Hi!
I took the GMAT for the 1st time almost a year ago, scored a 620 and knew I could have studied better. I changed my study plan, but not enough and ended up with a 620 again for my second attempt, which looking back I probably should have canceled. The 3rd time I really changed things up, I revisiting everything on
Magoosh, did all Manhattan tests, kept an in depth
error log, practiced timing way more, etc. I was getting 670s and 680s on my practice tests, but come test day I ended up with a 630.
Part of my issue is that I can't calm my nerves and I get so nervous about my intelligence being boiled down to a stupid standardized test. This manifests in a few ways but mostly with my nerves that high I have to read the question multiple times before I absorb it and then get mad at myself that I couldn't focus, and the cycle continues.
with my current 630 I am below the 80% range for all of my target schools but one, and honestly I know I am a great candidate for all the schools but I am worried my GMAT will keep me from getting in, and even if I get in, keep me from getting the scholarship I might need to attend. One challenge is that I already sent the GMAT score to most of the schools, which I regret now but at the time I wanted to save money and I didn't think it mattered. The way I see it I have a few options:
1. Take the GRE and do my absolute best to get a great score ( I think the GRE might be better suited for me time wise and I might not get as nervous because if I bomb it for some reason, i don't have to submit it at all)
2. Take the GMAT once more. I would need to significantly change my study plan and do everything to address my nerves. FYI- I don't have the money to get an expensive class or private tutor
3. Stick with my 630 and hope for the best and try to explain my nerves and try to showcase the graduate classes I have taken and my high undergrad GPA to prove I can handle the course work.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!