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Manager
Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 68
Location: Indonesia
GMAT Focus 1:
695 Q85 V83 DI85
695 Q85 V83 DI85
GMAT 1: 640 Q49 V27
GMAT 2: 640 Q50 V26
GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
21 Mar 2024, 20:18
21 Mar 2024, 20:18
8
Kudos
Hi All, this is just me jotting down my experience as an expression. Honestly the topic name is my honest question to myself at the moment.
My Story:
1. Start to have the idea to pursue MBA around April 2023. Finally decided to really go for it on August 2023
2. Learning GMAT since, but I do not have the discipline yet and the ability to separate my focus between my prep and my work as a healthcare product manager (which is travelling extensive). Resulting in a poor prep time, only 5-8 hours a week
3. I thought I need both push and experience, so I book GMAT Classic test on mid November 2023, result: 640 (Q49; V27) IR 5 AWA 4
4. I talked to myself this is bad, because I aim for Stanford and 640 is nowehere near the average.
5. I felt that the Quant section was a fluke, since I always feel uneasy when I do the questions. So I drill myself for 2 weeks in Quant and start to enjoy doing questions.
6. I then book myself another GMAT Classic test on mid January 2024 and start to find material to improve my Verbal section.
7. I also fell sick and get the permission to work from home, at the time I decided to increase my prep hours, almost 4 hours a day
8. OG 2019 and practice bundle is mostly my main material, I also made use of the GMAT Club Test - free access on holidays. There was a question when I exchange a lot with bb and gain quite an insight in verbal section.
9. 1 week prior to my exam day I found Gmatninja verbal video which I thought as a super material for a non-native like me.
10. Hence my EXAM 2 came and resulted in another 640 (Q50; V26) IR 6 AWA 5
11. I did not feel so much fun at the time, I mean 2 tests with 2 different efforts result in the same score.
12. However I tried to look at the bright side and realize I was more confident on my Quant section, and my IR and AWA is improving.
13. Yet post January, only GMAT Focus is gonna be there, no IR no AWA.
14. I took 2 days break and again set to take the GMAT Focus on March 20th.
15. This time I used OG 2023 and Verbal Practice Review as main material, and do 6 consecutive Mock Up each week.
16. I felt uneasy as in my mockup I could not breach the 700 scores. At best I did 695 twice.
17. D-Day came and I took the test. I was hoping to finally reach 700 scores, but in the end I get another 695.
There is a lot of discussion that the current GMAT score is different, and percentile is what matters. Even GMAC sent me an email about it (Perhaps to all test takers). 695 with 98 percentile would be close to 740-750 in the GMAT Classic and I would probably settle if I had this score back then. I should be happy, or should I? I had a mixed feeling right after I saw the score.
Should I start preparing my essay and application, or should I keep pushing on my GMAT Focus Scores, to Infinity and Beyond?
Will my dream school, Stanford, appreciate what I'm doing to move my score from top 2% to top 1%, or will they appreciate more if I do something else. Honestly I do not know. It is quite exhausting to separate myself from work, isolating myself and get quality prep time. Honestly I want to stop here, but there is still a part of me that says you should do better, because you know you can do better. it is a 50:50 thought
After resting for 2 days and give it some more thought, I am now 20:80 towards taking another test. But this time I think I will open up my isolation and get more activities in between my schedule, I will start preparing my essay and also scholarship application. Maybe more of a nothing to lose attitude will allow me to get a better mentality this time, for a better score I hope.
Special thanks to bb Bunuel GMATNinja chetan2u
I want to let you know you guys contribute big time to my GMAT journey
Also thank you to GMATCLUB forum, this community is a huge blessing to me.
I do not have any peers that aspire to go for the top B Schools, and it is hard to maintain self motivation. Seeing the activity of the members and moderators tutors here really help a lot. I hope more Indonesian MBA aspirants get to read this writing when they google GMAT, and please try to use this forum because it is amazing. Special mention to plex6 , an Indonesian friend that I got from this forum and we are now fighting together for our dream.
Additional Question:
- When I took the test it was written "FOCUS EXAM 4" although it was my 3rd time taking the test (2 Classic 1 Focus), should I do something about it, like emailing the GMAC, or it is not a problem at all?
