690 to a 690 - GMAT outdid me

I will keep this short as I am very disappointed by how I did - I realize it's completely my fault, and hence am disappointed and frustrated at myself than anything else.

I last took the GMAT in 2008 and my target then was to get into masters programs, which I did at Cornell and LSE, London. I chose not to go then as I felt from an investment perspective, getting an MBA would be better + I had long term business plans which a masters degree might not have provided me with

Anyways, I have been working since then, first leading ops for a research captive of a leading consulting firm and now working in executive search. helping my clients hire MDs CEOs, CXOs and Board Members. I am a computer engineer from India, and hence you may say I come from an 'atypical' background as I am non IT and have been working in different fields than what you would usually come across. Anyways, I thought I would re take the GMAT this year, and apply as I would have 3 years of work experience by 2012 and have been progressing fast in my career - a case I could make for why now for my MBA. I studied, but not much due to hectic work schedule, and scored between 710-730 on my practice tests. So was expecting about 720 - which was anyways my target score. 3 days ago I contracted viral fever and hence got quite weak and was on bed rest. Yesterday, I felt better, and took 2 GMAT Prep tests - scoring 710 and 730 respectively. But today, I managed only a 690 - I messed up in Quant and I know it well. My quant score is 48, when I have never scored below 50 in my practice tests.

Anyways, I don't want to spend another $250, atleast in this calendar year on my GMAT. If I desperately need to, will do that only next year, right before the new GMAT gets rolled out. I had planned to apply to Columbia ED, Tuck EA and Darden this year - seems I will only be applying to Darden, and maybe Fuqua now. Dreams dashed of going to an Ivy League business program - that is the major source of disapointment and NOT the score - I know how well Indian students do on the GMAT (Who doesn't) and will not really be very competitive now.

Anyways, all the best to everyone still studying and appearing for the exam soon. Cheers!