Worried about having a low GMAT score? Read this... Guys, I don't know what to say. Got the two easiest essay questions you could possibly imagine and math seemed to be right in line with GMATPrep. Took a break (had to go three floors down to use the bathroom) between Q and V and then encountered a little confusion with the fingerprint confirmation (had to rescan four times). Finally returned to to the station only to see the computer interface flash "break time exceeded by 4 min 12 sec., this time will be deducted from your actual test." Knowing that I was going to be under the gun of "time pressure" from that point forward, I proceeded to dive into Verbal question #1 with the clock starting at 70:48. To stay keep from panicking, I hid the clock and systematically read each question as they came. SCs were a breeze compared to some of those posted on this site; especially the brutal 100 list. CRs were tricky and much more cleverly worded than I had ever seen before. RCs were, well RCs. As might have easily predicted, I got to question #30 when the red "4:59" countdown timer flashed on the screen. At this point I knew that it was GAME OVER. Knowing that it was virtually impossible to finish 12 verbal problems in less than five minutes, I decided that this test was destined for disaster. Consequently, I just took my hand off the mouse, pushed my chair back from the monitor and did some serious self-introspection for about 30 seconds; why did you put yourself through a month of intensive study only to poorly manage your break timing? As a foreign language major, are your critical reading skills really up to par with those of your future b-school counterparts??? Why are you taking this test when you can't even focus clearly?? What the hell is your problem with computerized tests??? Anyway, I scanned the remaining problems just to see what PVue was testing. Had one moderately lengthy RC and the usual mixure of SCs/CRs remaining. Clicked through those eight survey pages, and when the ultimate decision came, do you wish to cancel your score? I knew that this was going to be far below any performance in the past, but was still very curious to see how the math turned out because so many people on this site had given me so much help in that area: Jon, Laxie, U2Lover, Haas, Dahiya, Yurik, Ak, Yezz, Vivek ... and many others. SHOULD HAVE JUST CANCELED THE TEST THEN AND THERE. Rather than lie by saying that I did cancel, which is exactly what I should have done, I will tell all of you here at GMAT club exactly how miserably I underperformed. Q38 V22 (Overall 500). Nearly 100 points lower than last year's GMAT (590) and the worst of any practice CAT or paper test, GMATPrep included. I not only shamed those who supported me over this past month, I have disgraced myself to the point of utter humiliation. How can somebody be a GMATClub moderator, score consistently in the 600s on practice CATs, only to walk in and underperform when it counts the most? If there is a hell on earth, I'm living in it right now. The truth of the matter is, when it comes to the GMAT I only have partial confidence in one aspect of the exam: SCs. Because I am a translator. But even those comprise a mere 1/6 of the test. My math sucks, my reading comprehension ability (under pressure) is downright pathetic, and I have some inherent disability to critically read in a timed enviornment. That being said, I'm going to take a week off and reevaluate the GMAT, whether or not I am a suitable candidate for b-school, and life in general. For the greater benefit of my fellow club members preparing to take the test, here is a debriefing, if it can help a fellow member in any way?? Enviornment 1. The test is aesthetically identical to GMATPrep. 2. The markers do tend to dry out, so request a minimum of three upfront. 3. Security is tighter than the Pentagon. Be sure to bring your passport if you are not a citizen of the country in which you intend to take the test. No wristwatches or jewelry permitted. AWA Questions are straightforward from the OG. First one was the argument of "reducing campus housing rates to increase dorm revenue." Second was the issue do you agree that "in defining success, results are more important than effort." Quantitative IMHO slightly more difficult than GMATPrep. I scored a 620 and 580 on GMATPrep #1 and #2, respectively. Both had a Q range of 40/42. Dahiya once mentioned that, "GMAT tests an finite number of math problems in an infinite number of ways." This is absolutely true. The root of every possible standardized question is the same, just each is cleverly disguised in a unique way. First problem #1 was based on weighted averages. #2 was something like (changed) 1234*342*23, which digit would change the total product by less than 1000? #3 was similiar to (not the same) In the series S(1,2,3,...) S(400)=x and the function f(x)= (x-n) where n is an interger > 500, what is the value of S(4999)-S(4998)....or something like that, which required my feeble brain to just guess. Subsequently got a string of DSs requiring the visualization of inscribed figures, overlapping sets, calculating the mean of the sum of a consecutive set of numbers 1....250. One problem on mut ex probability. followed by your standard mixture of absolute values, inequalites, number properties, special triangles, distance formulas, and ratios. Somewhere towards #29 they started getting really easy, something like (changed) 9^x=1/3, what is the value of x? Given two points, which is the eqation of a line. Got to problem #37 and the clock had 1 second left. Went to click the answer and time expired, so I know for sure the problem was recorded as incomplete. Surprisingly, didn't get one work/rate problem or even one problem on combinatorics or SD. But then again, I didn't score highly either. Verbal: Started off with 70:12 and decided to hide the clock. Rolled with the punches as they came, first a few inference CRs followed by an RC on the hierarchtical status of the Anasazi Indians (spent 10 minutes on these four questions) then a half dozen SCs intersperced between CRs of all types; assumption, weaken, strenghthen, etc. The SCs were a a little more lenghthy than the OG, but not quite as difficult as some MGMAT style that I have seen posted on this site. Know your semicolon/colon usage, the S-V for "one of + group + verb" and inversion. CRs were not overly difficult. Problem is I couldn't concentrate on many because I kept worrying about having to rush through to make up for lost time. Not one bold facer, but did get a inference logic CR early in the game that looked just like a disguised BF. Could have been experimental. RCs were shorter, like two long CRs vertically stacked, and only 1/4 required the use of a scroll bar. Make sure you understand the difference among the following meanings: explain, detail, qualify, refute, and sustantiate. Topis were centered on history, government fiscal policy, astronomy, and .....didn't even get a chance to read the last one. In retrospect, I took this exam with low levels of confidence and concentration, partly because of work related problems and partly because of personal issues. Having taken both versions almost exactly a year apart, I can honestly say to those of you who facing the beast, don't worry because I truly believe there is not much difference in difficulty between PVue and ETS, other than cosmetics and shorter, more detailed RCs. PVue screens are easier on the eyes with portions of the RCs "highlighted" for reference (vs. refer to line #35...). Dahiya, Rudy, Haas, Ak, U2Lover, Yurik, TestPrepGuru, Futuristic, Sumit, Professor and all the rest of you guys "on deck" will do just fine. I know exactly how well each and every one of you would have performed had you been faced with the same set of problems that I saw today. Sorry to bore all of you with a lengthy post from the one person who can now be officially titled the "biggest loser at GMATClub." Going to take a week off and seriously reevaluate my life completely...

