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31 Aug 2010, 17:43
Kudos
Bookmarks
I only actually decided this was the time to apply for my MBA in early June. I signed up for a Manhattan GMAT in-person class. I pretty much followed the suggested schedule to the T. I studied from only the stuff MGMAT provided (which is a ton).
I was very diligent and never skipped more than an odd day for real life obligations, but the truth is that on week days I never did more than an hour or two of studying and on any given weekend probably no more than three or four hours total. I did take the occasional day off.
Anyway, my instructor/the MGMAT schedule suggested taking three practice tests (before doing anything, after six weeks of the program and roughly two weeks before the test). They were as follows:
Benchmark: 650
After six weeks of studying: 630 (depression=on)
Two weeks before I was scheduled to take it: 690 (thrilled!)
Actual GMAT: 750 (obviously pleased)
I'm not exactly sure the disparity between my scores, but I think a lot of it has to do with timing. My second practice test I was sort of overconfident and did the questions really quickly. The third practice test I made a conscious effort to slow things down, but I kind of went the other way and had to guess on the last few quantitative problems.
Second, because I took the GMAT so close to when the class finished (roughly two weeks after it finished), I hadn't really finished the primary studying for things until after my last practice test, so I only started focusing on my problem areas after that test.
Third, I suspect MGMAT practice tests are designed to give lower scores than the real one so that more people are pleasantly surprised by their result. But I have no evidence besides my own to back that up.
Finally, as ever, luck plays its part.
So for what they're worth, my suggestions are as follows:
1. Use a reputable program. I suggest MGMAT. It worked well and my instructor was top notch.
2. People say it over and over, but it's 100% true: timing is essential. If you nail it down you'll do way better.
3. Know when to give up on a problem and give it your best guess.
4. Don't take so many practice tests. At a certain point, I don't think you're learning a whole lot from them, you're just doing them to try and reassure yourself. Better is to spend that time on problem areas studying.
5. Try to study every night, even if it's for a little bit. More often for shorter (~1 hour) times is way better than every now and then for long periods of time. I work fairly long hours (~10-12 hours a day), but I still made time every night.
Obviously those are points that worked for me, so they may not work for you.
I was very diligent and never skipped more than an odd day for real life obligations, but the truth is that on week days I never did more than an hour or two of studying and on any given weekend probably no more than three or four hours total. I did take the occasional day off.
Anyway, my instructor/the MGMAT schedule suggested taking three practice tests (before doing anything, after six weeks of the program and roughly two weeks before the test). They were as follows:
Benchmark: 650
After six weeks of studying: 630 (depression=on)
Two weeks before I was scheduled to take it: 690 (thrilled!)
Actual GMAT: 750 (obviously pleased)
I'm not exactly sure the disparity between my scores, but I think a lot of it has to do with timing. My second practice test I was sort of overconfident and did the questions really quickly. The third practice test I made a conscious effort to slow things down, but I kind of went the other way and had to guess on the last few quantitative problems.
Second, because I took the GMAT so close to when the class finished (roughly two weeks after it finished), I hadn't really finished the primary studying for things until after my last practice test, so I only started focusing on my problem areas after that test.
Third, I suspect MGMAT practice tests are designed to give lower scores than the real one so that more people are pleasantly surprised by their result. But I have no evidence besides my own to back that up.
Finally, as ever, luck plays its part.
So for what they're worth, my suggestions are as follows:
1. Use a reputable program. I suggest MGMAT. It worked well and my instructor was top notch.
2. People say it over and over, but it's 100% true: timing is essential. If you nail it down you'll do way better.
3. Know when to give up on a problem and give it your best guess.
4. Don't take so many practice tests. At a certain point, I don't think you're learning a whole lot from them, you're just doing them to try and reassure yourself. Better is to spend that time on problem areas studying.
5. Try to study every night, even if it's for a little bit. More often for shorter (~1 hour) times is way better than every now and then for long periods of time. I work fairly long hours (~10-12 hours a day), but I still made time every night.
Obviously those are points that worked for me, so they may not work for you.
31 Aug 2010, 19:28
Kudos
Bookmarks
Well done. Good luck for the applications. Can you provide what was your quant and verbal scores both in practice test and in real exam?
31 Aug 2010, 22:23
Kudos
Bookmarks
Well done! It's nice to see the 'after 6 weeks of study - 630'. I found myself in a similar situation today after my first MGMAT CAT.
Best of luck with your apps!
Best of luck with your apps!
