I took the GMAT on 6/23/2010 and got a 600 total. I don't remember the breakdown off hand. At first I figured I would just apply to schools that have lower average gmat scores but then I found that Duke has the best program that fits my needs and is my top choice. (pursuing a PhD in Business). Therefore I need a higher GMAT. Now Duke's application deadline is Nov. 8 so I need to retake the GMAT and have scores ready by then I would like to take it around Oct. 11-13 so that there is ample time to make sure they get my new score. Although the first time I took it my score was ready in about a week, they say allow up to three weeks so just to be on the safe side...

Can someone please help me prepare a study outline to raise my score to high 600's (at least) preferably 700+. I took the Kaplan class and it obviously was not the program for me. I do not have $ to take another class, but I will get additional books if needed. I currently have OG 12, Kaplan Premier, and the Kaplan books that came with the class. My schedule is very flexible and I can allow as much time as needed daily to prepare. I believe that it is possible to do this I am very determined and optimistic and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this, and I would appreciate if you feel that this is not possible please provide a detailed explanation along with what is more reasonable goal, or how much more time I would need. Please don't just say that it is not possible Thanx.

First, check with the school to find out the latest that you can take the test. Most schools will let you take the test right up to the deadline. (They don't actually look at your application the day after you submit it. You'll self-report the score and test date, and then they'll just wait till it becomes available to verify that you really did score that.)

I'm suggesting this because you're looking for a 100+ point increase, and that is an unusual goal to achieve in 4 weeks (which is the time you said you had to spend).

If we can extend your timeframe to 6 to 7 weeks, then you have a better shot. It's still going to be tough, but you should aim for the 700 anyway, and if you don't quite make it, well, a score in the high 600s is still great too. :)

Next, we need to know your strengths and weaknesses in order to devise a study plan. Read this article:

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/02/ ... study-plan

If you've taken an MGMAT test in the past month and under official conditions (including essays), then do the analysis described in this article:

http://www.beatthegmat.com/a/2009/09/23 ... tice-tests

If you haven't taken an MGMAT test, it has been longer than a month, or if you took the test under very non-official conditions (skipping essays, taking longer breaks than allowed, etc.), then take an MGMAT test under full official conditions (again, including essays). We're not going to be evaluating your essays, but writing for an hour can impact your multiple choice score, so you've got to do the writing first.

After you've done the analysis, come back here and post your results. We'll help you figure out what kind of study plan to set up based upon that.

While you're waiting, you should read these articles and begin to use the principles discussed:

http://www.beatthegmat.com/a/2009/10/09 ... ce-problem

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/04/ ... our-errors

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2009/12/ ... management

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Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director of Online Community
ManhattanGMAT