GMAT updates from MBA Bloggers!!

Question

Hello Guys,

Many MBA Applicants applying in 2014/15 are currently going through GMAT preparation phrase. These members are sharing their GMAT strategies, study plans, study progress on their blogs. We found many of these blog posts very helpful and are consolidating all such blog posts in this thread for the benefit of other GMAT students.

To view all blog posts of MBA Applicants, visit this thread.  https://gmatclub.com/forum/directory-of-mba-applicant-blogs-164346.html

Happy Studies!!!

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

“GrantMeAdmission you got a 710, and you are retaking the GMAT? What’s the Plan?!?!” I have a plan, and it’s definitely not for the faint of… https://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=483&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

“GrantMeAdmission you got a 710, and now you want a 760? Are you crazy??!?!” I am now on Week 4 of my crazy study mode. Right now… https://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=561&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

NaijaMBAgal · Answer

I planned to write my GMAT next week, I’m almost there with my studies and with a few more days (read: weekend) I would have been ready to tackle the exam one final time.However, one out-of-state wedding, one 3-day workshop and average verbal scores have put an end to that plan. I have to study   https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=naijambagal.wordpress.com&blog=68045803&post=141&subd=naijambagal&ref=&feed=1

LTN99 · Answer

MY TEST IS IN 3 WEEKS!!!!

Breathe! Breathe! sigh! cool down! cool down!

Test date is 20th July 2014 - I am taking 8 mock tests (6 Veritas + 2 GMAT prep extended pack) before my actual test on the 20th and am practising for about 3 hours (roughly 50-70 questions) each day! I am revising all of my concepts and am going over the errors I have made in my tests and practices on a daily basis!

I really need that high score!

Eric Prydz - Power Drive is my motivation to everything!

LETS DO THIS!

LTN

LTN99 · Answer

Keep Calm and Take Mocks!

That is all I plan to do - take mocks, learn from my mistakes, repeat. During the week, I practice questions and revise concepts that I forget during the practice questions/practice tests.

I need to brush up most of my quant concepts and most importantly, implement those math concepts in question, which unfortunately I am unable to.

Laters yo, 
LTN

LTN99 · Answer

A week from now, I will be done with my GMAT!! :D :D

Sure, I've learned a lot of tricks and trades of the test over the last couple of weeks but the most important skill that I have gained is to BE POSITIVE!!

Before I start each study session, I remind myself that this each session is a learning curve and that each question I get wrong is another opportunity to improve my skills. Even if I get a few questions wrong, this "BRING IT ON" outlook is helping me push myself into doing better. I do not know how or why, it always helps me stay positive and keep my focus through out each session or mock test.

I am not sure whether it will help you fellow test takes, but its definitely worth a shot!

I want to give a shout out to  Grant Me Admission  here, because he is the one who helped me realize this much required skill.

As for my GMAT in 1 week - BRING IT ON!!

https://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1gv1fODCz1qfpooo.gif

LTN

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

Last time I took the GMAT, I got a 710. As I study to take it again, I reflect on three mistakes I made last time… https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=624&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

*This is part of a series on my journey to get a 760. Part 1 can be found here. To kick off my Week 5, I… https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=640&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

LTN99 · Answer

scored a 700 - 49/35.
Will take the test again next month.

That is all.
LTN

farhanchaudhary · Answer

Yesterday, had a verbal workshop with E-gmat. I score 69 points, passing was 70. Highest for our batch was 84. I was satisfied with my performance but not happy. Now I am trying to understand the difference between satisfied and happy. Former is a way of telling yourself I could have done better but I didn't. Satisfy is like an excuse of not giving your 100% for a topic. Solved more than 100 questions yesterday with an accuracy of 80% that was close to happiness.

