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04 Mar 2017, 12:38
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Greetings all,
I am in the process of wanting to apply to an MBA program (I am not looking at an IVY league school, but I would like it to be somewhere decent/ I have a few in mind). I understand that many schools accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT, however it still seems that admissions committees overwhelmingly prefer students who take the GMAT over the GRE in terms of business school applications. MY dilemma is this: I am decent writer ( it has always been my strength), however I am quite terrible at math. To make matters more complicated I have virtually zero background in anything relatively quantitative based. The most advanced math I did was a mandatory statistics course in university (which was a requirement for my BA poli sci major) and barely passed with a C average (and that was with the help of a tutor). Moreover it has been nearly 8 years since I have done any sort of math on top of that. I feel like the GRE would be a better decision for based on my abilities (due to the fact that it is less math intensive) however, although many schools accept GRE scores, the general consensus is that the GMAT is preferred. I have been looking at a number of GMAT/GRE prep courses- it seems like the Kaplan courses would be the best "bang for my buck" as I can afford them but something like Manhattan (costing over $2400) dollars is a bit out of my price range. Furthermore I would need something that I can work at my own pace because I am active duty Army and my schedule is a often very unpredictable. Although I graduated university with a low GPA I have completed some Master's level work in the mean (as proof that I am work at that level) and received good grades. I also have extensive work experience in Army Logistics and two deployments to Afghanistan under my belt (I bring this up as I know grad schools do not just consider test scores and GPA as the only factors). Before I plan on spending any money on a prep course (I personally think the GRE would be better suited toward me as it is less math intensive) I am hoping that someone can give me some sound advice on what I should. Is it possible for someone to do well at the GMAT math portion while possessing very little more than basic math skills. I have about 2 years left in the Army and would really like to be accepted into an MBA program before I get out- hence why I am trying to start prepping early. Also if anyone can attest that taking the GRE would not significantly hurt my chances of being looked at for a decent MBA program I would love to hear that as well. Thank you all so much!
I am in the process of wanting to apply to an MBA program (I am not looking at an IVY league school, but I would like it to be somewhere decent/ I have a few in mind). I understand that many schools accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT, however it still seems that admissions committees overwhelmingly prefer students who take the GMAT over the GRE in terms of business school applications. MY dilemma is this: I am decent writer ( it has always been my strength), however I am quite terrible at math. To make matters more complicated I have virtually zero background in anything relatively quantitative based. The most advanced math I did was a mandatory statistics course in university (which was a requirement for my BA poli sci major) and barely passed with a C average (and that was with the help of a tutor). Moreover it has been nearly 8 years since I have done any sort of math on top of that. I feel like the GRE would be a better decision for based on my abilities (due to the fact that it is less math intensive) however, although many schools accept GRE scores, the general consensus is that the GMAT is preferred. I have been looking at a number of GMAT/GRE prep courses- it seems like the Kaplan courses would be the best "bang for my buck" as I can afford them but something like Manhattan (costing over $2400) dollars is a bit out of my price range. Furthermore I would need something that I can work at my own pace because I am active duty Army and my schedule is a often very unpredictable. Although I graduated university with a low GPA I have completed some Master's level work in the mean (as proof that I am work at that level) and received good grades. I also have extensive work experience in Army Logistics and two deployments to Afghanistan under my belt (I bring this up as I know grad schools do not just consider test scores and GPA as the only factors). Before I plan on spending any money on a prep course (I personally think the GRE would be better suited toward me as it is less math intensive) I am hoping that someone can give me some sound advice on what I should. Is it possible for someone to do well at the GMAT math portion while possessing very little more than basic math skills. I have about 2 years left in the Army and would really like to be accepted into an MBA program before I get out- hence why I am trying to start prepping early. Also if anyone can attest that taking the GRE would not significantly hurt my chances of being looked at for a decent MBA program I would love to hear that as well. Thank you all so much!
04 Mar 2017, 13:23
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi baconmapletini,
To start, it's good that you're thinking about all of this early - you can now use all of this extra lead time to increase your chances of hitting your goals.
While the Quant section(s) of the GRE are arguably 'easier' than the Quant section of the GMAT, you have less time per question (on average) to answer those GRE Quant questions - so you're going to need to work to hone your Quant skills/knowledge regardless of which Test you take.