My Story:
1. Start to have the idea to pursue MBA around April 2023. Finally decided to really go for it on August 2023
2. Learning GMAT since, but I do not have the discipline yet and the ability to separate my focus between my prep and my work as a healthcare product manager (which is travelling extensive). Resulting in a poor prep time, only 5-8 hours a week
3. I thought I need both push and experience, so I book GMAT Classic test on mid November 2023, result: 640 (Q49; V27) IR 5 AWA 4
4. I talked to myself this is bad, because I aim for Stanford and 640 is nowehere near the average.
5. I felt that the Quant section was a fluke, since I always feel uneasy when I do the questions. So I drill myself for 2 weeks in Quant and start to enjoy doing questions.
6. I then book myself another GMAT Classic test on mid January 2024 and start to find material to improve my Verbal section.
7. I also fell sick and get the permission to work from home, at the time I decided to increase my prep hours, almost 4 hours a day
8. OG 2019 and practice bundle is mostly my main material, I also made use of the GMAT Club Test - free access on holidays. There was a question when I exchange a lot with bb and gain quite an insight in verbal section.
9. 1 week prior to my exam day I found Gmatninja verbal video which I thought as a super material for a non-native like me.
10. Hence my EXAM 2 came and resulted in another 640 (Q50; V26) IR 6 AWA 5
11. I did not feel so much fun at the time, I mean 2 tests with 2 different efforts result in the same score.
12. However I tried to look at the bright side and realize I was more confident on my Quant section, and my IR and AWA is improving.
13. Yet post January, only GMAT Focus is gonna be there, no IR no AWA.
14. I took 2 days break and again set to take the GMAT Focus on March 20th.
15. This time I used OG 2023 and Verbal Practice Review as main material, and do 6 consecutive Mock Up each week.
16. I felt uneasy as in my mockup I could not breach the 700 scores. At best I did 695 twice.
17. D-Day came and I took the test. I was hoping to finally reach 700 scores, but in the end I get another 695.
There is a lot of discussion that the current GMAT score is different, and percentile is what matters. Even GMAC sent me an email about it (Perhaps to all test takers). 695 with 98 percentile would be close to 740-750 in the GMAT Classic and I would probably settle if I had this score back then. I should be happy, or should I? I had a mixed feeling right after I saw the score.
Should I start preparing my essay and application, or should I keep pushing on my GMAT Focus Scores, to Infinity and Beyond?
Will my dream school, Stanford, appreciate what I'm doing to move my score from top 2% to top 1%, or will they appreciate more if I do something else. Honestly I do not know. It is quite exhausting to separate myself from work, isolating myself and get quality prep time. Honestly I want to stop here, but there is still a part of me that says you should do better, because you know you can do better. it is a 50:50 thought
After resting for 2 days and give it some more thought, I am now 20:80 towards taking another test. But this time I think I will open up my isolation and get more activities in between my schedule, I will start preparing my essay and also scholarship application. Maybe more of a nothing to lose attitude will allow me to get a better mentality this time, for a better score I hope.
Special thanks to bb Bunuel GMATNinja chetan2u
I want to let you know you guys contribute big time to my GMAT journey
Also thank you to GMATCLUB forum, this community is a huge blessing to me.
I do not have any peers that aspire to go for the top B Schools, and it is hard to maintain self motivation. Seeing the activity of the members and moderators tutors here really help a lot. I hope more Indonesian MBA aspirants get to read this writing when they google GMAT, and please try to use this forum because it is amazing. Special mention to plex6 , an Indonesian friend that I got from this forum and we are now fighting together for our dream.
Additional Question:
- When I took the test it was written "FOCUS EXAM 4" although it was my 3rd time taking the test (2 Classic 1 Focus), should I do something about it, like emailing the GMAC, or it is not a problem at all?
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Posts: 5198
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1:
715 Q83 V90 DI83
715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51 
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
21 Mar 2024, 21:10
21 Mar 2024, 21:10
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
Maxsparrow wrote:
There is a lot of discussion that the current GMAT score is different, and percentile is what matters. Even GMAC sent me an email about it (Perhaps to all test takers). 695 with 98 percentile would be close to 740-750 in the GMAT Classic and I would probably settle if I had this score back then. I should be happy, or should I? I had a mixed feeling right after I saw the score.
Should I start preparing my essay and application, or should I keep pushing on my GMAT Focus Scores, to Infinity and Beyond?
