I took my GMAT this morning, and it was my second attempt. The first time I got 620 back in Aug 2004. The score was not great... it was way below the avg of the schools I want to apply for... I need at least a 650...
Starting in September, I decided to give it another try, so I started my study plan and I tried to identify the reasons that I failed the first time. I failed not only because I did not prepare enough for it but also because I was stressed out. Although I spent 2 months going through
OG, taking the testmaster course, doing some problems from other prep materials such as Kaplan and PR, I did not spend enough time doing problems on computer. Thus, I did not get used to the CAT format, and that was one reason that I failed the first time. Moreover, although I felt that i knew the answers to all the questions in
OG, i did not really understand it.... even when I got the right answer, I could not really explain my approach.
After I identified my problems, I only did problems on computer (I actually bought a laptop for this...), and I was able to get LSAT files (both RC and CR) so that I could also practice those on computer. I started spending more and more times browsing this forum and trying to explain and understand the problems. I took numerous practice tests from 800 score, Kaplan, Cambridge and PP. Kaplan's scores were always disappointing, but I tried not to focus too much on the scores.
During the last week of my test, all I did was doing problems from this forum and taking practice tests. Because my test was at 8:30, I tried to wake up by 5:30 everyday to warm up and get my brain start functioning. On the day of my test, which is today, I did some CR problems at a cafe next to the test center so my brain would function the way ETS prefers. Right before the test, I told myself that it is OKAY to fail so that I dont' stress myself out... (just want to make a note here, I was shaking the whole time on my first test). During the test, the math section was relatlvely okay compared to my first attempt, and I got some difficult questions but I managed to have some time left when I was done. The verbal started w/ 5 SC questions followed by 2 CR questions... and then I got 2 passages back to back... I spent too much time on RCs so I ran out of time. I still managed to finish the verbal section without havnig time reading the last RC. I was disappointed after my test because i knew I failed on time management on the verbal section. Of course my score reflects this... but I am extremely happy with this score! I got a 700 (Q 50, V 34). I am done... i am relieved...... and I have to thank everyone on this forum. I learned so much from participating in the discussion, undestanding people's explanation, and most importantly reading people's experience... Thank you all... good luck with everyone with the test, and my recommendation is INDENTIFY UR WEAKNESSES, PRACTICE ON COMPUTER, DON'T BE TOO HARD ON URSELF, and GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT. I am sure all of you will be satisfy with your scores!! Best LUCK!
Just an FYI,
my kaplan scores are from 580 - 650
800 Score are from 650-700
Cambridge scores are from 670-730
PP 720 & 740 ( I do feel that the real GMAT is a little bit more difficult, but could be due to my stress level
)
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17 Dec 2004, 20:53