Matt, congratulations Good luck with apps..

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Update: From GMAT loser to fighter in six weeks...

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pelihu

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17 Nov 2006, 18:16

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That's great! I'm glad that you took a deep breath and endured another study period for the GMAT. You have given yourself a chance at your target schools. It's a lot to ask, but you must put your nose to the grindstone one more time and maximize the quality of your application. Your GPA is going to be above the middle 80% at almost every school so that will be a plus. You need to do what you can to sell your work experience as unique, and most importantly, valuable to the school.

You should switch your efforts to the B-School application forum full-time now and utilize all the knowledge and support available. I've been hard at work on my applications and it will be great to see you over there regularly. You were an inspiration when I was preparing for my re-take, and I will be newly motivated seeing you over there regularly.

It looks like the application pool is tough this year, but you can do it. I will tell my dogs you made it!

mailtheguru

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17 Nov 2006, 21:02

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Matt, you deserve 3 cheers!! I adore your perseverence!! Congrats. :party hard!

:band

gmacvik

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17 Nov 2006, 21:19

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congtrats.......You did it.
I know a couple of folks, who with 640 got into UC Berkeley. We all know that you are very articulate and now its all upto your essays and we know you can do it...

Enjoy.

u2lover

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18 Nov 2006, 13:23

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Matt,

SUPERB!!! I can smell your victory all the way across the ocean!!!

