680 (Q:47,V:35) My reflections
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02 Apr 2005, 17:35
I am a software engineer, 53 years of age, and looking to enter an EMBA program. I took the test 2/28/05. I prepared rigorously, attending most of a Veritas class - time was cut short due to a B-school application deadline - and working through the Princeton Review and Kaplan GMAT books. I took the Powerprep practice tests and parts of various other tests.
I felt under stress throughout the entire test but particularly during the Quantitative section. I had the most difficulty with the word problems, not so much that they were difficult but that they were difficult to complete in 2 minutes. I felt more at ease during the Verbal section, and was surprised that my score wasn't higher. I scored 99th percentile in one of Powerprep verbal sections. I considered taking the test again but when I asked my interviewer if a better GMAT score would improve my chance of admission, I was told that it would make little if any difference.
My advice to those who will be taking the test is to take as many high quality practice tests as you can. Of the ones I took, I'd say the Peterson tests are the toughest. Actually, I think they're harder than the GMAT itself. Taking the tests helps you to hone in on your weaknesses in a way that no other activity can. Also, it's important to give yourself enough time to prepare; I'd start no less than 3 months before you are going to take the test.