This is my first post!! Wanted to write my debrief because GMAT club proved to be my best friend.
I first appeared for GMAT in Nov 2011. I knew nothing about GMAT..just practiced OG12 and gave a shot and scored 620.(Q-49, V-25) Returned extremely disappointed and thought of giving a second try next year.
In my first attempt, I realized that CR was my weakness. Bought OG13,
Powerscore CR and learnt a lot of concepts. After I was done with
Powerscore CR, I booked my GMAT for Aug 2012 in Jul 2012. Thought that since my quant is already strong and I might have improved on CR, I would practice a few tests withing this one month and appear. Gave tests and I was scoring consistently good in quant but not much of improvement in Verbal. CR was the strongest area in Verbal now but was doing extremely bad in SC.Went through Manhattan SC. It was very late by then and so just appeared for GMAT on the booked date and scored 640(Q-47 V-31). Disappointed again!!
I had completely lost all hope of being a 700 clubber!! But I kept practicing questions every day. 40-50 question of verbal. I had just one target now to improve SC. I was using Manhattan SC already an believe me that SC videos by Ron proved to be great great help.Anyone looking to improve on SC should go through these videos. Immensely helpful.I also knew that it is easiest to improve on SC, read somewhere in Gmat Club forums.
Gave a few tests. Wasn't scoring much.It was around 640-650. But wanted to take a last try so that I don't repent later ever. On Nov 29th 2012, I took GMAT date for Nov 30th 2012 (last day for ISB application). I knew all concepts but i was always very tensed during my first two attempts. Wanted to stay relaxed.
D-Day
Stayed relaxed! Tried to concentrate on all questions. Had a Red Bull before starting Verbal. Was just trying to give my best shot!! And a score 740 (Q-49, V-42)!!700-clubber.
From V-25 to V-42, it was
Powerscore CR and Ron's video + practice questions in GMAT club on a daily basis.
Material Used: OG12, OG13,
Powerscore CR, Manhattan SC, Ron's videos (unable to give link since this is my first post
)
I just want to bring a very important point here, that besides knowing the concepts thoroughly, you should be in a relaxed state and in a positive mood while appearing for GMAT. Even during my second attempt, I knew the concepts but panicked a lot, which resulted in 640. And of course, the normal tips that you would find in almost every debrief that you should know your weaknesses,practice
OG thoroughly, give tests to time yourself etc. And another important thing- Do Not ever lose hope!!