Hi all!
I just got back from taking my GMAT this afternoon. Huzzah!
My scores:
IR 4 (this batch was tough)
Q 42
V 32
Overall: 610
I was in a flexible position with score. I actually only need 500 to get into my desired program (Oregon State), but I tend to be pretty competitive (even with myself), so I wanted to see how well I could do. I faced some struggles along the way and I know I could have done better, but I hit my my highest out of my practice tests and well above the minimum, so it's a success!
My preparation:I have been studying since December on and off with the
OG 2016, 2 GMAT Prep software practice tests, and this forum.
When I first took the diagnostic test, I was terrified: I literally didn't know how to approach 95% of the problems and thought I was done before I started (I haven't done algebra in 10+ years). So, I started teaching myself through the
OG Quant and Verbal guides and progressed.
Then, I took the practice tests (scored 570 and 580) and reviewed questions by looking at answers here (that's how I found this wonderful forum!). I did not keep an
error log.
My struggles:Studying: Ideally, I would have liked to have a tutor if finances allowed it. It was very tough for me to sit there and try to make sense of a solution if the explanation that wasn't clear to me. I prefer to have a conversation. So, I had to either move on or hope that it came back to light. Also, I have a tough time with self-discipline on large goals that aren't particularly exciting. It was hard for me to keep studying knowing I'd have to do it for months. In addition, I have had intermittent health problems the took a toll on me during my designated studying period. I probably ended up averaging 2-3 hours a week.
The test: I found the actual testing environment quite stressful. The high security nature of it made me quite anxious and I had to travel out of town to a testing center where I had never been.
In addition, the breaks were far too short for me. It was extremely tough for me to keep my blood sugar up with the short break, and I know it affected my performance. During one break, I literally ran to the bathroom and then overshot by 2 min. Plus there were no clocks in the testing center for me to watch time. This felt like a big fat joke on my basic needs and forced me to feel super rushed during the whole thing.
By the last 3/4 of verbal, I was barely focused. I was shocked because I did better than I had anticipated!
What I learned: -I did not realize how different the actual testing environment would be to my simulation at home. Doing a 3.5 hr mental marathon was tougher than I thought and, if I were to do this again, I'd put more effort into a more realistic simulation.
-There is no time to hesitate on the AWA. The AWA template by chinesburned was heaven sent! I'm certain I did well (score not reported yet) and it was thanks to this tutorial that helped me organize quickly and get to work.
-Finding the right study method is so important. I knew going in that books were not the most ideal for me, but I did what I could and basically re-taught myself all my high school math.
-(cheese alert) Accomplishment is more than just the score. At the end of the day, despite many struggles and the fact that I basically started at ground zero, I completed the darn thing and got my best score out of all my practice. There's now no doubt I'll get into my desired program!
Thank you:Although this is my first post here, you've all been a significant part of my journey to success. Thanks!