I'm very happy to have stumbled upon gmatclub, as I have just recently decided to consider an MBA. I've been a member for less than a week, and have already gained more insight on the app process than ever before. I don't think it's too early to say that this place will become a most valuable resource throughout my quest.
Background:Grad from top state school in the SEC. Passed the CPA exam while still in school (1st try, 85th percentile and above on 3 of 4 parts), and immediately went to work for the largest regional (non national) cpa firm in SE US upon grad...interned with the firm during fall semester senior year and accepted full time offer while still in school. GPA in low 3s, but I have an interesting/compelling story that will hopefully compensate for lower GPA (not pertinent yet, as my initial focus is GMAT). Tax advisory and public accounting was not for me, so I decided to transition into more of a financial role with a Fortune 100 financial services company in NYC. Total 4 yrs of WE.
1st GMAT experience:As previously mentioned, I accepted a position with the cpa firm early on in the recruiting process. My advisors stressed the importance of the program's 1 year masters of accountancy, which I less than half-heartedly entertained since I already locked down a job. My peers took the process seriously, so I decided to give it a go. I took 30 minutes to glance over the requirements: take the GMAT, get two LORs, write a few essays, etc...Save the GMAT, I completed all in one week. I signed up to take the GMAT 3 weeks later...Fresh out of school, how hard could it be? I bought a GMAT study guide...Probably pretended to sit down for a few self-study sessions. Spanning a two week period, I probably logged less than 10 hrs of actual, focused prep. I wasn't serious about much back then, so my effort was not surprising, even though I've always suffered from serious testing anxiety. I really wanted to do well, but I didn't know how to prepare, nor did I do any research on the subject.
Score: 550 (Q?, V?) More than 5 years ago, and can't locate my results. I know that Quant was stronger than Verbal, but the margin was relatively slim (maybe 5-6 point difference...is that even slim??).
Concerns: Quant - I specialized in tax, so I was using historical data to advise my clients. Scope of my analysis required simple profitability ratios, and other basic financial calculations. I was young and uninterested back then, so I relied on memory and software...and over time lost the precarious conceptual framework I developed in college. I was always strong in class: Algebra, calculus, geometry...never took any engineering courses, and few science courses. I performed well on the tests, but lack of interest lead to quick loss. The financial role I'm currently in requires even less data analysis. It's more relationship driven. I have a strong understanding of financial performance, and sell our products using financial and marketing analysis developed by another department....
My apologies for the winded explanation. I'm typically succinct, but I really need to drive the point home here. TAKEAWAY: I'm very worried. Basically starting from scratch here. I attempted a few PS and DS questions on
Magoosh and GmatPill, and strategy was a distant thought. I don't know simple algebraic logic, forgot the equation for calculating the perimeter & area of a triangle, and struggled with tricks for quick calculations because it's been years since I've had to do math outside of excel....Whoa. Reading this again gives off the vibe that I'm in freak mode. I'm actually fine given the time line I've set, but before I do any real GMAT question strategy focus, I'd like some recommendations for basic resources available to rebuild the framework needed. I want to commit 2-3 weeks to drilling down on the concepts, before I start the actual prep or take a diagnostic test. Suggestions? (areas of focus, crash course materials, flashcards, etc..)
Verbal - I'm more confident in this area than I was on my first attempt. I rarely read until a year or so ago. Now I read a few hours a day. Fiction & Nonfiction (Economics, Entrepreneurial, Finance, Biographies). Also, read publications (WSJ, Economist, NY Times) and blogs whenever I have time. My biggest concern here is that I'm playing catch up, since this is a relatively new habit. My reading comprehension skills are historically weak - I have a hard time focusing and catch myself drifting even when reading topics of interest. I have to reread paragraphs, sometimes twice, to make sure I catch everything. Really worried about time management....I'm sure that the resources I use throughout my studies will tackle some of these issues. Any tips or tools recommended for strengthening RC skills?
Lastly, want to hit on time management again. I'm almost positive that I didn't complete a single section the first time around. I've always struggled with time. OCD and test anxiety play a role. I've grown a lot since then, and I've worked to mitigate these tendencies. I'm sure that properly planning my preparation, knowing the concepts, and exercising measures to master certain areas, and focus on areas of weakness will give me the confidence to overcome the timing issue.
My realistic goals are getting into a top 25 B school. One that's a perfect fit. My GMAT goal is 700. Hopefully it's not a reach. I want to prepare effectively, so any scheduling and planning strategy is appreciated. Also, any honest assessment of my chances to reach the 700 mark is welcome.
I look forward to feedback and being an active member on this forum. (Future posts will be shorter haha).