The immediate 'issue' to consider is whether the Schools/Programs that you're interested in will actually accept the GRE or not. While many Schools do accept either the GMAT or GRE as part of the admissions process, not all of them do - and you don't want to inadvertently 'lock yourself out' of a Program by taking the GRE. Thus, I suggest that you put together the list of Programs that interest you and research what they each require as part of the application process.
Beyond that point, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent, guided study before they hit their 'peak' scores. Since you seem a bit concerned about your general 'math skills', you would likely benefit from some general math practice before you start preparing for an Exam - so you would also need to factor that into your timeline. Once you've chosen which Exam to focus on, you should post back here and we can discuss how best to proceed (you can also feel free to PM me directly).
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
To start, it's good that you're thinking about all of this early - you can now use all of this extra lead time to increase your chances of hitting your goals.
While the Quant section(s) of the GRE are arguably 'easier' than the Quant section of the GMAT, you have less time per question (on average) to answer those GRE Quant questions - so you're going to need to work to hone your Quant skills/knowledge regardless of which Test you take.
The immediate 'issue' to consider is whether the Schools/Programs that you're interested in will actually accept the GRE or not. While many Schools do accept either the GMAT or GRE as part of the admissions process, not all of them do - and you don't want to inadvertently 'lock yourself out' of a Program by taking the GRE. Thus, I suggest that you put together the list of Programs that interest you and research what they each require as part of the application process.
Beyond that point, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent, guided study before they hit their 'peak' scores. Since you seem a bit concerned about your general 'math skills', you would likely benefit from some general math practice before you start preparing for an Exam - so you would also need to factor that into your timeline. Once you've chosen which Exam to focus on, you should post back here and we can discuss how best to proceed (you can also feel free to PM me directly).
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
05 Mar 2017, 06:38
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thank you all for the reply- the schools I am looking at all accept GRE scores in lieu of GMAT scores. In some places I have read that although a school states that both scores are acceptable, many still prefer the GMAT scores over the GRE. However for my case, I will not be applying to top Ivy League schools (Dartmouth, Yale, Stanford etc.) so I am less worried but still not satisfied as to whether or not sending GRE scores could negatively affect me- even for a mid-tier school (I am planing to apply to schools with a 40-60% acceptance rate- I already have a decent sized list compiled). As you mentioned in your previous post, the quant section is less daunting on the GRE that the GMAT and someone who struggles with learning disabilities- (particularly grasping math related concepts- hence why I was an Arts major), the less daunting that the quant section is; the better. I am strong with writing and vocabulary and would have no problem memorizing the multitude of vocabulary associated with the GRE. My plan is to the take the GRE (sight on seen) and see how I do. I not am expecting to score that well so my immediate course of action would be a rigorous prep course (I am planning for 4-6 months) before taking the test again. If I end up with a decent score on the test, my next course of action would to take some math courses through a community college (since the Army will pay for it) beginning with pre-algebra, algebra, and math 1325 (the pre-calculus course tailored towards business math) before I start applying for MBA programs. My primary reason for wanting to take the GMAT/GRE first is that the scores are good for five years, and rather than devoting time to taking courses that might not beneficial to me if I dont get good test scores (the Army pays for 36 months total of education benefits- I have about 33 months remaining); it is essentially a waste of time. I know after having done SAT prep scores that the majority of these standardized tests is strategy, not how much a person actually knows.
Things that could potentially help me:
I have two deployments to Afghanistan. I have done graduate level work (with the intent of having concrete proof that I am able to do that level of work and do- although none of the programs required test scores) with the last school being Northeastern University (their project management program- yes it was online and I only did two courses towards completing it however my intent was never to complete it but to use those grades as proof that I can do well with graduate level work). Furthermore, most of the work was done while I was deployed to Afghanistan in a highly volatile work environment.
I have strong leadership/management skills from all of my work in the Army, and an extremely disciplined work ethic.
I also have a core group of individuals (mainly senior officers, as well as one of my Northeastern professors who I have spoken to and would gladly write recommendations in my favor)
I did very poorly (albeit still getting my diploma) in my undergraduate years (however the essays to get into graduate programs directly addressed the reasons why- very up front and honest). My application essay mentioned in detail that although I do not like the Army lifestyle it has changed me into an extremely disciplined and hard working person; my sole focus now has become academia and I am determined to overcome any hurdles that through no fault of my own have been placed in my way.
