Intern
Joined: 24 Jun 2012
Posts: 6
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Location: Pakistan
Concentration: Finance
WE:Medicine and Health (Health Care)
Horrendous GMAT Experience!
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24 Jun 2012, 06:32
Hi, I'm a new member here, and I just attempted the GMAT for the first time a few days ago. So I thought I'd share my experience here, and ask for advice on how to improve the next time around.
So, I gave my test on June 20, in Islamabad, Pakistan. I was absolutely horrified to see the state the test center was in. There was literally no electricity during 75 percent of the duration of my test! No air conditioning or fan!! All they had were back-up UPS systems for the computers so they wouldn't shut off during the middle of a test. In Pakistan, the temperature consistently reaches 45 degrees (115 degrees farenheit), so you can imagine how hot the center must have been! It was like sitting inside an oven! However, I tried my best to stay focused and ignore the heat for the duration (I'd go wash my face to try and cool down during every break). Although its not the test centers fault there was no electricity (Pakistan is in the middle of a huge energy crisis, among other political turmoil), I still think that they should have come up with some arrangements to at least be able to run some fans in the test center.
Anyways, after giving my test, I ended up getting a 640 (45 quant, 32 verbal). I was quite disappointed when I saw my result, but then considering the conditions I took it in, I think I did alright. I'm sure if I had known and was prepared to take the test in such an environment I would have performed significantly better (my goal is around the 700 mark). That's why I've decided to take the test again in about a months time.
Looking at my result, I need to improve my verbal quite a bit in order to reach my target goal. My weak spots are the Reading Comprehension and the Critical Reading. What guides/resources would be the best for me to use in order to improve in these areas? (Previously I used the 2012 Kaplan GMAT (the overall study guide that has both math and verbal), and I used the guides at 800score . com (recommended by my brother in law))
As for the math section, I'd say Data Sufficiency is my weakest link. But I've been steadily improving in this area over time. I also have some difficulty solving the harder "Problem Solving" questions in under two minutes.
Any Tips or guides on what to do so I can improve my score would be greatly appreciated!!