Dear ACF,

I am in your same boat, even though I have yet to take the test. What can I say? To me this is the toughest type of exam in the world. Every problem on the GMAT is a battle, and every problem is a new problem, with new traps and tricks to unfold. I probably would prepare faster for a quantum physics exam than for this. At least I would know what's on the test!

Take comfort in the fact that you are not the only one struggling. I have been at the OG and GMAT Club for two months now, and still don't even feel comfortable enough to take the PP. Although I don't know much about your prep style or the hours per day that you studied, I am sure that pressure must have had something to do with your performance. Had you taken the GMAT before?

I took the paper GMAT many years ago and performed very poorly. I did, however, come out of the exam having an idea of what I had done wrong. For instance, I knew that, despite my strong liberal arts background, I should have spent more time practicing verbal. What do you think happened? Was it the time factor?

With a solid 650 PP, anxiety must have affected you. Don't give up and keep trying. I probably have few chances of getting my target score by August. However, if I do not make it, I will apply next year and continue to do battle. And just think --I am shooting for middle of the road!

Share with us what you thought of the test. Trust me, there are more people in your shoes than there are those who have beaten 700. It's just that the ones who get 700 typically write about it.

Hang in there. Perhaps wait a week or two, go watch the new Star Wars movie, and then pick up the new OG, if it is available.

Cheers,

sastal

P.S. There has to be a better way than the GMAT. Unfortunately not in my lifetime.

Sorry to hear about what happened to you. Do you feel like you screwed up on the questions in the beginning?

Never give up, man. It might just be a bad day for you.

If you are not in the mood to study because of the score, try to take a break. Don't push yourself too hard, you have to adjust to it balance.

As for prep material, personally I think Kaplan is better than PR. But most importantly is participation on this site.

If you can give out the break down of your score, we might have some other suggestions.

Good luck