else I could have done? I don't understand how this happened?
The score was so bad I thought it was a joke! The lowest score just based on what I think my intelligence is, amount of work I have put in and practice test should be at least 530. BUT 420 the second time around? Really?

Either a blessing in disguise or I am stupid....this score is so far off it is hard to comprehend what is going on here.

Should I go explain to the program I want to get into (https://www.sandiego.edu/business/progra ... ening_MBA/) how hard I have worked and ask for their mercy, take the test in 30 days with out studying and see if I can do better without prep, or choose another career route?

I have put in many hours and thousands of dollars into this, that is what is most frustrating right now. All the work and no fruit.

Thank You,
-Confused.

[Osirus@VeritasPrep]

I will assume that you didn't study properly. My veritas instructor helped us set up an individual study plan, maybe email your instructor and see if s/he will be willing to do that for you and follow that gameplan. Here is my gameplan in case the instructor doesn't get back to you.

2 days a week math
2 days a week verbal
1 day for a CAT (only when I feel I have made improvement, do not take a CAT for the sake of taking one, you will just waste them)
1 day a week for weaknesses
1 off day so you don't burn out.

On the math days, attempt to do 5 problems from each Veritas math guide. On the verbal days attempt to do 15-20 problems from each category (SC, RC, CR). When you're reviewing your answers, make sure you not only understand why you got that problem wrong and how to do it correctly, but also focus on why you got it wrong. If its as simple as not understanding the material, you can fix that, but you will reach a point where you are missing problems even though you know the material. Once you reach that point, take a lot of time on each question you miss and attempt to understand why you missed it and what you can do in the future to get that question type correct. Good luck.

[DanaJ]

Did you use the OG? One of the quite few complaints I had regarding the Veritas course (I reviewed two sessions) was that they did not recommend the use of the Official Guide.

About the MBA you mention: I think most programs will allow you to retake. The thing is to reason with them. I say contact them and ask for their sincere and honest opinion on your situation. Most of the time they'll be flexible, especially if otherwise your profile is good.