Hi guys,
I wanted to share my journey to the dreaded GMAT test and hope this doesn't offend but rather inspire those who feel like they haven't been able to master this test.
GMAT 1, Aug 2006 - I took the
Manhattan GMAT online course and I did enjoy the course. However, I felt like the focus was more on Quant and I really needed more practice/guidance on Verbal. Anyways, I want to keep it brief but I went through all 3
OG books, did some Kaplan CD practice questions for my prep. I took Powerprep and
MGMAT CAT tests to get my timing down.. Result - 640 (Q 47 V 30)
I was very frustrated and decided to forget B school. However, I wanted to give it one last shot and see what happens.
GMAT 2 - Oct 2006 - As I have always been good at Math, I decided to focus more on Verbal. I hired a Verbal tutor for like 4 sessions and she cost me $80/hr. I thought that I couldn't do it on my own and hence sought a tutor for help. I honestly did not gain any additional tips/tricks from her and decided to drop her after 4 sessions. What a waste of $$$. This time around, I decided to hone in on SC and CR as they were my main weaknesses. Went through the SC 1000 and CR 1000 docs and did some RCs from the
OG. I also took 3 PowerPrep and 3 800score tests to get my timing down. Most of my practice scores were in the 710-740 range, so I knew I could achieve my 700+ goal. So I go into the test day fairly confident..Begin the test and then felt a little nervous but confident during Math..I started my Verbal and I felt like I blacked out on the RCs now..GMAT score 640 (Q 47 V 30)..
Wow...I couldn't believe this crap. I was really disappointed and depressed and I basically said $%$@ this..I am done.. No more.. If my B school doesn't want me for the score, then screw them.
However, I talked it over with my family and friends and they told me to take it one more time. However, this time around, they told me to go in without any practice and see what happens. I followed their advice, took only 2 practice tests to get my timing down and ended up scoring a 680 (Q 49 V34) this time around. While this is not a superb score, I do think that I am in the range of most schools.
Suggestion -
1) For all those who are thinking about retaking the GMAT, please try to do it soon. Don't wait for another 4-5 months as you're not going to be motivated.
2) I really believe that GMAT is neither a test of one's IQ level nor a predictor of one's success in B school or life. So for those who have scored a 700+, congrats..You did great.. For those who feel they didn't get to 700+ or whatever their desired score may be,..be proud of what you got. You are smarter than the GMAT and don't let it bog you down.
3) While I do believe that practice makes one perfect, look at my 3rd GMAT attempt. I went in stone cold and did a lot better..Bottom line.. while GMAT tests your critical thinking skills, there is a lot of luck involved as well. If you scored a 600 one day, you can score a 550 or a 700 the other day.
I apologize if my posting has offended anyone. I just want to congratulate the high scorers but also want others to know that there is more to life/school than the GMAT. Take care and good luck
AR