After the workshop as I usually do I browsed through pages of GMATclub and came across this . And I was 'wow'ed by commitment of some members. I have been making excuses for not exercising since almost 3 months now. Started missing my runs. Finally decided to get hold of a workout which can be done at home and involves running. After browsing through lot of stuff I have now decided to follow Neila Rey . Check out her 30 days non-stop workouts. I wish someday to do a superhero workout. Today was day 1 of the workout. I think 1 hour of fitness activity will give boost to my brain to deal with GMAT. During lunch time at work I was browsing through INSEAD's student blogs and I came across an ex-student who dreams to change the world and is working hard towards that dream. Her penmanship is simply outstanding. To be so honest in a blog post is rarely seen, I try to be honest but I like many others am superficial in my blogs. I can't dive deep inside myself and let out my vulnerability out. But, this woman is simply outstanding in bringing out her emotions and using it as strength. Truly inspiring. Read her post Me, myself and I… discovering identity at INSEAD – part II . That's it for now, e-gmat course is over for me time for solving problems and diving into mocks. Till then......

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

I hate SC. It is the absolute worse, and I have NO idea why I am terrible at it. I missed two easy ones right off… https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=650&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

farhanchaudhary · Answer

Today while running early morning, it hit me that I am running away from MOCKs. Finally I have decided to take Veritas Prep second mock test this weekend. To brush up my Verbal skills i decided to take a Gmatclub Verbal test and scored a dismal 25(21q of 41). After seeing my mistakes, I realized I am jumping towards the wrong answer choice like a cling on. Still not applying the e-gmat process. It's weird every time I think of e-gmat i think of 329$.

Anyways, so in my  previous post  I was discussing about 30 days of change program by Neila Ray. I am feeling good after doing the exercises, hope it has a positive effect on my studying. I am still not looking at the essays, just reading up random stuff on schools and school blogs. Well I hope with this concentration on GMAT when the push comes to shove I am not shooting blanks.

Wrote a profile evaluation to MBA exchange, actually I ended up at MBA exchange after reading  this . Its ad interview with INSEAD alumni currently working with MBA exchange. A very good read for all Indian applicants. Thinking about forming an Indian applicant group for INSEAD. I have 3 people as of now who are ready to join the group, will wait couple of more days and then create it.

Too sleepy to study now so watching Weild Al videos. This guy is intelligent.

Good night now!!!!

Cheers

NaijaMBAgal · Answer

I’m writing this with a new-found appreciation for the gift of sight. You remember I was supposed to take my GMAT yesterday, well, that didn’t happen. Here’s what happened instead: On Wednesday, after studying for the GMAT and taking a practice test (GMAT prep) which showed a slight improvement in my verbal (710, Q47, V40   https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=naijambagal.wordpress.com&blog=68045803&post=149&subd=naijambagal&ref=&feed=1

farhanchaudhary · Answer

I gathered enough courage to write a mock test. Took Veritas Prep and scored a 680, lower than my actual GMAT score Q-48 and V-36. I know everyone says mocks are to practice and you shouldn't let your mood be affected by your mock scores(even I have given the same advice to lots of people) but honestly I feel bad today. I have been working hard with GMAT studies and its frustrating when you don't see the results. All those sacrifices of night outs, social gathering, drinking seem wasted when you do not improve. I know all the studying will eventually help me and eventually my score will improve but today I am just not in a mood to give myself those motivational speeches.

So in today's mock I sat for the entire exam(AWA and IR included) and my RC reading just went for a toss. Now SC is my achilles heel but today in RC i got a dismal 40% accuracy. A 65% accuracy in SC which according to my standards is a step forward. Haven't done the entire analysis yet since I wasn't in the mood today. Was solving SC questions instead.

Now to the good part, forming the group for e-gmat student has been really helpful for me. We started solving SC questions according to the e-gmat process. The responses that people are sending are awesome. There is so much to learn from each other at every stage of your life

. I am glad I took this initiative.OG SC Marathon is a hit for the first 2 days at least since the participation is quite good. Valid questions, good analysis and brilliant feedback from everyone.

