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Luis
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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 08:24
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(I posted this here since it's the forum most looked at...hope you don't mind)

I studied hard (Pton Book, Kaplan book and Kaplan 800). I took the test yesterday and did terrible (I might be too pressured with school-my current master's thesis and class-besides work).

Anyway, during my prerparation I took Powerprep's exams & scored 700 and 650 (Math 49 and 50, respectively-my verbal kind of sucked for the second one). I took them again this last weekend and scored 770 & 760. I take the test yesterday and am too embarrassed to post my score.

It might have been nerves or the time of day...I don't know-no excuses.

Should I re-take the exam ASAP? Should I study differently? What do you guys think? Should I wait until I get this master's over with?

Anyone else had a similar experience (hopefully one where you blew it, came back the following time and did pretty well!)?

Luis
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Luis
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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 09:46
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Anyone? :cry:
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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 11:20
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Luis
(I posted this here since it's the forum most looked at...hope you don't mind)
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Lois, you can do here pretty much whatever you want to, as to me.... 8)
For some reason few people besides share thier thoughts on prep here. Maybe they are not feeling being qualified or in position to, but I'd say anybody who has succeeded or failed and knows why is a great resource. Hopefully you will hear from somebody besides me :D

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I studied hard (Pton Book, Kaplan book and Kaplan 800). I took the test yesterday and did terrible (I might be too pressured with school-my current master's thesis and class-besides work).
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Have you done the sample Kaplan tests on the CD? I could never get more than 620 on those...

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Anyway, during my prerparation I took Powerprep's exams & scored 700 and 650 (Math 49 and 50, respectively-my verbal kind of sucked for the second one). I took them again this last weekend and scored 770 & 760. I take the test yesterday and am too embarrassed to post my score.
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If you have not done the OG prior to taking the PP, your score should be very close to the range you have mentioned. The third and forth attempts of 770 and 760 are not valid since PP has only questions for 2.5 tests - while doing those you were doing repeat questions. Though the results are good - you have done a good analysis of the questions you have missed.

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It might have been nerves or the time of day...I don't know-no excuses.
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If you don't know what cuased the lower score, immediate re-taking may not be helpful. let's reason on this.

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Should I re-take the exam ASAP? Should I study differently? What do you guys think? Should I wait until I get this master's over with?
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Well, looking at your alternatives and they are pretty much Take or Not take... it seems the most logical would be find another computer based sample test and run though it and see the results and if they are as expected, go ahead and take the test.

On the other hand, if you have an extra $200 you can burn on the GMAT, why not make that sample test a real one?

You sound confident in your skills, so why not try again. Make it a sample test, don't worry about the result, just go in and do the best work you possibly can. You have been preparing for a long time (i assume) and now is the period when you are "hot" meaning everything is still in your memory, all the formulae fresh, grammar vivid, etc. I'd go ahead and take another one if you can afford it.
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Anyone else had a similar experience (hopefully one where you blew it, came back the following time and did pretty well!)?

Luis
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Let me know what you decide to do. I am curious. I am sure a few other people are too...

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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 11:28
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On the other hand, Lois, the more I think about this.... I have not heard of anybody jumping a huge leap in a few days. Most of the people get exactly the same score (no wonder, they measure the same level).

I know one person who improved slightly but the lower score was a result of stressed night and meager sleep.

I think for your comfort taking once again will be benefitial, at least psychologically - you will be sure there is a problem with the prep, not the test or test taking. It would be better to not put much stake at the second attempt and just take it in a relaxed but focused state of mind.

Just an idea :idea:
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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 11:55
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Thanks for the reply...

I did three of the Kaplan tests on the CD. 640 was my highest score, which is pretty good according to what I've seen other people score.

