590....My Story

[chinggay]

Hello everyone!

Just want to thank everybody in this forum for your incredible insights and help. Here’s my dilemma and any input will be appreciated.

I’ve taken the GMAT thrice already and haven’t been able to get past beyond 600. My first attempt was 2 years ago and I scored 540 (Q34 / V31 / AWA 5.5). The score wasn’t surprising since I barely reviewed and didn’t have OG back then.

Last November was my second attempt. After poring through all the questions in OG/ Powerprep and taking all tests in the Kaplan 2003 CD, I scored 590 (Q34 / V37 / AWA 6.0). Though my score increased, I knew I can still do better as time management was such a big issue for me. So two months of intense re-answering of OG, Kaplan and GMAT Plus and all the problems in this forum, not to mention taking control of my timing, made me feel I was more than prepared for my third attempt this January.

However, I was astounded to get a 580 (Q 43 / V27 ), not so much for the decrease in my overall score but for the nosedive my verbal score took. Coming from a liberal arts background, I knew verbal will be my strength (my TOEFL score was 290 / Essay 6.0). I guess all the preparation for math made my verbal skills rusty.

I just submitted my MBA applications anyway with a 590 score, a few at the top ten schools and the rest at the second or third tier. I was told that the Admissions Officers look at the highest score in each category. If that’s the case, I’d be satisfied with my highest verbal and quant score, although coming from separate exams. But I know a 590 overall is simply not good enough and I am seriously considering a retake this February. I’m not sure if the new score will be too late, considering majority of my applications was sent in by the January deadline. Given that that all the other elements of my application are ok, can I get in with a GMAT score of 590 and bank on the fact that my highest scores for verbal and quant will be acceptable?

As for the retake, I already know the GMAT concepts and strategies inside and out, but sadly, just haven’t been able to coax it on the actual test. Anyone please advice me what kind of preparation I need at this time and how I’d be able to prep myself, mentally and emotionally, so that I can maximize what I already know.

Thanks so much! :o

[thaiva]

Hey chinggay,

Firstly sounds like you have gone through alot from what I have read and it would be pointless to give up now so keep up your high spirits.
As for wether to retake the GMAT I would say go for it but allow yourself a couple of months for preparation because it sounds like to me you have been rushing it, I would say go through all the prep material around you can find and maybe taking a kaplan class or something similar could help you out on the aspects you don't really understand. Your new score should not be to late so go ahead with it.

Best of luck right behind you all the way,

Tim

[confused]

Well Chinggay,
I am also on the same boat.. trying to study after my first attemp which was also a disaster (without OG). I have a friend who was able to get to Princeton university and another one to UCLA despite the fact of low GMAT scores. They didn't tell me this. However, they both told me that when they practiced they were getting scores in the 600's..... of course this leads me to believe that their real scores were in the 500's. So, I guess universities look into other factors.. I don't know if you should study more (maybe, you r not studying in the right way). In my case, I know that whatever score I get this time, I will apply.. GMAT is taking a lot of my valuable time. In fact my family thinks that I am studying to be an astronout or something like that! (which at times I should admit is embarrasing) Good luck with the process!

[andynags]

Hello,
Does the GMAT score report for the second attempt show the score for the first attempt as well?

Or is it that the previous scores are sent only to the institutions, selected before taking the test?

Andy

[BAJA]

The GMAT score report shows the scores for both the attempts on the report .

[chinggay]

Thanks guys for the encouraging words.

Confused, keep your spirits up! I spent a great deal of time reviewing for this test and I'm confident that this test is beatable. Did you turn in any of your applications already?

Good luck and best wishes!

[confused]

No, not yet.I am applying to the part-time program. I have a little bit more time.. My essays are 1/4 done. Is this test that is killing me!!! As my friend told me just take the test because you can spend yrs studying for this! I starting to believe this is true.

[MeisterKeister]

Chinggay, I don't mean this in any way as an insult, but if 590 is your highest score then I would say you don't know the GMAT concepts and strategies inside and out. Mastering the GMAT is a combination of a solid understanding of the fundamentals as well as excellent standardized test-taking strategies. From reading your post it sounds like you could benefit from learning better strategies. Have you considered a prep class? I would suggest Princeton Review instead of Kaplan since you've already used Kaplan's strategies and they might not be working for you.

Few of the top schools will consider a 590, although Stanford at least has gone on record saying they wished more candidates with sub-600 scores would apply. They say they don't because they think they couldn't possibly get in with a low score, but Stanford will actually look past a low score if other qualifications are strong. I thought that was pretty cool.

Depending on how determined you are to get in for Fall 2004, I would either take a class now and plan a retake (especially helpful if you get waitlisted - you can submit the new score), or wait to see what happens with your apps and then decide about a retake. Your chances at the higher tier schools would be aided with a retake, but I'd also like to hear your other stats. Not that I'm the best judge on how competitive you really are for those schools, but if you have something outstanding in your application that could help offset the score. If nothing really shines beyond the typical applicant, then a higher GMAT wouldn't really help at the top schools. You know what I mean?