Hi All,
I have been reading everyone else's experiences during GMAT prep and the actual test, and have learned a lot. So, I thought I would document my journey as well to motivate myself to keep studying and maybe get some pointers as well!
Some Background: I have a BFA in Fine Arts - Painting from MassArt, graduated in 2004. I realized about halfway through that it was not for me, but did not have any other ideas in mind so I finished my degree. I've had a variety of work experience since then, most recently as an Internal Auditor. I've been throwing around the idea of an MBA for a couple years now and decided to just go for it.
I have not had a math class since high school (junior year, to be exact). I never put any effort into learning math, just enough to pass the class and move on. So I have a LOT of catching up to do. Based on what everyone has said about the
MGMAT guides, I ordered all of the math guides (except the fractions and decimals one...I'm pretty sure I got that) and
the Official Guide 12th Edition.
Saturday, June 4Before anything, I took a GMAT Prep practice test and got 550 (30Q, 35V). The biggest problem I noticed was that I didn't know how to solve the majority of the quant problems. That is the first thing I need to do.
Second, I finished the quant section 25 minutes early, and the verbal section 30 minutes early. Not because I knew the answers (clearly, look at my score! haha) but I have rushed through the test. I have always had that problem with standardized, timed tests: I think I won't have enough time, so I rush through everything. If I don't know the answer I guess and move on. I have to learn to pace myself and not panic and rush through everything.
Sunday - Tuesday, 6/5 - 6/7I have been putting in between 1-3 hours after work going through the Number Properties guide. This has been HUGE in helping me understand basic math properties and have already noticed an improvement.
I just took the first group of
OG questions (PS) the book recommends and got 22/28. I have yet to go through and review my answers but I have definitely improved in my problem solving skills (even though I think those first set of questions are very easy and not really indicative of my abilities, but I'll take what I can get at this point.
My Plan-Go through each of the
MGMAT math guides I bought, review the principles and practice, practice, practice!
-Take another practice test to see where I'm at.
-Brush up on Verbal. I understand the basics, I'm an avid reader and very good at noticing grammatical mistakes. What I need to focus on is getting used to the GMAT verbal type of questions and just practice.
I'm hoping to schedule the test once I finish relearning math. Tentative date is in September. I want to apply to programs in 2012 if possible.
My goal is to get 650-700. I am not aiming for the top schools. I have one dream program (that is too expensive): Boston University. I am also planning to apply to UMASS Boston and Suffolk. All three are schools I would go to. Location and affordability is the most important thing to me.
Wow that was a long post. Thanks for reading!