Will my dream school, Stanford, appreciate what I'm doing to move my score from top 2% to top 1%, or will they appreciate more if I do something else. Honestly I do not know. It is quite exhausting to separate myself from work, isolating myself and get quality prep time. Honestly I want to stop here, but there is still a part of me that says you should do better, because you know you can do better. it is a 50:50 thought
After resting for 2 days and give it some more thought, I am now 20:80 towards taking another test. But this time I think I will open up my isolation and get more activities in between my schedule, I will start preparing my essay and also scholarship application. Maybe more of a nothing to lose attitude will allow me to get a better mentality this time, for a better score I hope.
Should I start preparing my essay and application, or should I keep pushing on my GMAT Focus Scores, to Infinity and Beyond?
Will my dream school, Stanford, appreciate what I'm doing to move my score from top 2% to top 1%, or will they appreciate more if I do something else. Honestly I do not know. It is quite exhausting to separate myself from work, isolating myself and get quality prep time. Honestly I want to stop here, but there is still a part of me that says you should do better, because you know you can do better. it is a 50:50 thought
After resting for 2 days and give it some more thought, I am now 20:80 towards taking another test. But this time I think I will open up my isolation and get more activities in between my schedule, I will start preparing my essay and also scholarship application. Maybe more of a nothing to lose attitude will allow me to get a better mentality this time, for a better score I hope.
Hi Maxsparrow,
That's an amazing score! Congratulations
If I were you, I would most likely not take the GMAT again. And even if I took it again, I would deprioritise the exam. The time and effort spent chasing a 7XX may not be worth it. At the end of the day, however, this is your call.
All the best!
_________________
Free Comprehensive CR Course: youtube.com/@DelvAcademy/playlists
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
21 Mar 2024, 21:23
21 Mar 2024, 21:23
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
Congratulations on your score!
This is an equivalent of 750 (98th percentile) despite the lack of satisfaction from a 695 number. I think that's the biggest marketing fail - they should have doubled the scores or done something other than adding a 5 and messing up the scale.... 750 had a nicer ring to it.
You should be very comfortable with that score, esp for your country. I don't think that many Indonesians are applying with such high scores, so i would not do it unless you feel you have done much better on the practice scores... and so with that information, I think you are in a safe place and there is not going to be much of an ROI to get a higher score, esp at Stanford. Everyone there applies with a 700+ or a 750+ score, so that's anything they care to see and instead you should invest into other elements of your application!
Run (or sail) and don't look back
_________________
This is an equivalent of 750 (98th percentile) despite the lack of satisfaction from a 695 number. I think that's the biggest marketing fail - they should have doubled the scores or done something other than adding a 5 and messing up the scale.... 750 had a nicer ring to it.
You should be very comfortable with that score, esp for your country. I don't think that many Indonesians are applying with such high scores, so i would not do it unless you feel you have done much better on the practice scores... and so with that information, I think you are in a safe place and there is not going to be much of an ROI to get a higher score, esp at Stanford. Everyone there applies with a 700+ or a 750+ score, so that's anything they care to see and instead you should invest into other elements of your application!
Run (or sail) and don't look back
_________________
Founder of GMAT Club
Biggest MBA Fair with 100+ AdCom from HSW, M7, Top 15 is coming June 11th by GMAT Club
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Manager
Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 68
Location: Indonesia
GMAT Focus 1:
695 Q85 V83 DI85
695 Q85 V83 DI85
GMAT 1: 640 Q49 V27
GMAT 2: 640 Q50 V26
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
21 Mar 2024, 22:44
21 Mar 2024, 22:44
1
Kudos
bb wrote:
Congratulations on your score!
This is an equivalent of 750 (98th percentile) despite the lack of satisfaction from a 695 number. I think that's the biggest marketing fail - they should have doubled the scores or done something other than adding a 5 and messing up the scale.... 750 had a nicer ring to it.
You should be very comfortable with that score, esp for your country. I don't think that many Indonesians are applying with such high scores, so i would not do it unless you feel you have done much better on the practice scores... and so with that information, I think you are in a safe place and there is not going to be much of an ROI to get a higher score, esp at Stanford. Everyone there applies with a 700+ or a 750+ score, so that's anything they care to see and instead you should invest into other elements of your application!
