Can't Crack Past 600...

Hello everyone!

Just want to thank everybody in this forum for your incredible insights and help. Here’s my dilemma and any input will be appreciated.

I’ve taken the GMAT thrice already and haven’t been able to get past beyond 600. My first attempt was 2 years ago and I scored 540 (Q34 / V31 / AWA 5.5). The score wasn’t surprising since I barely reviewed and didn’t have OG back then.

Last November was my second attempt. After poring through all the questions in OG/ Powerprep and taking all tests in the Kaplan 2003 CD, I scored 590 (Q34 / V37 / AWA 6.0). Though my score increased, I knew I can still do better as time management was such a big issue for me. So two months of intense re-answering of OG, Kaplan and GMAT Plus and all the problems in this forum, not to mention taking control of my timing, made me feel I was more than prepared for my third attempt this January.

However, I was astounded to get a 580 (Q 43 / V27 ), not so much for the decrease in my overall score but for the nosedive my verbal score took. Coming from a liberal arts background, I knew verbal will be my strength (my TOEFL score was 290 / Essay 6.0). I guess all the preparation for math made my verbal skills rusty.

I just submitted my MBA applications anyway with a 590 score, a few at the top ten schools and the rest at the second or third tier. I was told that the Admissions Officers look at the highest score in each category. If that’s the case, I’d be satisfied with my highest verbal and quant score, although coming from separate exams. But I know a 590 overall is simply not good enough and I am seriously considering a retake this February. I’m not sure if the new score will be too late, considering majority of my applications was sent in by the January deadline. Given that that all the other elements of my application are ok, can I get in with a GMAT score of 590 and bank on the fact that my highest scores for verbal and quant will be acceptable?

As for the retake, I already know the GMAT concepts and strategies inside and out, but sadly, just haven’t been able to coax it on the actual test. Anyone please advice me what kind of preparation I need at this time and how I’d be able to prep myself, mentally and emotionally, so that I can maximize what I already know.

Thanks so much!