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Re: Retaking the GMAT -- experiences?
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03 Jan 2008, 21:38
I think it is a win even if you get a lower score - you can show that you are committed to improving and even though you have received a good score originally, you were still trying to get the score you thought you deserve. Whether you got it or not, is a different story; in this story, commitment and perseverance count.
As to the prep, you have a tough one since you have just 2 weeks and need to really hone on the special sections and your weak areas.
If you know your weaknesses, then you are already half way there. If not, split the weeks in three - first 5 days are math, second 5 days are verbal, and the last 5 days for test taking - take 1 a day and spend ample time to review your mistakes. Print each one of the wrong questions out on a separate sheet and build a binder. However, don't waste your first ten days to take and re-take tests. You need to cover a lot of ground and build a solid foundation in your weak areas. Test taking strategies should be avoided until the last 5 days unless you feel that that's your major weakness area. If that is indeed so (you have horrible timing, or panic, or else), then do spend the whole time taking interactive tests. Otherwise, just get a Kaplan Math & Verbal book, or Kaplan 800 and study. For tests, you can take any of the cats. We have some too at GMAT Club, but they are not adaptive, though probably the hardest out there.
If you have not already scheduled your test appointment, one interesting thought is to schedule it on a Sunday or Sat in a different city and drive in the day before, stay at a hotel and be completely isolated from your usual world. This will allow you to fully dedicate your last day before the test to relaxation and review. This may not work for everyone, but if you really want to squeeze every point out of GMAT, this could be a booster.
What do you think? Anyone else has suggestions?
And do let us know what you decide to do and ultimately how it works out.