GMAT Take 2 - 710 to 710: some lesssons learned

With your experience, how do you distinguish btw the perceived and true weaknesses? I'm in the same boat, but I dont know how to do next!

Thanks

Excellent question mate - I will try and provide a cogent answer using my own experience.

From my first GMAT attempt way back last April I knew that I had to work on SC (I basically attempted on the first attempt without any verbal prep other than practice questions on OG and GMATPrep) and I felt that I needed to make some improvements in DS (specifically in number properties and inequalities).

With the benefit of hindsight my practice was not structured to truly address the the perceived math weakness and I also neglected to improve on speed and just solidity in all aspects of quant. e.g. Even if i were to guess on the 2-3 inequality DS questions one can expect to see - it wouldnt explain the drastic drop in my quant score.

My conclusion is that my quant fundamentals werent as strong as I thought and my time would have been better spent on really getting them to where they needed to be.

I may be wrong - unfortunately the GMAT doesnt provide us with a breakdown of what types of questions we get wrong to really address in future attempts.

I am in two minds right now whether to spend another 75-100 hours to fix the problem areas and give it another go. My logical self says that it would be a pointless exercise - my egotistical and proud self says I can tame the beast!!

My wife (i.e., Ultimate Master) says I am stupid for even thinking about sinking more time into this endeavor and I should focus on churning out above average essays.

I will keep folks posted on where I land.

sm Have you decided to give the schools a shot for class of 2012 ? If so, I'd say dont bother. The GMAT is "good enough" for most schools. The real fun begins with the essays.

yeah mate ... I have to apply this year to commence next year. I am getting old and dont think I can wait any longer.

Awesome post. I can only say I wish I had your score ! I had my first attempt back in September 2008, and wasnt entirely convinced that I should retake after getting a 680. Ive pretty much got both feet in the 'retake' boat now

Listen to the Ultimate Master!

Definitely don't try again. You're score is good and your splits look balanced.

I have taken my master's (read as wife) advice and hence no re-take for me.

Your master is wise. Start writing essays already - its a lot of work ... one doesn't realise until one starts.

Many thanks mate, good luck with your application

Point #3: This is a tough one for me. Everyone says pick a date for the exam, or you will not be focused. But then again like you said, you need to be hitting your target score on GMATPrep.

sm332,

Congrats on that score and I'm sure doors of opportunities will open for you!

What prep materials did you use the 1st & 2nd time around? Thanks sharing your experience.