Two days ago I gave my GMAT exam. Two months ago I was hardly interested in writing the exam. However, after a few jolts in my life; I decided to give it a shot. Two months of hard work and determination paid off. I am thankful to my girlfriend who guided me throughout and Shirish who gave me valuable resources. I thought sharing mine as I think it’s a little different.
I started my prep 1st Feb onwards. Did
OG 12th edition in a week and started practicing the tests. Few of the books I referred are:
1.
OG 12th edition
2. Manhattan review math study companion
3. Manhattan review verbal study companion
4. Manhattan SC
5. Powerscore CR bible
6. 1000 SC
Tests I gave:
1.
MGMAT – 6 tests (630,690,700,710,730,720)
2. GMAT prep – 4 tests (690,670,700,670)
3. Kaplan – 1 test (670)
4. Princeton review - 2 tests (640,620)
I was confident to score good in maths but was very poor in verbal. Manhattan SC and Powerscore CR bible were the turning point in my preps. I came to know about these only 20 days before the D-day. Nevertheless, I started going through the concepts mentioned and finished both the books in 5 days times. From thereon, my verbal scores improved from 32-34 to 34-39. But I was still not able to reach upto my expectations.
I had saved 1 gmat prep test before the exam date as usually other mock tests had few repeated questions. When I started giving the last mock test, I knew it is going to be tough. Finally my score came to 670! My dreams and aspirations were ruined. I thought this is it. I can’t do any better in the GMAT. I was very low. Had no mood to do anything, had my birthday 2 days before the exam but didn’t celebrate. My only worry was Verbal. I was in doldrums.
Finally the day arrived. I left 1.5 hrs early for the exam, prayed to GOD and sat for the exam. Essays went well. Then I took a short break, went to have “nimbooz” (an Indian Lemonade-because if you have water, your bladders might get full during the exam). Also, drinking during breaks is a must as in AC rooms; your body gets dehydrated very quickly. Wear a full cotton shirt, so that even if you are sitting below the AC, you will not feel the cold. Wear footwear that is comfortable, no tight shoes or floaters.
Then I started off with quants. I knew I will do well in this section and was confident. It went on smoothly. Next was the Verbal section. I went out to the restroom, washed my face and told to myself that the exam has just now started. I have to put in my 110% into this. I again came back. Then I started through the questions, applied concepts that I studied and never ever thought of the previous questions during the exam. I never thought of the score as well. Then I as I was nearing the end of the exam, I felt the goose bumps. I quickly filled out the background survey form and clicked on “Report Scores”. My heart pounded!! Those 2 seconds were the longest of my life.
AHH! 740. I was so excited that I was about to come out without ending the exam. Finally the proctor handed me over the unofficial score report…can’t still believe it. I never could have imagined that I will do so well in GMAT verbal. Math scores were a little less, as always I used to get 50 in mock tests. Anyways, this score was beyond my imagination.
One thing I would like to share with all. Never ever let anybody tell you what is the target or you can’t go beyond this score. Believe in yourself and while in the test center, think as if the day consists only of 4 hours and you have to put in your best. And never think that if you don’t do well in mock tests, so you can’t fair well in the exams.