Run (or sail) and don't look back
This is an equivalent of 750 (98th percentile) despite the lack of satisfaction from a 695 number. I think that's the biggest marketing fail - they should have doubled the scores or done something other than adding a 5 and messing up the scale.... 750 had a nicer ring to it.
You should be very comfortable with that score, esp for your country. I don't think that many Indonesians are applying with such high scores, so i would not do it unless you feel you have done much better on the practice scores... and so with that information, I think you are in a safe place and there is not going to be much of an ROI to get a higher score, esp at Stanford. Everyone there applies with a 700+ or a 750+ score, so that's anything they care to see and instead you should invest into other elements of your application!
Run (or sail) and don't look back
Thanks a lot AjiteshArun bb for your feedback. True I should be grateful instead, and I am grateful now.
I do think of the same, I am lowering my gmat intensity and prioritise to work on the other aspects of my school & scholarship application
I have 2 checkpoints though before retaking the exam
1. Wait and see Stanford reaction about this Gmat Focus transition scoring, perhaps they would say something in May or June, nearing the R1.
2. See the updated percentile, I heard it is supposed to be updated every summer, though I am not sure what month it would be.
My hypothesis is most of 2024 applicants are still using GMAT Classic, and the geniuses trying to apply for class 2025 will take most of the GFE in Jun-Aug. I would not be so much surprised if the percentile map is to change in the future, my guess the 695 score can move up to 3% (98 to 95 percentile). I hope it wont be the case though.
For Indonesian pool applicant, we kind of lack the data since indonesian gmatclub user is so small. I know a friend got admitted to HBS with 720 score, but I also know an Indonesian alumni pursuing undergrad in US and scored high GMAT. It is tricky lol
Nevertheless my greatest regret is I have done better before. Although it was spreaded in different mock up tests, my best scaled score for each section are Q90 DI88 V84. That perfect storm might put me in the range of 735 (I notice from 695 every 2 points increment of scaled score can increase 10 points total score)
Still thanks a lot for you guys expert feedback, it makes me feel relieved.
"Keep a weather eye on the horizon"
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Posts: 5198
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1:
715 Q83 V90 DI83
715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
22 Mar 2024, 20:44
22 Mar 2024, 20:44
1
Kudos
Expert Reply
Hi Maxsparrow,
I doubt they (or anyone else) will say anything about GMAT Focus scoring. There is a lot of speculation on public forums about Focus scoring and percentiles, but it is all just that: speculation. Schools, on the other hand, are most likely not going to do anything nutty.
Percentiles are updated in Q3. You could also reach out to Rajat/Payal from eGMAT. IIRC, one of their recent posts indicated that they had spoken to GMAC about this.
I agree that it's tricky.
That would be an extremely high score, probably more than 735.
Again, all the best, both for your applications and for a possible retake.
_________________
Maxsparrow wrote:
1. Wait and see Stanford reaction about this Gmat Focus transition scoring, perhaps they would say something in May or June, nearing the R1.
I doubt they (or anyone else) will say anything about GMAT Focus scoring. There is a lot of speculation on public forums about Focus scoring and percentiles, but it is all just that: speculation. Schools, on the other hand, are most likely not going to do anything nutty.
Maxsparrow wrote:
2. See the updated percentile, I heard it is supposed to be updated every summer, though I am not sure what month it would be.
Percentiles are updated in Q3. You could also reach out to Rajat/Payal from eGMAT. IIRC, one of their recent posts indicated that they had spoken to GMAC about this.
Maxsparrow wrote:
My hypothesis is most of 2024 applicants are still using GMAT Classic, and the geniuses trying to apply for class 2025 will take most of the GFE in Jun-Aug. I would not be so much surprised if the percentile map is to change in the future, my guess the 695 score can move up to 3% (98 to 95 percentile). I hope it wont be the case though.
For Indonesian pool applicant, we kind of lack the data since indonesian gmatclub user is so small. I know a friend got admitted to HBS with 720 score, but I also know an Indonesian alumni pursuing undergrad in US and scored high GMAT. It is tricky lol
For Indonesian pool applicant, we kind of lack the data since indonesian gmatclub user is so small. I know a friend got admitted to HBS with 720 score, but I also know an Indonesian alumni pursuing undergrad in US and scored high GMAT. It is tricky lol
I agree that it's tricky.
