680 (q50, v31) : should I retake ?

Hi,

I took my GMAT today and scored 680 (q50, v31). I am very disappointed as during my MGMATs and GMATPrep tests I was averaging around 730-740 (Highest 760 and lowest 710)

Can someone please advice me if this score is good enough or should I write the GMAT again ?

The B-schools I am aiming for in order of preference are Sloan, Kellogg, Booth, Berkeley, INSEAD, Yale and LBS

As far as my profile goes:
1. Standing today, I have 20 months of Work experience.
2. I Have worked as a business analyst for a world renowned semiconductor industry. Currently Working as a Program Manager (youngest in the organization) for a renowned High Technology/ Semiconductor Industry.
3. I am a CFA Level 3 candidate (will be appearing for the Level 3 exam in June 2012. I have cleared CFA Level 1 and 2)
4. Undergrad from a top Indian University : GPA of 8.49/10
5. I have authored 2 papers in renowned International Journals
6. I have held several positions of responsibilities and have led several clubs during under-graduation.

During the exam I got stuck on a RC and lost some valuable time, lost focus and had to rush through the last 2-3 questions possibly leading to a low verbal score.

I will be deeply obliged if someone can guide me on this. I would prefer not to write GMAT again but if need be then I can write it again after June as I will be busy until June preparing for CFA Level 3.

Thanks in advance

-r2k

You have impressive stats. However, as you are from India, then expect to see tough competition from your fellow countryman, especially if you're aiming for top schools. I think it would be better for you to put this thread in the profile evaluation section so somebody can chime in their opinion about your chance. Best of luck!

Thanks StrangeWind for the quick reply.

I will post my profile on the profile evaluation section thread.

Regards,
r2k

Could you let us know about your scores in other practice GMAT tests, if any?

Hi,

My mock tests scores are as follows in the order I took them

MGMAT test 1 : 680 (Q46, V36)
GMAT Prep test 1 : 710 (Q49, V33)
MGMAT test 2 : 760 (Q51, V41)
MGMAT test 3 : 740 (Q50, V41)
MGMAT test 4 : 740 (Q51, V40)
GMAT prep test 2 : 730 (Q50, V35)

During the Actual GMAT I got stuck in a RC and then had to rush through the last 3-4 questions. While I was stuck, I started losing focus and the exam pressure took over.

Thanks,
r2k

Could you recollect anything as a surprise in the test or anything you felt you should've prepared better?

I am giving my exam in a few days. Could you give me some advice please?

Hi,

Nothing was a surprise. The test was very similar (both look and quality wise) to GMAT Prep.

I found the sentence corrections on the tougher side but that can be just me.

I got stuck on a standard RC and then lost focus. Got irritated that my monitor brightness is very low, the exam room is very stuffy as the AC was switched off and other stupid reasons. As a result I lost some time and then again had to rush for the last 3-4 questions.

I would advise just stay mentally calm and collective especially during the end and do not let anxiety get the better of you.

-r2k

What did u feel difficult in SC in the exam?

If you're scoring that high on practice tests, it certainly couldn't hurt to take it again. Schools will, after all, only consider your top score.

Going by your practice scores, v31 can certainly be improved upon. And in most probabilities, the one time stuck-with-RC will not happen again. Retake looks good in your case.

I agree with a retake in this situation. A bit of an imbalance and it seems you are capable of doing better. Focus on the verbal. I'd say it doesn't even matter what your overall becomes - as long as Q is greater than roughly 46-ish. Try to get Verbal to 34 or higher and you're good to compete against the big boys.