I'm ambivalent about my 650!

Question

Took the GMAT this morning and got a 650 (Q41, V38) - I was really hoping for 700+, but I guess I shouldn't have expected that when my latest CATs ranged from 610-670. I guess I'm just being hard on myself...everyone tells me that 650 is a great first time score. I was going to study again after my vacation and retake before applying to NYU part-time and other part time programs in NY, but what the heck...I'm just going to start applying and see what happens! And now the fun begins lol...maybe I'll be back on the GMAT forums sooner that I think!

Good luck to everyone that still needs to take the GMAT - you'll be so glad when it's over, regardless of what you get!

:lol:

westsider · Answer

In my opinion, you have the right attitude. I think if you convey yourself in the same manner in your interviews you will have a good shot at the programs you are applying to!

maverick101 · Answer

Congrats buddy, Thats not a bad score, offcourse the more would have been better. The last CAT that I took, I barely made it to 610 and I was happy, because it was better than 550, 590

Tangaroo · Answer

Thanks! Yeah that's how I feel too...once I started getting past the 500's on CATs, I was feeling good. One thing that killed me is that I thought I would have enough time to answer the last quant question but when I looked up, I ran out of time! It sucks to leave anything blank but oh well :roll:

maverick101 · Answer

I have about 15 days and now I want to focus on Verbal, specially the sentence correction. If I get chance I will try some RC too, but I feel working on RC will be useless as RC improves overtime and you can't just improve it in a few days (thats my opinion).

Yes, I want to get over with it too.

But can you give a brief note about how you prepared.

Yes, I want to get over with it too.

But can you give a brief note about how you prepared.

Tangaroo · Answer

I took the Kaplan 9-class course from Nov to Dec - during this time, I was pretty much trying to complete the required assignments, and I wasn't too focused on correcting my errors. Huge mistake, of course. So although the course motivated me to get back into study mode, it didn't really help me as much as I expected.

That's when I discovered GMATClub and the techniques that some people here use, esp. the error log. I purchased OG11 in Jan and that's all I used throughout Jan until my test day yesterday. I wasn't too diligent about planning out my studies, but I would try to do at least 10 questions a night from each of the 5 sections, if not, at least I would focus on a random area I was having trouble with in math and work on that. I feel like I could have really worked on improving my weak areas if I had more time though - instead, I really felt flustered and unsure of how to improve certain topics.

I also bought the MGMAT Word Translations book and completed that which was a huge help, esp in rates and work problems. And I did a bunch of SC1000 problems a week before the test - it was my strongest area but I wanted to really nail it down.

Also, I think I did about 12 CATs from Dec until my test date - Kaplan at first (these REALLY discouraged me until I read about its inaccurate scoring on the forum), then PowerPrep, MGMAT and GMATPrep.

Bottom line is that I definitely wished I was more focused - if I attempt this again, I will really maximize the usage of the error log and plan out a study schedule next time!

vinviper · Answer

Great story!

I would say 50 questions a night is pretty hardcore studying if you ask me!

Do you have a link to this error log?

aiming700plus · Answer

Congrats on ur score, apply and do your best with the rest of the application process, if you get rejected you can always take the test again. You do have a good chance of gettingin.

lanter1 · Answer

I received a 620 the first time and a 710 the second...keep your head up and continue to improve.

bobinabob2 · Answer

go for it again!

humbled4real · Answer

Tangaroo. . I think your attitude is great. And if you feel you can hit the 700, by all means try it again. Good luck.

I'd be curious to know the other PT schools you're applying to in NY. I'm applying to Fordham, Baruch and probably Pace. I'm starting Fordham's Pre-MBA program in April.

Enjoy your vacation and good luck with the re-take.

Tangaroo · Answer

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

humbled4real - My top choice is NYU, but I will also apply to Fordham and Baruch PT. What is involved in the Fordham pre-MBA program, and what kind of GMAT grades and other qualities are required to get in? Also, the campus is in the city, correct?

humbled4real · Answer

Tangaroo -

Fordham requires prerequisites of Managerial Economics, Statistics and Mathematical Methods for Business. These are the course you take in the Pre-MBA. I've been out of undergrad for quite sometime, so I have to start from scratch. At any rate, this doesn't guarantee admission into the MBA program, but when I do apply and if accepted these courses count toward the requirement.

It's really a way to see if MBA is right for you and if you didn't do quite well in quant it could be an opportunity to show you could handle the work. I only submitted an application with my resume. I start April 24th. I will eventually submit a regular application, but for now I just want to get the juices flowing. Baruch and Pace accept transfer credits or will waive courses. Even if Fordham didn't accept me I could get similar course waived at the other two schools.

Tangaroo · Answer

Thanks for the info! I will PM you with more questions, it sounds interesting and I had no clue about it lol.

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I'm ambivalent about my 650!

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