My biggest/most important question to all of the knowledgeable GMAT/GRE test takers out there...is: AM I wasting my time taking the GRE (since I am trying to be realistic and get into a mid level school)...and if I am not wasting my time would it be beneficial to start with the prep course right away (I think I will go with the Kaplan self paced one) before starting the Math classes which will take the better part of the year. Also, it is important to note that I come from a humanities background (I cannot remember if I mentioned this in my other post, but here goes). I double majored in Political Science and International Development Studies (and a college level statistics course which I struggled with so much that I needed a tutor- I just barely passed with a C average). However I am nearly ten years older, far more self motivate and have the financial means to pay for a tutor (within reason) if need be. Furthermore my attitude back then was to "get the course over with" whereas I am now committed to spending countless hours learning whatever material I need to.
I have almost exactly two years left in the Army- no if's and's or but's I am getting out and I so badly want to go to school full time and completely immerse myself in getting an MBA. I realize that I have my mistakes (now almost seven years since I graduated college) and that I must face the consequences, but I truly believe that there are still options out there for me. Although I have many gripes about the Army (I am not one of the rah rah HOOAH HOOAH super soldiers/in fact quite the opposite) it has given me a tremendously dedicated work ethic and forced me to work and adapt under immensely stressful and fast paced situations (imagine trying to work in your office until the building begins shaking from incoming mortar fire that is literally right outside, and then having to go back in and get right back to work as soon as the all clear is called)
Please any help and sound advice/guidance is so appreciated...I would be truly grateful. Thank you
Things that could potentially help me:
I have two deployments to Afghanistan. I have done graduate level work (with the intent of having concrete proof that I am able to do that level of work and do- although none of the programs required test scores) with the last school being Northeastern University (their project management program- yes it was online and I only did two courses towards completing it however my intent was never to complete it but to use those grades as proof that I can do well with graduate level work). Furthermore, most of the work was done while I was deployed to Afghanistan in a highly volatile work environment.
I have strong leadership/management skills from all of my work in the Army, and an extremely disciplined work ethic.
I also have a core group of individuals (mainly senior officers, as well as one of my Northeastern professors who I have spoken to and would gladly write recommendations in my favor)
I did very poorly (albeit still getting my diploma) in my undergraduate years (however the essays to get into graduate programs directly addressed the reasons why- very up front and honest). My application essay mentioned in detail that although I do not like the Army lifestyle it has changed me into an extremely disciplined and hard working person; my sole focus now has become academia and I am determined to overcome any hurdles that through no fault of my own have been placed in my way.
My biggest/most important question to all of the knowledgeable GMAT/GRE test takers out there...is: AM I wasting my time taking the GRE (since I am trying to be realistic and get into a mid level school)...and if I am not wasting my time would it be beneficial to start with the prep course right away (I think I will go with the Kaplan self paced one) before starting the Math classes which will take the better part of the year. Also, it is important to note that I come from a humanities background (I cannot remember if I mentioned this in my other post, but here goes). I double majored in Political Science and International Development Studies (and a college level statistics course which I struggled with so much that I needed a tutor- I just barely passed with a C average). However I am nearly ten years older, far more self motivate and have the financial means to pay for a tutor (within reason) if need be. Furthermore my attitude back then was to "get the course over with" whereas I am now committed to spending countless hours learning whatever material I need to.
I have almost exactly two years left in the Army- no if's and's or but's I am getting out and I so badly want to go to school full time and completely immerse myself in getting an MBA. I realize that I have my mistakes (now almost seven years since I graduated college) and that I must face the consequences, but I truly believe that there are still options out there for me. Although I have many gripes about the Army (I am not one of the rah rah HOOAH HOOAH super soldiers/in fact quite the opposite) it has given me a tremendously dedicated work ethic and forced me to work and adapt under immensely stressful and fast paced situations (imagine trying to work in your office until the building begins shaking from incoming mortar fire that is literally right outside, and then having to go back in and get right back to work as soon as the all clear is called)
Please any help and sound advice/guidance is so appreciated...I would be truly grateful. Thank you
