GMAT beat me...Tips for going back in the game!

[bohdan01]

Thanks to this forum for lots of helpful advice. It's an amazing resource. I hope someone can give me their opinion.

I took my GMAT today and got 640 (39Q, 39V). I am disappointed as this is short of my goal of 700+ and I've spent almost 3 months preparing. However, I am not really good at these tests and my practice tests have ranged in 520 - 690 range, so I am not too surprised. Also, I thought my test had many more challenging problems than my prep tests. In any case, I am looking to put this test to rest and start again on the goal to reach 700+.

Before I used:

OG 12th
MGMAT Sentence Correction
Kaplan GMAT 800
Various online books and guides such as: McGraw Hill's and Nova's Math Bible
I took all Free CAT exams

My Weaknesses

Quant
I have trouble pacing, most of the time I end up guessing on 3-4 questions.
I have most problems with Data Sufficiency.
Math topics that i struggle with include: Confusing number properties and integer problems, probabilities, geometry, challenging sequence and word problems.

Verbal
Also, timing is an issue here. Usually, I am short 2-3 questions.
I can work to improve Critical Reasoning (Assumption) and Sentence Correction. I am ok with RC.

My situation:

Undergrad graduate. I will start full time work in July. I will not be able to study between September and November. I plan to apply to B-school in 2-3 years.

I ask anyone for advice on the following:

1) Which resources do you think i should take given my weaknesses.
2) Since i didn't take a prep course, Do you advise on taking one? Which one?
3) How useful are online classes?
4) When should I start going back at it? This is most important. I have time between July 2011 and August 2011 when i start work, which isn't ideal, but i think i can manage. Then i can't study between September and November and can resume in December. Should i lightly study until then?

I will greatly appreciate any advice.

[arun@crackverbal]

[quote="bohdan01"]
1) Which resources do you think i should take given my weaknesses.
2) Since i didn't take a prep course, Do you advise on taking one? Which one?
3) How useful are online classes?
[/quote]

I will try to answer all 3 in one go. You should perhaps pick the OG verbal and quant supplements since you have exhausted OG 12. You can also use this great technique that Ron from MGMAT suggest here:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/11/ ... correction
This will help you get more juice out of your current practice questions.

Do visit https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/ to understand the reviews. However remember you are the best person to judge what works for you - video v/s book, personal v/s classroom etc.

Please stay clear of such stuff ""Various online books and guides such as: McGraw Hill's and Nova's Math Bible"

[quote="bohdan01"]
4) When should I start going back at it? This is most important. I have time between July 2011 and August 2011 when i start work, which isn't ideal, but i think i can manage. Then i can't study between September and November and can resume in December. Should i lightly study until then?
[/quote]

July and August is great because you are already in the momentum PLUS you want to get the GMAT out of the way so you can start enjoying your life 2 months should be more than enough to work on getting a 50 point increase (ofocourse the standard deviation is always going to be +/- 30 points).

All the best!

Arun