There is hope

I started my journey back in 2007 when I first bought my gmat book at B&N. After sitting under my bed for months I finally took a peek at it and realized I need to take a prep course. So I signed up for Princeton Review class. I had the worst experience ever. The teacher was horrible and it seemed like I didnt learn anything and what I learned I learned on my own. I was scoring in the very low 500s and eventually took the test. I got a 390! The material that was covered on the actual test was nowhere near what the test threw at me. So I retook the Princeton Review class hoping for some improvement yet once again my expectation came crashing down when I scored in the high 400s. Then my friend told me about manhattan gmat and I purchased their books. I studied for another 9 mos and finally took the test and again failed with a disappointing high 400s. At that point I signed up for the manhattan gmat class since i was very impressed with their books. The class was excellent and worth every dollar. After completing the class I took the test and got a 570. Not the score I wanted....I was hoping for a mid 600 but by this time I had spend months spending and disposing money that I did not have and decided to focus on my application. I drafted an excellent essay in my opinion and made good use of the optional essay. I met the R1 deadline dec 1st and was waiting for my reply from the school. On feb 7 I got an e-mail from the only school I applied to with and offer of admission. I did it...I got into USC Marshall School of Business.

So this blog is for those that want to think that they cant get in with a low score. To those people who advocate not to take the test multiple times. I took it 5 times (one no show when i found out the test is non-refundable). My advice do not give up and do not loose hope. Stay focused and stratagise your application. Be yourself and have a lot of ur friends read your paper. What helped me the most for my application is that I read through many biz journals before I picked a theme for my essays. Another tip.....after I was done with my USC application....the essays fit perfectly well with cirriculm. Do not create generic essays that fit all programs. Also send in any personal portfolio as I sent in copies of all my award certificates and performance appraisal.

Good luck guys and hit me up anytime for more questions.

Sorry for the choppy blog. It is def not edited

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