Do I need to go for test prep prog...pls help

Question

Hello everybody,

I have a pathetic story and I am really in need of some good suggestion. I appeared for GMAT last year and scored 440 which was actually without any preparation. Than I realized its just not an CAT exam its something more...so than i joined this site and bought all MGMAT books and prepared myself for 4 months leaving my job. I was scoring about 620-650 in all MGMAT CAT so I appeared for exam and ended up 590 ( Q 48 V 24). But I never loosed hope because pursuing MBA in one of the top B School has always been my dream. Now I just have 2 months because 1st round application starts on OCT and I need to apply for scholarship too. As my math is not that bad like verbal, I bought LSAT RC and CR and trying to work on it. But I am still not confident.

Do u=you guys think I should join any of the test prep program in city???? BTW I just arrived NY and a non native English speaker. Pls help me in reaching my 700+ goal and in a 2 months time.... Thank u all in advance

gmatkoopa · Answer

Yes, I would recommend you go for a test prep program. Your Verbal raw score indicates that you don't have a solid foundation for the section and a structured course will go a long way to building that base.

If you have the time, take the course, do all of the recommended homework and supplement that with your own studying of your weakest section(s). For some people the cost/time is something they can't invest, but if that isn't an issue I think that a course could help. What courses are offered in your area? I would stick to the ones that are well reviewed on this forum (i.e. MGMAT).

Hope that helps!

moniralinda · Answer

thanks a lot for your suggestion...u have an awesome score...congrtz... Is there any difference between online and in person course?

rasta · Answer

There are few differences between online and in person courses, but the primary difference is the convenience of an attending an online session. If you can make it regularly to an in person course, then I'd definitely advise you to go for that - you'll end up in far better shape than you would have with an online course.

If the schools that you are planning on applying to accept apps for scholarship in R2 as well, I would even go so far as to suggest that you build up your grammar first before enrolling for a course. MGMAT courses are not for the faint hearted, and you could find yourself struggling to keep pace if you dive straight in.

Many non native speakers find grammar and vocabulary be the biggest hurdle. You could concentrate on improving both for a few weeks before enrolling in a course. The best books to start off with, in my opinion, are  High School English Grammar  by Wren & Martin, and  Word Power made easy  by Norman Lewis.

All the best!

moniralinda · Answer

Dear rasta,

thanks a lotttt for your suggestion. I was aiming for R1 to be considered for scholarship.

And few people say that reading grammar is only time waste as GMAT only asks on particular issues... So better to practice GMAT SC as many as possible. What you say?

rasta · Answer

No problem. Best to check directly with the school as to whether they will accept apps for scholarship in R2. I expect that their response will be something on the lines of "Well, we do, but we can only give out so many scholarships; so, we can't guarantee anything, and, naturally, the sooner you apply the better". All said, if you are confident that another month or two can boost your GMAT score by 40+ points, then it's well worth pushing your app to R2. Again, this is open to debate, and is actually based on two factors: 1. How much time you have on your hands, and 2. Your English language proficiency. If you have limited time, then yes, it might be best to jump straight into the GMAT specific material. However, if you find yourself struggling to figure out the answers and ,more importantly, the explanations, then you'll land yourself in hot water. Why don't you try going through the MGMAT SC guide again - see if you are able to pick up most of the concepts that are chalked out. If so, then great. Else, return to base

moniralinda · Answer

Dear Rasta,

Thanks a lotta lotta lot... I went through the MGMAT SC B4 my 2nd attempt. And I found everything ok. I mean I learnt a lot of things but nothing seemed to be heard. About R2, I already sent mails to some of the universities and they have the same answer you mentioned. :-)

BTW, since this will be my 3rd time attempt, do u have any idea how these universities judge this factor?

BTW, since this will be my 3rd time attempt, do u have any idea how these universities judge this factor?

rasta · Answer

Well, your score has jumped from 440 to 590. As long as you improve by at least 50 points (approx. Q-49;V-30), your 3rd attempt will definitely give off a positive vibe to the adcom - they'll be thinking "this is someone who has shown considerable improvement and dedication with each re-take" - and if you can reiterate that "never say die, striving to keep improving" attitude in your essays, all the better.

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Do I need to go for test prep prog...pls help

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