Let's study this time around

Added my updated schedule (attached)

Let’s study this time

My GMAT experience has been much different than most on this board. I guarantee it. Although I started out quite motivated, I quickly realized that the GMAT materials can cause even the most dedicated to burn out. I had initially planned to study for 3 straight months (through this past summer) but after the first 1.5 months things I lost the fire. I put off my studying for the next month.

Quickly realizing that my GMAT was scheduled for Sept 11th I began to study again like a madman for the week preceding the exam. I completed around 75 PS, 75 DS, 50 SC, 20 CR and 15 RC questions in the OG a few days before the exam just to see where I stood. Let me take this time to mention that my studying throughout the summer only covered the MGMAT math guides; I never cracked the verbal books (woops). Finally, few days into my “madman” period, I looked over the SC. Let’s just say that I realized I was royally f’d at this point for SC (CR & RC I’m fairly good at).

My attitude isn’t meant to be cavalier. I applaud each and every one of you on this board for scoring in the 700’s, heck, as well as those who score higher than me! I’m going to give the GMAT a second attempt November after about two months of real, complete studying. Hopefully I can increase my score to around 690 or 700.

Test day: I arrive about 30 minutes early as required. The check in process was harmless and very simple - check id, sign, palm scan, then picture.

After getting settled in my testing seat and going through the normal instructions I started on the AWAs. Argument was rather easy although I did find myself running short on time. Issue seemed easy enough but it was difficult to articulate my stance. I guess that's the point.

Next was quant. After a quick bathroom break I went back in. I took my time on most of the problems, too much time. I was about 4-5 problems behind time towards the 2nd half of problems so I decided to straight guess on a 2 DS and 2 PS. After that I was caught back up although I didn't feel too confident in my performance.

I was feeling discouraged to say the least when verbal came up. Even though I was relaxed I still had quant on my mind. I decided to take a 1 min break just to close my eyes and get my head straight. Verbal went fairly smooth in regards to CR and RC. Sentence completion was left up to my ear and a few rules I crammed into my brain the few days prior. I ended the verbal portion with about 7 minutes to spare.


Feelings about score: Believe it or not, I'm quite happy with my score. I legitimately didn't study for half of the test. When I agreed to report my scores I was waiting for something along the lines of 48x or 55x. I was pleasantly surprised with my score although it is nowhere near impressive.

Background: I’m currently a senior at a state university majoring in accounting with a minor in finance. My plans are to attend a MSA program and hopefully get recruited by any of the Big 4. So far I’ve interned at a nonprofit (directly under the controller’s supervision) for a summer and at a large regional public accounting firm for 1.5 years. Other than that I’m your normal college student – participating in a few key extracurricular, honor societies and have held some leadership positions.

GMAT (1st attempt): 610 (Q38 V35) AWA 5.0

GMAT (2nd attempt): Hopefully 690 or 700

GPA: 3.9

CATS: Didn’t take any. Zip. Zero.

Materials purchased:
MGMAT Guide (All 8 of em)
Kaplan Premier
OG 12th edition
OG Quant workbook
OG Verbal workbook

Materials used:
MGMAT guides 1-5
OG 12th edition

Length of study (for those that didn’t real above): 1.5 months + 1 week

General strategy: Attack quant because I knew that would give me the most problems

Words of wisdom:
- Don’t be like me. Follow a study plan and well, study.
- You can't necessarily use your ear for SC.
- Don't be too nervous before the exam - there is nothing you can do at this point. Either you know it or not.
- Get a good nights rest.
- Even if you think you're doing terribly, don't give up. Complete the exam. Leave the prior problems in the past.

Comments are much appreciated.



UPDATE I attached my new study plan. Obviously the study time is best case scenario. I'll keep an eye on my progress and adjust as needed.