Hey. To start off with, thanks for the wishes...
I fortunately had some time at hand to plan out my test dates, application schedule and stuff - my timeline was something like:
- Dec 2009 = start gmat prep
- Feb 2010 = 1st gmat attempt (680)
- Mar 2010 = 2nd gmat attempt (740)
- up to July/Aug 2010 = research on univs - shortlisted schools to apply to, also started reading older application essays - Richard Montauk's book "how to get into the top mba programs" is a great resource
- Aug-Oct 2010 = work on applications - successfully caught the 1st application deadline for all schools I applied to
- Thereafter - rejects, interview invites, anxiety, acceptance, elation
To comment on your schedule - great job in buffering some time for a 2nd attempt. What I've realized from my experience is that the GMAT is not just a test of one's intellect - but also of one's patience, stability, and adaptability. And at times, we aren't in the best of "form", which could have an adverse effect on one's performance. Fortunately, ad-comms understand this - and therefore do not differentiate between applicants with <= 3 attempts.
Completely agree on what you said about failure and the journey... Also, your comment on my blog - thanks for pointing this out... the bit u mentioned though, is very important to me and says something important - being in ur senses does not always mean being in the right mind
And on your applications - it is extreeemely rare (almost never) for any admissions to look you up online. One must understand that each school receives a huge number of applications - and during this time, it is practically impossible for anyone from the admissions office to do this. However, it is advantageous to have a good online presence - as you most probably will be looked-up one you are accepted and a student ambassador is assigned to you.
Having said this, I'm not gonna rephrase the 4th para in my blog - as it doesn't really blot my profile in any perceivable way.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that all throughout one's application process, it is extremely important for one to be "transparent" - if one has any events on one's resume (or otherwise) that one is not particularly proud of and is questioned on this, be confident and talk about it. Ad comms do not like candidates who try to scuttle away from such questions.
Well, so all the best for your preparation and with your applications. I'm sure you'll find this phase taxing-but-satisfying
Frozenace wrote:
Hi there,
I was just wondering what your time frame for applications was?
Thank you for sharing your views about your GMAT journey, you included quite a lot of detailed information.
Personally, I would probably rephrase some parts in paragraph four, especially the part about Acumen-Euphoria. The Internet is a very powerful research tool. if I am looking, then some admissions officers may also be looking.
I agree, that failure is always hard to accept, but it is what you do to get back up that makes the journey worthwhile. As for myself, I have a test date booked for April 28th (I am utilizing five Easter holidays to prepare for the test and the day before to clear my mind and get into the right mindset).
Depending on the score, I think I will budget my time and money for a 2nd try early June and also sign up for a Knewton course to take me the extra mile.
Good luck with your studies and hopefully you will find it a rewarding experience. Also, congratulations on the 740.
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24 Mar 2011, 21:49
