Hi,
Just finished my first GMAT exam. I prepared for 2 weeks. Took leave for that duration and learned averagely 6 to 8 hours a day. On the first day I did the gmat prep test 1 without any preparation. I scored 650 (43 quant / 36 verbal). After a week I repeated the same prep test. This time I scored 710 (q48 / v38). By that time I had learned only for quant with no verbal preparation. Then on Wednesday 2nd November I took GMAT prep test 2 ( 730 / q47 / v42). When i reviewed the test I was surprised about how many "unforced errors" I had on the quant section. After reviewing my test I ended my preparations. I took the test on 4th Nov. and scored 660 (q42 / v40). In all I learned only about 2hrs for verbal and the remainder quant. Quant is normally my strong suit and I am confident that I could score considerably higher on the quant.
I wanted to apply for ESMT Berlin. My score might be sufficient for admission, but I am wondering whether I should retake and aim for a higher score in order to apply for INSEAD or HEC. What would you guys recommend???
Brief summary of my profile. African with 9 years work experience, GPA of 3.86 in busines admin for Ghanaian University, currently in mgt position for a international consulting firm.
Reason for my relatively short preparation time was the final deadline for ESMT (have an EU passport in addition so deadline would be 2 dec.) Plus had no time unless I am on leave. If I decide to give it a second shot, I would prep every day for 1 to 2 hours weekday with extended hours and practice tests on the weekend. Would be on leave from 16 dec until jan, which would allow me to retake the test on the 29th of dec.
Thanks for advice and comments in advanced.
Please forgive mistakes and weired sentence constructions. Just a bar typing on my phone... Trying to clear my head before deciding on my next move.