Anuka wrote:
Hi everyone,
This is my first post and I hope to receive your valuable advice.
I prepared for GMAT for roughly 3-4 weeks and took the test yesterday. I have scored 720 ( Q50, V37). I would say I had a really bad test day experience and was rather happy to see the score in the end of the test. However I never scored so low on any simulation I did before the test and I am somewhat disappointed with my performance. On official GMAT prep I scored ( 740,740,750,770) therefore I expected my score somewhere around 750-ish. Additionally I have never scored below V40 on any GMAT prep CAT.
I want to ask for your advice. What courses or resources do you advice for verbal part? I am definitely thinking to resit GMAT in 16 days. How can I improve my verbal in these 16 days to confidently reach V42-44? I am very strong in RC and need working on CR and SC. I read many positive reviews about
e-gmat but have not yet decided whether to take the course. Any advice on this issue would be appreciated.
I would be very happy if you could share your advice and help me improve my verbal score.
1. If you are hell bent on taking up the GMAT again! GMAT Club is enough. Solve all the 700 level questions in all the topics in the Question Directory and nothing can stop you. For Sentence Correction,
eGMAT is good, and no less in OptimusPrep. But, it depends on what you make of it.
2. However, on the contrary, I attended a Stanford GSB Info Session somedays back. The message that resonated the most was that while the score is important, give it only as much importance as it needs. There are elements that are equally important such as your application, recommendations etc.
3. Have a look at your dream colleges, find out their average and median GMAT scores - you can get these from Student Profile section. If you are well in +/- 10 of the range, I wonder if the score improvement could do any good. If you still have lots of time to apply, may be pay attention to other aspects of your profile. Also, unless you are getting a minimum of 30 points improvement, I doubt a retake would help you paint a better picture of your profile.
4. If you are less than 2-3 years of experience, and you already have this score, then work on making a kickass profile. And while you do it, don't chase quantities of certifications and association. Rather, polish your passions and hobbies and apply 2 years down the line. Your GMAT score would be valid for the next 5 years - another olympics, two more seasons of game of thrones, two more Star Wars, two more Star Trek's and what not to live rather than burying yourself in books again.