Hello one and all! I'm digging into the GMAT right now and I had a few questions / concerns.

I've taken two practice tests Before I started studying I took the practice test for the first time and my score was 540. This was a bit of blow to my self esteem to be honest. I did really poorly on the quantitative. I put in about 2 weeks of study time mostly in quant and took the practice test again and my score was 600. That was a bit more heartening but still lower than I'd like for my target schools (Ross, Krannert, Broad).

At this point I'm willing to put in more study time but I'm trying to determine how much is too much so to speak. I am an older applicant (turned 32 last month). My work experience will be more established and longer than most of the other admitted students at these schools. My main question is should I shoot for the stars (700+ on the GMAT), which would require a significant investment of time at this point and maybe even paid tutoring? Or can I rely on my work experience a bit to help me out in the application process? I think I could probably fairly easily get my score to 640-660 with another couple weeks of study.

Appreciate any advice or experiences in this area.

Even older candidates should strive to get the best score they can possibly get. I'd suggest put in as much time as you can from now until you take the test? Ross is a stretch for you at this point.

It also depends on your goals and why you're targeting this specific list of schools. What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Still pretty confused about what would be the best score. I've been practicing a lot and I hope to beat at least 650.

I'm looking at these schools because I have found that they are strong schools for retail operations. I'm in retail now and will continue to work in retail on the operations side. DO you have any advice on other schools to look at? I know that Ross is a stretch.

With knowing more about you, it is hard to give you more detailed advice. With a higher GMAT you could leap up in the quality of the school and the sort of financial aid you get. Given your improvement in two weeks, and not knowing your study regime, it seems likely that a bigger improvement is possible.