Maxsparrow wrote:
Nevertheless my greatest regret is I have done better before. Although it was spreaded in different mock up tests, my best scaled score for each section are Q90 DI88 V84. That perfect storm might put me in the range of 735 (I notice from 695 every 2 points increment of scaled score can increase 10 points total score)
That would be an extremely high score, probably more than 735.
Again, all the best, both for your applications and for a possible retake.
_________________
Free Comprehensive CR Course: youtube.com/@DelvAcademy/playlists
Target Test Prep Representative
Joined: 14 Oct 2015
Status:Founder & CEO
Affiliations: Target Test Prep
Posts: 18872
Location: United States (CA)
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
25 Mar 2024, 08:48
25 Mar 2024, 08:48
2
Kudos
Expert Reply
Maxsparrow wrote:
Nevertheless my greatest regret is I have done better before. Although it was spreaded in different mock up tests, my best scaled score for each section are Q90 DI88 V84. That perfect storm might put me in the range of 735 (I notice from 695 every 2 points increment of scaled score can increase 10 points total score)
The good news is that you have an amazing score in your back pocket, so if you decide to retake the GMAT, you can do it stress-free. Fell free to keep us updated.
_________________
Scott Woodbury-Stewart | Founder and CEO |
Scott@TargetTestPrep.com
See why Target Test Prep is the top rated GMAT course on GMAT Club. Read Our Reviews
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
27 Mar 2024, 08:12
27 Mar 2024, 08:12
1
Kudos
Congrats Maxsparrow on your amazing score! And thank you for being an amazing example in this lonely fight to achieve our dream. All the best for the next process & WAGMI
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
27 Mar 2024, 10:44
27 Mar 2024, 10:44
1
Kudos
Congratulations for persisting and achieving that good a score! I am hoping to achieve the same soon!! Fingers crossed.
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
28 Mar 2024, 13:31
28 Mar 2024, 13:31
Congratulations on your score!!!
Could you share a little more of what you did to improve your verbal? Was your main gap in RC or CR? I am trying to improve my score as well, and where I have most room for improvement is in the Verbal Section.
Thank you and good luck on the application process!
Posted from my mobile device
Could you share a little more of what you did to improve your verbal? Was your main gap in RC or CR? I am trying to improve my score as well, and where I have most room for improvement is in the Verbal Section.
Thank you and good luck on the application process!
Posted from my mobile device
Manager
Joined: 19 Aug 2023
Posts: 68
Location: Indonesia
GMAT Focus 1:
695 Q85 V83 DI85
695 Q85 V83 DI85
GMAT 1: 640 Q49 V27
GMAT 2: 640 Q50 V26
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond?
[#permalink]
09 Apr 2024, 09:50
09 Apr 2024, 09:50
nikolajokic wrote:
Congratulations on your score!!!
Could you share a little more of what you did to improve your verbal? Was your main gap in RC or CR? I am trying to improve my score as well, and where I have most room for improvement is in the Verbal Section.
Thank you and good luck on the application process!
Posted from my mobile device
Could you share a little more of what you did to improve your verbal? Was your main gap in RC or CR? I am trying to improve my score as well, and where I have most room for improvement is in the Verbal Section.
Thank you and good luck on the application process!
Posted from my mobile device
Hi Jokic,
First of all, I love the Joker too, I hope Jokic win MVP and FMVP and the second ring this season!
I was just so bad at Verbal at first, all of the question types are my Kryptonite
To start with I would recommend you to watch GMATninja youtube videos on CR and RC.
Try to "imitate" their working process, take time to absorb and make your own style based on their principle.
I feel a boost of confidence once I did the questions by eliminating the wrong choices (you will see them in the videos)
Then in the video you will listen the words "Heart of the Passage" over and over.
For me the final kick of improving the Verbal section, might be unorthodox to others, is the lessons in the OG. Especially about premise and stuff, you will find it in one of the first parts of verbal lessons in the OG.
The lessons, I believe should not be read by beginners, but to the one who has experience many questions and still got stuck. The lessons give another perspective in reading the RC and CR Passage
If you have experienced the GMAT Classic and are familiar with the SC, I would also suggest you to watch SC from GMATNinja, as it helps a little bit in understanding complex sentence that might come (10%) during RC. But treat it as an optional / additional effort, dont focus on this one.
gmatclubot
Re: GMAT: Should we really go to Infinity and Beyond? [#permalink]
09 Apr 2024, 09:50
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