690 (Q 50/V 34):-(

[GeeMate]

Just gave my GMAT and got a disappointing score of 690 (Q 50/ V34) and had a horrible G-day. I am not a morning person but I could not get any other appointment than the 8am one. I tried to go to bed at 11pm but wasn't able to sleep until 2:30am and woke up a little before 6am. So I barely had 3.5 hours of sleep. Although I did carry some snacks but I just guzzled an energy drink right before the test in order to have some caffeine.

This was my first attempt and I studied little more than 1 month in total. On average I spent like an hour daily, usually during the hour long commute to work and during the weekends. I didn't get enough time to prepare for AWA and I don't like writing very much so I just read a few sample essays before the last day to get an idea what the essays are like. I hope I could cross AWA score of 5 but I cannot say for sure until I get the real score.

Here is what was my study plan:
1. I knew I was weak in verbal so I started with Manhattan SC guide. I went over it couple of times.
2. Studied critical reasoning strategies from Peterson's GMAT guide.
3. Finished critical reasoning and SC from OG10. My accuracy in critical reasoning was more than 90% so decided to concentrate more on SC. Did couple of RCs from OG10.
4. Finished SC from OG12.

Last 10-12 days I just gave these mock tests:
Q/V
GMATPrep1: 670 48/33
GMATPrep2: 700 49/36
MGMAT1: 680 48/33
MGMAT2: 700 49/36
MGMAT3: 720 49/39
MGMAT4: 740 50/41
MGMAT5: 730 50/39
MGMAT6: 750 51/41

I am slow reader in general and the RCs in the real GMAT were a bit difficult. I had to read them again and again and wasn't able to concentrate (probably due to the lack of sleep). I couldn't finish the verbal section on time and rushed through the last 6 questions in 6 mins.

As you could see, my real GMAT verbal score has not improved much compared to the first mock test I took. Could some of you please suggest a more focused verbal strategy for GMAT. I am thinking of taking GMAT again in a month (not a morning appt this time). I am so disappointed. I am afraid I can't improve any further.

I have another question. Although I don't have any hope to get into any good schools with this score, does anyone know if the IIMs might consider such a score for their full time MBA program (I am eligible to apply with a GMAT score)[IMG]chrome://dictionarytip/skin/book.png[/IMG]

[tkt]

yes relaxing before the actual GMAT is v.important ... I will try to do it myself ... but 690 is a good score ....

[GeeMate]

I got AWA score today. Got 5.0. I won't complain because apart from being a lazy writer, I just did AWA prep for around 1-2 hr on the last day. so 5.0 is not bad at all.
My verbal percentile is really low at 68. I don't understand how they calculate the score..some other person who recently posted his score as (Q49/V34) also got 690..while someone else with Q51/V30 got 570.

Is this score competitive enough for MFE programs? Can someone suggest whether I should retake the test or just go ahead with apps? my dream school is LBS (MBA program).