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Apr 2711:00 AM EDT
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Prefer video-based learning? The Target Test Prep OnDemand course is a one-of-a-kind video masterclass featuring 400 hours of lecture-style teaching by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder of Target Test Prep and one of the most accomplished GMAT instructors
Apr 2808:00 AM PDT
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Whether you are just beginning your MBA journey or fine-tuning your path to a 700+ score, GMAT Day is designed to give you a competitive edge.
Apr 2912:30 AM EDT
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Learn how Kamakshi achieved a GMAT 675 with an impressive 96th %ile in Data Insights. Discover the unique methods and exam strategies that helped her excel in DI along with other sections for a balanced and high score.
Apr 3001:30 AM EDT
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At one point, she believed GMAT wasn’t for her. After scoring 595, self-doubt crept in and she questioned her potential. But instead of quitting, she made the right strategic changes. The result? A remarkable comeback to 695. Check out how Saakshi did it.
May 0111:00 AM PDT
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Free- full-length test + 15 concept videos + 150+ short videos + study plan!
May 0306:30 AM PDT
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Verbal trouble on GMAT? Fix it NOW! Join Sunita Singhvi for a focused webinar on actionable strategies to boost your Verbal score and take your performance to the next level.
16 Jun 2011, 07:01
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I decided to take the GMAT about six weeks ago on a lark. I'm 50 years old and feel as though my career is a bit stuck, so I decided an MBA might be helpful (I work in marketing/product management). I signed up for the test without understanding the implications (thinking I could take the first time just to see what it was like), and decided to press on once I realized that there were financial consequences to postponing or canceling.
Took the GMAT Prep software test #1, and got a 680 -- very encouraging given that a lot of my math is rusty. Bought the official study guide and the official quant study guide, and did practice quant questions one at a time, figuring out for each problem how I might get it right the next time. I also spent some time on the quant problems on this site, but frankly didn't think they matched the flavor of the official guide questions...
Took the second GMAT Prep and got a 710. Also very encouraging. However, it had become clear that I was taking a wrong approach to the data sufficiency questions. For the two nights before the test, I just sat back and absorbed the khan academy YouTube video series showing data sufficiency work (I guess I haven't been here long enough to post URLs). It was very helpful to watch somebody who "gets" all of the math tackle a couple of hundred data sufficiency questions.
That said (and, yes, I feel like an ass for complaining given my score), if I had to do it over again, I'd have given myself more time to become fluid with the math. It seemed like I was knocking it out of the park early, which meant that the questions kept getting harder. Because of this, my lack or "quickness" with the math (because of my lack of practice) caused me to run out of time and rush through the last 10 questions.
This is where I can offer advice: Having been a journalism major and a writer my whole life, I found the verbal stuff pretty second nature (although I spent a good bit of time studying the recommended structure of the writing responses). I didn't "need" to kill the math part. But imagine if I had! My suggestion, particularly to those who'll need to do well on the math to score well, is to rehearse fluidity. Learn how to break down data sufficiency problems to 2 minutes or so.
Took the GMAT Prep software test #1, and got a 680 -- very encouraging given that a lot of my math is rusty. Bought the official study guide and the official quant study guide, and did practice quant questions one at a time, figuring out for each problem how I might get it right the next time. I also spent some time on the quant problems on this site, but frankly didn't think they matched the flavor of the official guide questions...
Took the second GMAT Prep and got a 710. Also very encouraging. However, it had become clear that I was taking a wrong approach to the data sufficiency questions. For the two nights before the test, I just sat back and absorbed the khan academy YouTube video series showing data sufficiency work (I guess I haven't been here long enough to post URLs). It was very helpful to watch somebody who "gets" all of the math tackle a couple of hundred data sufficiency questions.
That said (and, yes, I feel like an ass for complaining given my score), if I had to do it over again, I'd have given myself more time to become fluid with the math. It seemed like I was knocking it out of the park early, which meant that the questions kept getting harder. Because of this, my lack or "quickness" with the math (because of my lack of practice) caused me to run out of time and rush through the last 10 questions.
This is where I can offer advice: Having been a journalism major and a writer my whole life, I found the verbal stuff pretty second nature (although I spent a good bit of time studying the recommended structure of the writing responses). I didn't "need" to kill the math part. But imagine if I had! My suggestion, particularly to those who'll need to do well on the math to score well, is to rehearse fluidity. Learn how to break down data sufficiency problems to 2 minutes or so.
16 Jun 2011, 08:30
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Shalom bhandlin,
Shalom! I now read your story and I have to say I really liked it. I am taking the dreaded GMAT on July 16th which is only a few weeks away. I have been using the Manhattan study guides (I don't have the complete set). Next week I hope to start practicing problems from the Official Guide. So far my problem seems to be stamina. I don't have a problem understanding concepts especially when I practice only staying focused over a long period of time. I am 45 years old. I am trying to enter the MBA Entrepreneurship program at Belmont University in the spring of 2012. All I have to make on the GMAT is a 550 or better which shouldn't be too hard for me to do. And, I too am pursuing a writing career. I hope to use my MBA Entrepreneurship degree( if I get past the GMAT) to help promote my books.
Shalom! I now read your story and I have to say I really liked it. I am taking the dreaded GMAT on July 16th which is only a few weeks away. I have been using the Manhattan study guides (I don't have the complete set). Next week I hope to start practicing problems from the Official Guide. So far my problem seems to be stamina. I don't have a problem understanding concepts especially when I practice only staying focused over a long period of time. I am 45 years old. I am trying to enter the MBA Entrepreneurship program at Belmont University in the spring of 2012. All I have to make on the GMAT is a 550 or better which shouldn't be too hard for me to do. And, I too am pursuing a writing career. I hope to use my MBA Entrepreneurship degree( if I get past the GMAT) to help promote my books.
16 Jun 2011, 08:42
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MitDavidDv
On the stamina issue: I went to bed early and took half a sleeping pill so I wouldn't fret over the test and not sleep. I also took the breaks to walk around and splash some water on my face.
Good luck!
