From 420 to 700....... It is good to be part of the 700 Club

I haven't read all of your story, but it is enough to encourage me to give it another go... I too took the test long ago when it was a paper exam - I scored roughly the same as you, but it was enough to get into the school I was applying to and I graduated with my masters of accounting, passed the cpa exam first go and have been working on and off in the field ever since... just recently I decided to go back to school to pursue my PhD in Accounting in order to teach at a University. Since my score was old, I needed to retake the exam - mind you I have been out of school for over ten years.... and I work over 40 hours a week. I diligently studied for the exam, did all the problems in the GMAC GMAT review book, all of the problems in the GMAC Quantitative extra review book, took a crash prep weekend course, all of the score 800 tests and took a week off from work right before the test to do final prep.... all of my practice test results were in the low 600s and a couple high 500s but I was running out of time and needed to take the test.... I scored a 490 and when I saw my score nearly had a nervous breakdown... I could not believe my eyes, I was certain there had to be a mistake... I didn't really think I was doing THAT bad.... my plans were shattered.... needless to say I was devastated and humiliated. Everyone - just assumed that I'd get the score I needed to apply... Everyone including the partners of my firm - my bosses.... so much so, that they were already looking for my replacement for fear they wouldn't find someone qualified to replace me (after tax season - which is when I planned on resigning) - turns out they found a more then suitable replacement sooner then anyone could have imagined... and well, they had to hire her... LSS - I was given my notice and a month's severance!!!
As if things were't bad enough!!!! (they have since rehired me as a contract worker for tax season - and to their credit... really are good people)

What I can't understand is how this exam can hold so much weight.... Becoming an Accounting professor is something I know I can do and I believe I would be good at it having the experience I have, along with the good fortune of awesome teachers as role models coupled with my own outstanding academic track record (3.95 GPA, loads of honors and awards, scholarships, CPA exam success, etc...) And yet, if I can't score a 650 or better, there is a good chance I won't be accepted into a PhD program... So I have to do better... your story is just the encouragement I need.... I am retaking the test in April... so any other additional help or advice you may have for me would be greatly appreciated.... that goes for any other gmatters too!

Congratulations on your success!!!!