Finally, after long three months I took the test on Friday. Grueling experience…anyway, I was not very active in the forum but checked a lot of quant posts. I really have to say that this forum is just great.
Score: 620 (Q44; V31)
While my score is far from brilliant, I guess it’s also not so catastrophic. I just realized how difficult it is to score 600, and the verbal part is really a challenge for non natives.
Anyway, I just wanted to add my experience and give my impressions about the exam.
Background:
Engineer, Brazilian, living in Switzerland
Preparation:
GMAX (didn’t to all the homework),
OG 10th,
OG 11th, Kaplan 2005, Barron’s, Kaplan Math Workout
The last two books I do not recommend. I worked partially through
OG 10th & 11th.
When working full time it is quite difficult to study. Coming home at night, it was almost impossible to concentrate. Anyway, my preparation took about 3 months, but interrupted by trips, some parties and tiredness’. I took one week off work before the GMAT and I guess this saved me. I took 6 simulations in 6 days, and I can just recommend that. It builds up your stamina while makes you focus on the exam.
What I would have changed:
READ READ READ – for a non native this is a must. Something I didn’t do and I suffered with the reading comprehension passages.
SC – still don’t get it. I use my instinct to tackle them and do not really have a clear strategy for them.
Exam
Test center
Quite good facilities. Scratch paper in form of booklets, tons of pencils and a lot of space on the desk.
GMAT
I know that this is discussed a lot but my impression was that the Powerprep was VERY similar to the actual GMAT.
One thing that I realized is how important it is to know what we want. I mean, the purpose here is not to have a good score on the GMAT but to get into the Business School of your choice. And what do I really want? Do I want to go to Wharton, Harvard or top tier and work in Corporate for the rest of my life? My dream was to study in INSEAD. I thought a long time about it and for me this is not a way to be happy, I cannot imagine myself to be working in corporate another 30 years. This doesn’t mean that someone is better or worse, it just depends on each person. Once you really find yourself and know what you want, then it is going to be much easier.
I want to expand my knowledge in Entrepreneurship, thus I am going to do a MBA focused on this area. I am quite happy that I came to this conclusion and that I really feel well with this idea.
Unfortunately I also realized that 620 is not enough to get into a renowned MBA in Entrepreneurship here in Europe, thus I will have to continue with my GMAT preparation.
If anyone wants to know more about the exam please do not hesitate to write me.
In case someone has any advice on how to improve in RC & SC let me know?
I also saw some discussions about opening an area for people in the 600 range but aiming for 700+?
Hope that helps.
Best wishes & good luck , Tobias