Just took the GMAT; 600 36Q, 35V. Retake strategy needed

[Upstatebackpacker]

Hey guys, I've read quite a few awesome stories on this forum, and am hoping in the next few months I can post my own.

I spent the past two months studying roughly 1 hour a night and a few hours on the weekends taking the Kaplan on demand course (I got a great deal on it only $230!) although I admit I did not put my best into it.

My first diagnostic was a 520. From there I progressed to a 600, and the subsequent 3 tests plummeted in score down to a 570.

Actual test 600 36Q 35V. I was rushed for the last 5 questions on Q, plenty of time for V.

Background:
24 years old native english speaking male
3.5 GPA from decent quality public university (Clemson University)
I did have my own business through college recycling automobiles with roughly 60k in gross revenue yearly- This was done under the table which I regret since I do not know how to leverage this on a resume.
1.5 years of work experience as a product manager at a fortune 500 electronics company. No real extracurricular work outside of work aside from membership in a local "young professionals" group which does community service.

Goals
Ultimately I want to get into a top 25 school. Cornell, Duke, UNC, Kellogg, and Darden are all schools that I would have an interest in. I would also be interested in something international. I am torn between marketing, finance, or general management.

Regardless, I believe I need at least a 700 to be competitive within one of those programs.

Plan / Questions

I plan on purchasing the complete 5th edition of MGMAT study materials. With this, I plan on taking the next 2 months to spend 2 hours a night on weeknights, and maybe 6 hours each weekend.

Will this be enough time?
Any other recommended materials?
I feel like I have an average background aside from my entrepreneurial college experience- With this, I feel like I am going to need at least a 700. Agree? Disagree?


Thank you!

[gmat_and_me]

MGMAT SC is a must have. I found the powerscore CR guide and the MGMAT
RC book good. For the quantitative part I had the MGMAT books, though
I was familiar with most of the concepts. Finally you will need OG for
practicing on GMAT level questions.

For the schedule part, I think you should work backwards. You should
plan to take MGMAT tests (at least 2 of them) and the GMATprep tests.
It is not advised to take more than one in a week. You also need some
time to analyze the mistakes that you made (a very important step in
your preparation). I took the GMATprep test last so that I could get
an estimate of my score with full preparation.

You should also be thorough with whatever you learn from the various
materials and _apply_ them on questions from various forums before
you attempt the practice tests.

Two months could be a tight fit, but I guess the time needed also
depends on your comfort level. In the self study part of BTG, you
should be able to find DanaJ's articles on various study plans. You
might find them helpful.

Finally, I will urge you to invest enough time (whatever that might be)
before retake. It makes sense to achieve the desired score in one go
rather than make multiple attempts for the following reasons

- it saves time and money
- it shows good planning on your part

All the best for your test!!

HTH

Hey guys, I've read quite a few awesome stories on this forum, and am hoping in the next few months I can post my own.

I spent the past two months studying roughly 1 hour a night and a few hours on the weekends taking the Kaplan on demand course (I got a great deal on it only $230!) although I admit I did not put my best into it.

My first diagnostic was a 520. From there I progressed to a 600, and the subsequent 3 tests plummeted in score down to a 570.

Actual test 600 36Q 35V. I was rushed for the last 5 questions on Q, plenty of time for V.

Background:
24 years old native english speaking male
3.5 GPA from decent quality public university (Clemson University)
I did have my own business through college recycling automobiles with roughly 60k in gross revenue yearly- This was done under the table which I regret since I do not know how to leverage this on a resume.
1.5 years of work experience as a product manager at a fortune 500 electronics company. No real extracurricular work outside of work aside from membership in a local "young professionals" group which does community service.

Goals
Ultimately I want to get into a top 25 school. Cornell, Duke, UNC, Kellogg, and Darden are all schools that I would have an interest in. I would also be interested in something international. I am torn between marketing, finance, or general management.

Regardless, I believe I need at least a 700 to be competitive within one of those programs.

Plan / Questions

I plan on purchasing the complete 5th edition of MGMAT study materials. With this, I plan on taking the next 2 months to spend 2 hours a night on weeknights, and maybe 6 hours each weekend.

Will this be enough time?
Any other recommended materials?
I feel like I have an average background aside from my entrepreneurial college experience- With this, I feel like I am going to need at least a 700. Agree? Disagree?


Thank you!