I am absolutely devastated - I took the GMAT today and received a score of 450

[nehakhatree]

Stand up dear, u have already howled for long now, don't just give up on 2 attempts. Sitdown calmly and just give it a thought what went wrong, there is nothing like "this not for me" don't make excuses to satisfy your failure, take it as a challenge and focus, sure you will get it.

Good Luck!

[friend123]

@ All those who think they can still stand after the free fall....

Guys, I myself scored quite a low score when I gave my exam for the first time..and later I was able to score 710 , which I presume is pretty decent....So this is straight from the horse's mouth...

Well coming to the point ...Just believe me GMAT is just a test and it test nothing except your stamina during those 3.5 hours..so my advice goes like this :
a) So don't get yourself bogged down with too much of preparatory stuff.

For SC / critical reasoning / reading comprehension : I would strictly suggest you to do manhattan book...crisp concepts and use the concepts on the questions given in GMAT verbal Review. DOn't worry about the time at this stage...you need to build concepts...
Once I was done with this stuff..I used Kaplan Workbook or Kaplan Comprehensive book...this book is too good and now I started concenterating on speed but still more focussed on concepts.My idea was that I shouldn't flounder on the concepts...
I ensured that I revise the concepts mentioned in GMAT manhattan from time to time...
Then I started with OG...do take some questions may be 20 questions and attempt them within certain time..so it is like focussing on both speed and time... Once that was over I gave 2 or 3 princeton tests....kaplan tests are strict No No...No real value add... And I gave 4 Gmat manhattan test...
I knew my weekness was inequalities and critical reasoning..and these test helped me with gaining lot of confidence....

SO just don't get yourself too much to handle...Relax and go for the kill.... you can also through my post Scored 710.that may give you some more insights as what to do and what not to ...

[kevinspain]

Originally Posted by Barely-Lit

Scaled Score Percentile

Quantitative 26 19
Verbal 26 40
Total 450 23


I am absolutely devastated.
I just found this board today, so I'm hoping to get some advice. I couldn't believe that my score today was 450. This is my 2nd attempt at taking the GMAT. The first time was back in January of 2008 and I took the Princeton Review online course. My score was a 490. I was upset, but also felt at the time I didn't prepare as much as I could have, and was determined to retake the GMAT again. This time, along with the standard GMAT prep book, I took a very basic online review course with 800score.com. Actually, I preferred that to the Princeton Review course as it provided basic information, with no fancy "tools or tricks" to use, or any fluff.

I've been studying every weekend for the last few months, and even took several days off from work this past week and reviewed all my material, and did a ton of practice questions. I actually felt pretty good about things. Even at the exam today, I went through the quantitative section and thought I did fairly well. I solved problems, and calculated answers that made sense - at least to me. When I finally clicked on the option to send my scores to the schools I selected, I was just shocked. I was expecting 550 - 600, and my score was 450. I should be able to get a score of 450 by just putting my name down.
I just feel so stupid. I'm 40 years old, married with kids. My career is at a standstill. My undergrad is in Mechanical Engineering, which technically means I should be getting my best score in the quantitative section. Ummm.. NOT! I changed careers about 2 years ago to be a project manager, and honestly - I'm bored to tears. I was hoping to go back to school to really get a better understanding of business acumen and work toward a job that is more challenging.

I don't know what to do now. Maybe I'm not cut out for this? I don't know what next steps to take. I feel like so much money has been wasted already with 2 GMAT exams (at $250 per exam) plus $500 toward the Princeton Review class, plus the cost of the 800score.com course. I have a hard time thinking about taking the exam a third time, and wasting yet another $250 plus any additional fees with taking more coursework to prepare. I went to mba.com, and found that I can retake the GMAT in 31 days. I don't know, I'm just disgusted with everything. I don't mean to be too cynical, but maybe it's not meant to be and I should just throw the towel in. I know in the back of my mind I don't want to, but I need some suggestions on what to do next. Is it even worth perhaps taking a classroom based preparation course? What else should I try?

Send me a private message and I will share some great materials with you! We 40-year-olds have to help one another!

Kevin Armstrong
GMAT Instructor
Madrid, Spain

[Laycrose]

Hi:

I just ran across this site and read your comments.
I am taking the GMAT in a week! I am so nervous. I have been studying for a month and I am to the point were I can't focus anymore, nor want to. I am sick and tired of all the practice tests ect. I too have everything riding on how well I do...I have a BA but I simply cannot find a job. It has always been my dream to get my MBA and now is the perfect time to do it.

I just wanted to tell you, that you can do it.
I strongly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. I can't imagain how frustrated you are...because I would be too but the fact of the matter is..your score isn't exactly half bad. As long as your above a 450 your good right?

Keep your head up!

[tania77]

Don't lose hope...keep trying...I am sure you will make it up...We trust you..

[MBA2010HereWeGo]

Hi, just to chime in with my 2 cents. I think there is also a psychological aspect to the GMAT. I am a big believer that you must dissociate the GMAT as your ticket out of your job. Trust me, that was where I used to be and on my first GMAT, I totally froze. I think I put WAY too much pressure on myself and thus under performed. Try to convince yourself that not everything in your life rests on the GMAT. I am trying to anyway.

Either way, hang in there. Know that there are others like you out there who are struggling with the GMAT.

[barira1]

the race is not over , because i havent won yet .
Give yourself a try and beat the GMAT .

[touche]

Another 40 rear oldie here .. When the going gets tough ..... the tough get going!. Just keep on at it!

[mitzi]

Yes, your score is less competitive!

As long as you don't give up swimming, you will reach your final destination. Perseverance is one of keys.

Get some rest for a few days and get back to study. God bless you!

Mitzi

[mitzi]

Originally Posted by touche

Another 40 rear oldie here .. When the going gets tough ..... the tough get going!. Just keep on at it!

I agree with you. Welcome to the 40's club!