I think I am going to call in an early saturday night. Tomorrow the sun will shine with some new hope

. I am glad I took this initiative.OG SC Marathon is a hit for the first 2 days at least since the participation is quite good. Valid questions, good analysis and brilliant feedback from everyone. I think I am going to call in an early saturday night. Tomorrow the sun will shine with some new hope

texaswannabecali · Answer

https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140227005220/degrassi/images/9/9b/Hermione_-_hand_raise.gif

Came across this link in my email today and just thought I would share with all of you. Veritas Prep is offering 6 computer adaptive GMAT practice tests (+1 free one for a total of 7) for the price of $24 instead of the usual $49 until Thursday, July 31st. For anyone looking for extra mock practice exams, like myself, this seems like an amazing deal so jump on it if you’re interested! I know I will be.

https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/free-gmat-practice-test/

https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/free-gmat-practice-test/

https://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/texaswannabecali.wordpress.com/472/ 
  https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=texaswannabecali.wordpress.com&blog=69210723&post=472&subd=texaswannabecali&ref=&feed=1

GrantMeAdmission · Answer

As I’m studying to improve my 710, I’ve gotten a lot of questions on what key GMAT resources one should get in order to achieve their… https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=grantmeadmission.com&blog=60563611&post=698&subd=grantmeadmission&ref=&feed=1

vpamorim · Answer

https://roadtomymba.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/dunga_get_30.jpg?w=311&h=241 Yes, I’ve started my GMAT studies! Since last monday I’m studying an average of 2,8 hours/day, resulting so far into 14 hours of study (including 60 practice questions). My goal is to study around 160 hours so I’m still trying to keep the pace since it’s been a while that I don’t focus to study that much. For the moment, I’m using the Magoosh website to watch the videos and to practice some questions. As I’m trying to study as much as possible for the next 2-3 months (I’m really not willing to study more than 3 months) my study plan is based on the 1 month GMAT Study Plan from Magoosh’s website. My idea is to cover all the areas of GMAT in 1 – 1,5 months and then do tons of questions. I’m trying to keep the control of everything I’ve studied so far and the amount of hours spent. I’m kinda an Excel freak (just kidding) so I’ve made up some tables where I can understand my development. Based on this I’ll be able to schedule the exam. Below is one example: https://roadtomymba.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/tabela-resumo.png?w=254&h=175 Tomorrow, I’m planning to take the full-length GMAT on the GMAC software, thus I’ll be able to see in general what are my weakness and strengths. *** The picture in the top of this post is very emblematic for me. He’s Dunga, the Brazilian national team captain, holding the trophy after the victory against Italy at the 1994 World Cup in USA. Although I was only 5 years old I can remember every match we played in that World Cup. Next week, the 2014 World Cup starts again (here in Brazil!!!!) and I’ll probably stop studying to watch some matches. But as Brazil won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002 (hopefully 2014 as well), I will beat the GMAT in my personal challenge against myself!

https://feeds.wordpress.com/1.0/comments/roadtomymba.wordpress.com/86/ https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=roadtomymba.wordpress.com&blog=69217205&post=86&subd=roadtomymba&ref=&feed=1

NaijaMBAgal · Answer

And I’m done with GMAT. Not the score I wanted but it will do. Time to face the rest of my application. For today: I’m off to sleep, then party.

I’m not sure if I should do a detailed debrief seeing as the score is what it is, let me know what you think. https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=naijambagal.wordpress.com&blog=68045803&post=152&subd=naijambagal&ref=&feed=1

NaijaMBAgal · Answer

On 23rd December 2013, I attempted the GMAT exam for the first time, after a little more than a week of preparation (which consisted of learning the question types and trying a few questions), the result was a pitiful 610 (Q47, V28, IR3). I was so heartbroken but I submitted a few applications. In February,   https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=naijambagal.wordpress.com&blog=68045803&post=159&subd=naijambagal&ref=&feed=1

	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $79 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $325 $200 Discount + $79 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

GMAT updates from MBA Bloggers!!

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards