Hi experts - I am reaching out for some assistance to develop a sound plan of attack for a unique situation I am in.
I sat the GMAT twice in 2013, scoring 480 both times. My study wasn't 100% adequate and I have remained challenged by the general quant sections, but my verbal performance is solid. I had been preparing with Manhattan GMAT Prep books and the OG but have had a hard timing managing study on top of an intensive job (and family/personal commitments).
Unfortunately, in my test attempts, I ran late in the verbal, I wore out and lost concentration both times and ended up repeating the reading of the questions which cost me big time as I was forced to rush the final 10 questions. My quant was poor but I was h oping my verbal would get me through. I know I get tired which is where I drop the marks towards the end of the exam in the verbal section. My quant is poor - I guess 25% of the questions and make silly errors with some of the data sufficiency and problem solving parts because I don't have a strong enough comprehension of the basic algebra - despite hours and hours of work on this.
I have recently completed an intensive GMAT course which I found to be excellent and I can highly recommend it to anyone in need of further strategic insights into what the test is looking for and how it is set out.
I booked to sit the exam one week following the intensive course (in three days time) and I am now having second thoughts. I have been studying intensively during the course and post-course, however I sat two practice tests and scored 510, then 520. Each time I got about 20th percentile quant scores and 70th percentile verbal scores I think. These results are far from my goal of achieving a score in the 600's.
What should I do? Do I keep hammering away intensively and sit the test for the third time so I can send in my applications this final round? I might add that I do have a strong application in the other areas admissions require strengths in, however my GMAT score is a clear red flag. I really had hoped to apply this year for many reasons, which I won't go into now.
In three days is it possible to push through to the 600's? I have time to do two more practice tests and more revision on the areas I am weaker on (quant). Or do I just work relentlessly at improving everything I can with my verbal so I nail it on the day? Eeek...so risky.
I don't want to risk getting a low score which could limit my chances of being accepted - and - we all know about the selectivity of third round. But, as an eternal optimist, do I just hit it while I am in the zone and in study mode and hope for the best?
How do you know when enough is enough?
Thank you for your insights.
I sat the GMAT twice in 2013, scoring 480 both times. My study wasn't 100% adequate and I have remained challenged by the general quant sections, but my verbal performance is solid. I had been preparing with Manhattan GMAT Prep books and the OG but have had a hard timing managing study on top of an intensive job (and family/personal commitments).
Unfortunately, in my test attempts, I ran late in the verbal, I wore out and lost concentration both times and ended up repeating the reading of the questions which cost me big time as I was forced to rush the final 10 questions. My quant was poor but I was h oping my verbal would get me through. I know I get tired which is where I drop the marks towards the end of the exam in the verbal section. My quant is poor - I guess 25% of the questions and make silly errors with some of the data sufficiency and problem solving parts because I don't have a strong enough comprehension of the basic algebra - despite hours and hours of work on this.
I have recently completed an intensive GMAT course which I found to be excellent and I can highly recommend it to anyone in need of further strategic insights into what the test is looking for and how it is set out.
I booked to sit the exam one week following the intensive course (in three days time) and I am now having second thoughts. I have been studying intensively during the course and post-course, however I sat two practice tests and scored 510, then 520. Each time I got about 20th percentile quant scores and 70th percentile verbal scores I think. These results are far from my goal of achieving a score in the 600's.
What should I do? Do I keep hammering away intensively and sit the test for the third time so I can send in my applications this final round? I might add that I do have a strong application in the other areas admissions require strengths in, however my GMAT score is a clear red flag. I really had hoped to apply this year for many reasons, which I won't go into now.
In three days is it possible to push through to the 600's? I have time to do two more practice tests and more revision on the areas I am weaker on (quant). Or do I just work relentlessly at improving everything I can with my verbal so I nail it on the day? Eeek...so risky.
I don't want to risk getting a low score which could limit my chances of being accepted - and - we all know about the selectivity of third round. But, as an eternal optimist, do I just hit it while I am in the zone and in study mode and hope for the best?
How do you know when enough is enough?
Thank you for your insights.