[If you have not done the OG prior to taking the PP, your score should be very close to the range you have mentioned. The third and forth attempts of 770 and 760 are not valid since PP has only questions for 2.5 tests - while doing those you were doing repeat questions. Though the results are good - you have done a good analysis of the questions you have missed. ]

I assume you mean official guide (OG). When I took Powerprep's test for the first time, I had studied and worked on Kaplan's and Princeton Review's. The first test was a 700, and I don't remember seeing any of the questions before, although I had worked on some of the OG's problems. Same for the second test (650- 50Q, 31V). You are right, I know that the last two attempts are not valid because I had already looked at some of the questions.

Is there another good CD out there? How about ARCO's or something like that? Still, none of the sample tests I have taken include probability(except for a few very basic questions).

The $200 are not a problem. I don't mind spending them again and retaking the exam. The thing is that now I don't know if I am ready (I thought I was). I am sure that I blocked because of being nervous...that definetely had a lot to do with it (although again, I don't like to use excuses). I think if I can keep a clear mind going into the test, I should do better. However, being limited to 5 exams per year and only once per month limits my options. I just want to "get it over with" (classic quote from my boxing days!)

My other concern (besides whether or not I have prepared enough) is that I could probably be torturing myself too much: I have an exam tomorrow-my final class of another master's, the thought of being behind schedule on my thesis, and having to prepare for the GMAT.

Thanks guys...I think I'll sign up for next month, although I moght not put as much effort this time around as I did the first time (I can't afford to have the GMAT control my life, you know?)

Thanks for the advice. I think I need to relax and not be as persistent...who knows...
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Now what? Suggestions...? 11 Feb 2003, 12:09
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Luis
Thanks for the reply...

I did three of the Kaplan tests on the CD. 640 was my highest score, which is pretty good according to what I've seen other people score.

[If you have not done the OG prior to taking the PP, your score should be very close to the range you have mentioned. The third and forth attempts of 770 and 760 are not valid since PP has only questions for 2.5 tests - while doing those you were doing repeat questions. Though the results are good - you have done a good analysis of the questions you have missed. ]

I assume you mean official guide (OG). When I took Powerprep's test for the first time, I had studied and worked on Kaplan's and Princeton Review's. The first test was a 700, and I don't remember seeing any of the questions before, although I had worked on some of the OG's problems. Same for the second test (650- 50Q, 31V). You are right, I know that the last two attempts are not valid because I had already looked at some of the questions.

Is there another good CD out there? How about ARCO's or something like that? Still, none of the sample tests I have taken include probability(except for a few very basic questions).

The $200 are not a problem. I don't mind spending them again and retaking the exam. The thing is that now I don't know if I am ready (I thought I was). I am sure that I blocked because of being nervous...that definetely had a lot to do with it (although again, I don't like to use excuses). I think if I can keep a clear mind going into the test, I should do better. However, being limited to 5 exams per year and only once per month limits my options. I just want to "get it over with" (classic quote from my boxing days!)

My other concern (besides whether or not I have prepared enough) is that I could probably be torturing myself too much: I have an exam tomorrow-my final class of another master's, the thought of being behind schedule on my thesis, and having to prepare for the GMAT.

Thanks guys...I think I'll sign up for next month, although I moght not put as much effort this time around as I did the first time (I can't afford to have the GMAT control my life, you know?)

Thanks for the advice. I think I need to relax and not be as persistent...who knows...
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I don't think ARCO is a good choice for GMAT tests. I would avoid Peterson as well, actually. I think 800 score would be your best choice out there. https://www.800score.com/ They sell downloadable tests, for about $20 or so.

See, if you take the second test and be more relaxed, you will for sure know what the problem is or for sure can guess what the problem may be :lol: Hardly ever can be sure with the GMAT.

Neah, studying for Master's, writing a thesis, having fun, and trying to write admissions essays have no influence on your preparation :o
Obviously, that load sounds like a problem, at least to me.... I am not a very multi-tasking person. (Can't talk to me as I am carrying something. I will have to drop it to reply. I hate when store assistants try to talk to me :lol: ) Not that bad, but I do prefer to focus on one problem and fully eradicate it. Not that i was ever able to really focus, but still, I prfer it that way.
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