HELP!!! Devastated after getting a 420 on the GMAT

Question

Hello everybody,

I don't know what to write or how to write, because I am so much frustrated. But I still want to write and need your suggesstions desperately.

I am a 28 YO, Air Force member who completed my BS in January 2012 (I was taking classes while active duty). When I separate in January from the Air Force, I will have 6 years of military experience in government contracting and wanted to use it along with my accolades towards getting into business school but my dreams are quickly diminishing.

So after studying for the last three months for the GMAT, I took it yesterday and got a 420 (Q: 26 & V 21). On my practices tests , I was getting in the low 600s and upper 500s so for me to get this is disparaging to say the least. But how do I (or can I) recover from this?

I'd like to get a score that is at least in the 600s, but more that anything I want to get into a top MBA program.

Guys, believe me, I am not dumb or foolish. I have seen many people comparable with my ability level has scored 550+ having a preparation like me. Now, I am thinking myself as the Biggest Looser of everything in this world. I am not talking with my family or friends, I am not eating properly, tried to sleep but couldn't do that also.......I HAVE LOST ALL MY CONFIDENCE but I want this more than anything.

I have been trying to figure out if I should retake the GMAT or just take the GRE instead. All of the schools I am applying to accept both, but which should I do?

PLEASE HELP!!!!

huydang88 · Answer

Brother, take a vacation (Labor day weekend), do not think about GMAT, MBA program; and come back next week with us.

HBSdetermined · Answer

Dont worry WatsonPH! its absolutely fine... take a break and redirect your energies to a retake...! theres a lot of help here on GMAT club...try considering professional help for verbal, e-gmat, they are good !

pan18 · Answer

Losing sucks. Every (insert expletive here) time!
BUT (a hairy one) you are not alone...
Every person here has experienced it in some earth-shattering form or the other (or is experiencing it right now)

Don't feel bad just because you scored a 420. Rather, acknowledge the fact that you could not achieve your goal, say a score of 600.
And even if you feel like "the biggest loser" right now, DONT GIVE UP!!!
Draw on the lessons you learnt from your military experience and apply them here.

Take the time out to unwind as suggested and come back to this.
Define THE GOAL in your  own  terms, meaning don't compare your performance with others (for now atleast).
Seek advice and create a plan (preferably with checkpoints).

You will do better. That's for sure!
The "when" and the "how" is up to you.

Let's hear again from you when you win!
Cheers!

Accepted.com · Answer

How were your grades? Have you take a practice GRE? How did you do on it? Was your BS via correspondence and CLEPs? What is your major?

How did you prepare for the GMAT? Can you afford a course or a tutor?

Linda

HELP!!! Devastated after getting a 420 on the GMAT

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