[quote="EMPOWERgmatRichC"]Hi schsh1988,
A 620 is a strong 'baseline' score, so a 700+ score is certainly a reasonable possibility. You have to remember that the GMAT gives you the score that you EARN, so you're not going to 'luck' your way into that type of score.
Glad to hear that I'm not. I definitely understand that it's going to take a lot of effort and am ready to put that in to get the score I need.1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
I'm hoping to be ready by the end of June/early July so I can have enough time to retake if I need to before Round 1 applications go in2) How much study time are you planning to spend each week?
I'm ready to put in my time for this. Also, I get a little obsessive about these types of academic projects. Being realistic, I will be putting in about 2 hours on four weeknights and 5ish (ugh) hours on Saturdays and Sundays. I don't want to blow through the reliable CATs too quickly so I plan on focusing solely on prep for a few weeks until starting to take full CATs on Saturday mornings. 3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
This fall. I am planning on submitting a few Round 1 applications and going from there.To be honest, while I am not underestimating the other parts of the application by any means, the GMAT is going to be my make-it-or-break-it for top programs.
-I have a very nontraditional background that I expect will inform my essays and hope will make the brainstorming/planning portion a bit easier
-I have a pretty decent GPA from a top 15 university (although with quant gaps in my coursework/a few not so good grades in some of the quant courses I did take...due to my preoccupation with my major though...and degrees in performing/liberal arts)...and I am in the process of creating an alternative transcript and have already received an A+ in a quant class through UCLA extension
-i have unique work experience but with steadily increasing leadership, management, and innovation opportunities (although this will need some explaining since my progression has not been as clear as someone in a truly corporate environment strictly due to small company size.)
-I also am LGBT, which apparently helps a bit? Although I don't want to exploit that (not my style), would it be stupid of me to not try and indicate that somehow on the application?
I hope that all of this will make for an intriguing application. But I know that the GMAT is the key for me and will determine the level of school I can realistically consider. My plan is to apply for marketing concentrations at schools with ties to entertainment/media. I am aiming high in terms of programs and will do what I need to do to get there.
Do you think my timeline is realistic? I work best under pressure so I'm fine with not a lot of breathing room in terms of a schedule. It'll just keep me on task and make me work harder. Also, in addition to my
MGMAT course, I am thinking of purchasing the full GMAC prep bundle (the OG books and their whole software package). That should be all I need...right? Any scheduling/planning suggestions would be welcome.
Thank you!