GMAT Preparation Experience

GMAT preparation continues to be a grueling experience for me.

My profile:
Indian IT origin - Naturalized American - with 12 years of experience.
Now hold a leadership position in US managing ~ $5mil projects; i.e. Crazy work schedule.
Family guy - Wife + 2 Kids.

I did my engineering in Computers from SPCE in Mumbai, India and moved to US in 2002.
Worked my way up the corporate ladder and now hold a leadership position.


So why GMAT and Why MBA ?

Reason 1: Well, I never could ace adaptive tests.
2002 - GRE: 1750/2400.
2012 - Official GMAT : 560/800
There is an internal void. That I need to get to the 80-90 percentile.

PS: I had always been an average student - But being so far away from Math and Grammar does not help.

Reason 2: Bad company.
I have always been in the company of people stronger than me. Thats just how i pick my circle.
Most people I know scored 700+ with comparatively little effort. I understand, people are different and there is no point in comparing.
But it bugs me to have this score.

Reason 3: Its needed now.
I can probably get away with a 650 score and get part-time or exec mba. But 750+ : People will get curious and make you talk of the town. And don't we all want that?
But here is a new flash to all you new folks out there - MBA from a good US school will take you PLACES !!!
Its not just about what you learn at the MBA school- Its who you learn it with.
I can see the need in a few years - Getting to Director and VP is a different ball-game.
And no 800 in GMAT got nothing to do with it.


So how is my preparation going?
One word: Horrible.

Let me elaborate....These sources were used in the order listed.

KAPLAN: DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. (Used on attempt #1)
Note, I mention time and not money. You will all get to stage in life - When you realize, money can be earned back however time lost is lost.
So if you have Kaplan resources - via inheritance, theft or by spending hard earned money - Keep it aside.


VERITAS: I use 2 books RC, CR (Used on attempt #1)
OK. They did not help much. Not Recommended. See my score.


MGMAT: Highly Recommended.
Read all the quant books. MGMAT Q40 consistent. I am not studying quant much. These days it bores me.
The Verbal books are great too. Specially SC. Don't recommend the CR.


Powerscore CR Bible: Highly Recommended.
3 years ago - I couldn't make sense of a CR passage. Couldn't tell head from tail.
My CR level was 0. Really !! ZERO. It has taken me a lot of effort.


E-GMAT: Highly Recommended (Start here)
eGMAT is great for beginners and for beginning your study. Too bad I learned about them too late.
Pros:
1. Dedicated Team: For $300 - Its totally worth it. These guys are there to help you. Great job ! Love you all.
2. Workshop: The workshops are great level-setters. Unfortunately for me - I cannot dig myself out of my weaknesses. But they have a great framework in place for people wanting to try harder.
If there is Spoon-feeding for learning GMAT - Its eGMAT.
Cons:
1. Bad UI. Specially in comparison with Competition. And i don't like Adobe Connect - Its just not appealing.
2. Errors: It has lot of error in the Prep material. But its not a big deal - They are ignorable.
3. No Quant: I don't know if this matters..



Magoosh: Recommended. (Cannot be used Standalone - You need additional material.)
Pros:
1. Great UI.
2. Video Explanations for all.
Cons:
1. Unlike e-GMAT: They do not teach you process/techniques. You will have to build your own process. Which can be extremely time consuming depending on your ability.


OG12/13 With MGAMT Navigator: Highly Highly Recommended
This is the holy grail.

My MGMAT CAT1-CAT3 are in the 550 Range - And i don't have an strong verbal section yet.
So I spending time introspecting.

My GMAT is next month. I am not giving up.

Wish you all the best with your GMAT Prep. and exam.

"May the force be with you."

Vin