I wanted to share my first tryst with GMAT which I had at the start of this month...its kind of a long story which I sincerely hope will not make you sleep
. So here it goes....
I started studying for GMAT in October 2011 and had thought then that I would take the exam in January 2012. However, due to some unforeseen events, could not get myself prepared for January 2012. Had to take a forced break towards the end of 2011 and resumed studies only in February 2012 and scheduled the test for 2nd May 2012.
Studied hard through the 3 months, shuffling between hectic work schedules (sometimes stretched over 11 hours) and some work-related travel. Squeezed in 2-3 hours every weeknight and about 5 hours over the weekends.
Background - I stay in Bangalore, India, but I am not an IT guy. I work as a team lead in a multinational corporation as an engineer of combustion engines, designing and developing engines for large engines. I have an overall work-ex of just over 8 years in this core technical area, but since my engineering days I have always dreamt of pursuing my MBA from a reputed school.
On the night before the test day, even the rain god did not spare some bouts of mercy. It was cloudy and overcast over the entire week, but this day was something unnatural - right out of a Supernatural series. I completed my final studies around 10:30 PM and retired for the day, following the advice of many to get a good night's snooze. But the world had a different plan for me. I woke up with the loudest thunder at 1 AM and had to scramble to shut all the windows and to prevent the incessant rains creating a pool in my house (I stay on the topmost floor of the building). I could not get a wink after and went to the test center at 8 AM (appointment was at 9 AM).
Popped a red-bull before entering the test center and was actually quite nervous because of no sleep throughout the past 3 months, and moreover the previous night.
I thought I was actually doing well as the difficulty level was increasing. I was somewhat assuming that I could be scoring in the higher 600 ranges, although I blame that it could only be a whim. I was excited to reach the final screen and get my score, but when I did so, I came out with my neck hanging by my knees. I thought, I did everything I could during my study time and during the practice tests, but it was just not enough !
Historically I have always struggled with the timing and had to make random guesses on the last 5-6 questions in both Q and V.
When looking back, I realized that CR proved to by my nemesis in verbal.
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Books referred: (solved everything)
OG-12
Kaplan
OG Quant Guide
OG Verbal guide
Test scores as follows:
Kaplan 1 - 540
Kaplan 2 - 570
GPrep 1 - 580
GPrep 2 - 590
GPrep 1 - retake 1 - 600
GPrep 2 - retake 1 - 570
GPrep 1 - retake 2 - 590
GPrep 2 - retake 2 - 560
GPrep 1 - retake 3 - 610
GPrep 2 - retake 3 - 590
GPrep 1 - retake 4 - 660
As I re-took the GPreps the questions started repeating and since I knew the answer, I simply clicked the right choice and moved ahead. And hence this cannot be counted as a true score. I took the GPrep 1 (attempt 4) about 3 days before the D-day. Scoring a 660 however did not boost my confidence since I knew what happened during the test - I simply knew the answers to the questions.
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When I came back on 2nd May 2012, I immediately scheduled another appointment for 9th July 2012. I took a vacation to clear my head and have decided to turn the tables on GMAT. My start has been slow (work emails and longer hours at work beckon after vacation) and I am staring at giving practice tests every Saturday & Sunday from now on until the D-Day (9th July 2012) I intend to reach my target of 700 on 9th July 2012 and request your help.
Cheers,
Rohan