Hello,
I just got back from the official test yesterday and completely bombed it. I got a 580 (around 37% in math, around 80% in verbal), even though I have been consistently getting high 600s on every practice test including the GMATprep. What really gets me is that I just graduated summa cum laude from an engineering program in the US and got owned in the math. I think my problem is I don't have a good understanding of the basics, stemming from my living in 22 different places before I was 21 years old (thank you Air Force!).
I'm not sure what the he** went wrong. There were no issues concerning sleep, nervousness, tragic events, at all. It was just a normal day. When I did the practice tests, I always did the essays to get used to the format.
To study I spent 1.5 months (I'm assuming not enough) and went through the Kaplan and
OG. I would study for a couple of hours a day and about 3 hours each weekend day.
Obviously, I need a new plan. What do you feel about Kaplan vs.
Manhattan GMAT classes? I'm leaning towards the
MGMAT because their books teach you the basics, not just tricks. Money really isn't an issue with my decision, only the location of being in the Washington D.C. area. I have at least 5 months to study to study for this. Because of the score and my age (22) I'm going to give it a year to increase my work experience and GMAT score before applying. I was originally going to apply this year if my GMAT was strong enough just to see what happened. My ultimate goal is switching from technology to investment banking.
So... if you have 5 months to study, what would you do? My goal is NYU or Columbia, so I'm aiming high.
I suppose get used to my ugly mug around here more often... I've been lurking around but need to get more involved and help the great community here more.
Thanks!