Is it worth a second shot?

Question

I walked into the testing facility today and walked out four hours later thinking I just paid a company $250 to quantifiably prove I am simpleton. I know I am being hard on myself but as I sat in my car I thought to myself: is there really a point where one needs to accept that they just aren't cut out for graduate level studies? A bad score is infinitely worse when you spent about 50 hours preparing. I thought I had the all the right tools: TPR Cracking the GMAT, Kaplan Math Foundations, OG Guide and several other online resources.

Yeah, I bombed the GMAT and apparently I am not the only one either but do people really recover from a low score? The GMAT creators seem to think not so I guess I'm asking whether or not its really worth a second shot?

I'm pretty down at the moment, but just in writing this I already feel like I need to formulate a new strategy. My weaknesses are speed, rates, data sufficiency and formulating functions - computation not a problem - I remember the good stuff from calculus. This site recommends many books but for someone who wants to start from scratch where do I go? Which books do I buy? There are a lot of GMAT instructors on this site so I wonder which materials they have seen improve their students performance.

Cyan · Answer

50 hours is not a lot really...if your at 250-500 and not cracking 600-650, then it might be assessment time.

bb · Answer

You're not the only one. Take a look here: should-i-retake-gmat-thread-retaking-gmat-strategies-83339.html

BarneyStinson · Answer

Trust me and strictly follow me, GMAT is a trap!!!! A big, lucrative trap!!!! It all seems fancy and easier to crack until you actually face the test when you potentially realize what is going wrong!!!! And then, you are confused, angry that you were misguided, pathetic that you didn't know yourself or couldn't seek expert advice earlier...........and finally, dejected and disappointed that your future is blurred and totally unknown!!!!

That's exactly when guys like me come in!!!! I am Barney, Barney Stinson!!!! GMAT, precisely, is more than an aptitude test. It tests your inherent skills, your innate abilities, your patience and perseverance and above all, your discipline towards life!!!!

Trust me, don't take it seriously, it's just going to ruin your time in your life. Hookup with someone really worthy in the opposite sex, bang and have some wonderful kids!!!! Life's just going to be just as awesome as being selected for Booth at Chicago, IL. But, if you still keen..........lemme know and I shall inform my PM (personal mail)!!!!

ambera · Answer

Hi, 
I am currently preparing for GMAT. Even though I am not a GMAT instructor but I would like to share a few things with you to help you look at positive side/better side.
First, yes you CAN RECOVER from a bad score. How can I say that when I have never taken the test and I am still struggling to get out of 500 range? Here is how:

I have studied hard from "DEC 23- Till this Morning". Did all Kalan online workshops, and solved all questions correctly. Finished my home works and almost 80% of OG.

I did not take any CATs, thinking first I will finish the studying and then I will take ALL CATs. I took my first CAT this morning after almost 1.5 months of hard study. I scored 510. Verbal is my forte and I scored horrible in even that. Honestly, I wept. But then I realized I need to take more CATs. Knowing the stuff is half the deal. You have to be able to apply it "smartly" during the test and only more CATs can get anyone there. During the CAT1 could tell I know the question but not enough time to attempt it properly. I was looking more at the timer than the question itself. So my decision is to take more CATs.

I think you should take more CATs too. Since you have already studied for the test, you know the basics, this time around practice under time constraint. I am going to buy MGMAT CATs+Number Properites books. And I will take remaining 6 CATs left in my Kaplan course. Also use GMATPREP tests. Everyone here recommends them.

Stay on this forum. I find it extremely helpful. Give yourself credit for at least attempting the real test. 
Practice full length tests.Thats what I learnt this morning.
If you are feeling low after a bad score this means you DO HAVE the desire to improve and do something better the next time.
Good Luck.
Amber

shaselai · Answer

what is your goal or how many points you want to improve by? It is hard to analyze if we dont know a ballpark score. if it is 500s i think there are many great links/strategies you can use to get 600ish. if it is 700ish then it is tougher.

LaLutte · Answer

Thanks for the responses - my goal is to break 600. I have been looking into 800score (dot) com and I just purchased all the Manhattan GMAT guide books pertaining to math. Man, I really wish I had found this site earlier because I really do believe that my score would have improved had I tried 10 or so computer adaptive tests (CAT). Is there a software program I can buy or a book that simulates the exams? Are there any you guys recommend in particular?

I scored a 480 if that helps - I really started guessing in the last five minutes and was usually 6 or seven questions short in each subject.

I scored a 480 if that helps - I really started guessing in the last five minutes and was usually 6 or seven questions short in each subject.

ambera · Answer

I think CATs are the best way to improve. Normally, a CAT takes a question from pool of 1000-1200 questions so even if you repeat a CAT, you may see about 25% old questions but the rest will be new. So take CATs and then re-take them if needed. Knowing the theory, formulas etc. is half the way. Applying your learning quickly in a test is the real deal. I think.

I am doing the following:
1: Kaplan CATs
2: MGMAT CATs and also their number properties book. Became MGMAT fan after I came to this forum. ( Thanks Cclay ) 
3: I am also going to buy GMAT CLUB TESTS.
4: GMATPREP is A MUST. People say its closest to real test. I plan to take GMATPREP after all the other CATs to clearly see where I stand.

Take your 480 as a base to improve upon. I am taking my 510 as a discovery on what else is needed for me to improve. I know its upsetting to find out you have study again and harder than before. I called my mom and was describing my dis-appointment. She replied "  anything in life worth having requires hard work, if you want things in life you think you are worth of, then put in the hard work. " and these words motivated me.

Stay on this forum, people here are so helpful in reaching out with tips and suggestions. Good Luck. Amber

MontrealLady · Answer

i started at 330 and now im scoring 480
my goal is 600+

I believe that GMAT is a game and you need to know how to play it

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Is it worth a second shot?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards