Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 Posts: 22 Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, General Management Schools:HBS, Stanford, Wharton, CBS, Tuck, Anderson GMAT 1: 740 Q46 V46 GMAT 2: Q V
GPA: 3.51 WE: Performing Arts (Entertainment and Sports) Followers: 0
The lesson I learned is that it's better to be relaxed than overcaffeinated. The 620 was one of the worst experiences of my life, two frappucinos and a 5 hour energy, I almost had a panic attack. My hands were dripping in sweat. In hindsight, I should have cancelled those scores- but pride's a #$%@. For the final test, I didn't look at a GMAC practice test, just redid the questions in the OG reviews over and over. If you do this, you'll start to see the patterns in the questions, especially DS, and you become adept at guessing. I recommend Kap800's critical reasoning section as well. And doing as many official SC questions as possible- over, and over, and over. Took the test, jetlagged from a 12 hr flight in from Africa, no caffeine, powered through- bam! I was shocked to say the least, just hoping for a 700. Preparation and relaxation I'd say are key.
Last edited by distgent007 on Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
The lesson I learned is that it's better to be relaxed than overcaffeinated. The 620 was one of the worst experiences of my life, two frappucinos and a 5 hour energy, I almost had a panic attack. My hands were dripping in sweat. In hindsight, I should have cancelled those scores- but pride's a #$%@. For the final test, I didn't look at a GMAC practice test, just redid the questions in the OG reviews over and over. If you do this, you'll start to see the patterns in the questions, especially DS, and you become adept at guessing. I recommend Kap800's critical reasoning section as well. And doing as many officla SC questions as possible- over, and over, and over. Took the test, jetlagged from a 12 hr flight in from Africa, no caffeine, powered through- bam! I was shocked to say the least, just hoping for a 700. Preparation and relaxation I'd say are key.
Congratulations! I am in the same boat. I scored a 330 (GMAC) and 400(Manhattan) practice tests. How long have you been studying? I had to go back to the basics because I have been out of school for so long. Right now, I am studying 20-25 hours a week but I make sure the hours are productive. I also limit my weekday studying to 2 to 2 1/2 hours a day. I have the Manhattan books plus the Foundation of GMAT math, Official Guide 10th and 12th editions, Kaplan Premier, and the Powerscore.
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 Posts: 22 Location: United States
Concentration: International Business, General Management Schools:HBS, Stanford, Wharton, CBS, Tuck, Anderson GMAT 1: 740 Q46 V46 GMAT 2: Q V
GPA: 3.51 WE: Performing Arts (Entertainment and Sports) Followers: 0
Yeah Karite, half the journey is relearning the basics- that took about 8 months for me. I hadn't taken any math since high school. The second half is just doing the problems over and over. I did every OG question atleast twice. If you look through the answers in the CR and especially the DS, you'll start to see patterns. For example a question where both stems are sufficient, so the answer is D- the first stem will be ridiculously difficult (a time waster), and the second will say the same thing, but in a simpler form. Or a two-equation question that is really a choice between C and E. I went through the answers in DS and basically worked backwards looking for these type of patterns.
Also just do the official practice tests over and over, I did the test atleast 10 times.
Yeah Karite, half the journey is relearning the basics- that took about 8 months for me. I hadn't taken any math since high school. The second half is just doing the problems over and over. I did every OG question atleast twice. If you look through the answers in the CR and especially the DS, you'll start to see patterns. For example a question where both stems are sufficient, so the answer is D- the first stem will be ridiculously difficult (a time waster), and the second will say the same thing, but in a simpler form. Or a two-equation question that is really a choice between C and E. I went through the answers in DS and basically worked backwards looking for these type of patterns.
Also just do the official practice tests over and over, I did the test atleast 10 times.
Wow, eight months is a long time! I haven't done math in over six years. I have read from others how you start to notice patterns. I have studied for over three weeks but the first two weeks were counterproductive because I was getting the number properties book. After reading and doing the practice problems in the Foundation of GMAT Math, I am finally getting it. Then I will start practicing the questions in the Official Guides. Thanks again for you input.
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I am in the same boat. I scored a 330 (GMAC) and 400(Manhattan) practice tests. How long have you been studying? I had to go back to the basics because I have been out of school for so long. Right now, I am studying 20-25 hours a week but I make sure the hours are productive. I also limit my weekday studying to 2 to 2 1/2 hours a day. I have the 