I had no doubt about you getting that desired score!!! Keep this attitude throughout your application process!!!

All the best and let me know when you're about to visit Kirkwood!!! I'll go too!!!

Best,
u2lovergirl

kevincan

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18 Nov 2006, 13:32

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I knew it was just a matter of time. Three cheers for Matt!

ak_idc

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18 Nov 2006, 14:14

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Matt, congratulations :woohoo

Good luck with apps..

vivek123

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19 Nov 2006, 06:38

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Congratulations from both of us here Matt (me & my daughter)

You are the man. You never gave up!

We all here in the club wish you all the very best buddy. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Cheers :beer

GMATT73

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19 Nov 2006, 08:30

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Thanks for the recognition guys! Unfortunately, I am going to have a difficult time convincing some adcoms that my quantitative is at par with the rest of their applicants. Nevertheless, I am now participating in various b-school blogs and forums at a cluster of schools that I intend to apply at in R2. The underdog story is just beginning...

Essays, the next stage, are just as, if not more challenging than the GMAT. We have to switch our minds from passively scanning information to actively creating a compelling "brand" for ourselves. Each one uniquely tailored to the school that we fit into best.

Yesterday was "composition day one" and I just stared at a blank word document for two hours before I could find a theme to start from. Every single one of those 500 words (per essay) has to stick. Schools want to know exactly why we want to study there. What we have to offer to our cohort groups, what we will do immediately after finishing our MBA etc. This is very difficult to articulate in a two to three page essay.

Like Pelihu said, it's nose to the grindstone from now until the end of the year....

necromonger

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19 Nov 2006, 12:36

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Matt,

With a clear improvement in scores and a unique background should help you prepare well for the applications. Make your target school choices carefully, and maximize the impact for every app. You never know what catches an adcom's eye!

You've been an awesome source of perseverance and I'm sure many will appreciate and learn from what you've been through and where you are now. For now quit the GMAT obsession and begin the app obsession ;) and everyone here will hop to hear good news from you when you finish your applications in an year! You should also consider the fact that many you interacted with here will perhaps go on to great schools and they can help you in your applications process.

Good luck,
-n

gmatornot

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19 Nov 2006, 17:04

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Congrats GMATT73 !! This is an amazing effort and a great example of perseverance. I wish you all the very best for your applications !!!

deep

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19 Nov 2006, 20:31

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I guess I am always late ... but CONGRATULATIONS MATT!!!!! - I am yet to accumulate the confidence to book another date ....

christoph

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22 Nov 2006, 07:33

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Great ! I am very happy for you ! All the best for your future.

If IMD is one of your target schools, I would be please to advise your during the application process.

Christoph

GMATT73

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22 Nov 2006, 09:28

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christoph

Great ! I am very happy for you ! All the best for your future.

If IMD is one of your target schools, I would be please to advise your during the application process.

Christoph

Thanks Christoph. I'm currently looking at a handful of schools in the States around upper tier two and lower tier one range. Will apply to one or to long shot programs as well. Never considered IMD. Does the school year begin in the fall as well?

died4me

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22 Nov 2006, 09:47

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perseverance!
This word fits perfectly. I truly admire your character.
If I were a adcom committe member, I will select you! :lol:

I need to thank you because your posts (in verbal) helped me a lot, moreover your story inspired me.

GMATT73

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22 Nov 2006, 22:17

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died4me

perseverance!
This word fits perfectly. I truly admire your character.
If I were a adcom committe member, I will select you! :lol:

I need to thank you because your posts (in verbal) helped me a lot, moreover your story inspired me.

Your words are really taken to heart. The fact is, based on my exhaustive research over the past few months, almost every top 20 ranked program, excluding HSW, has a standard GMAT range of 640~750. That being the case, I expect my chances of admission at a competitive program for 2007 to be about 1%.

In all honesty, I am pouring all my energies into the essays and will apply this round will the intention of "getting a foot in the door for 2008." Realistically, I need to spend at least six months studying the fundamentals: statistics, calculus, micro/macro economics and finance. Courses which are now availible worldwide from the flexible UC Online Extension Center.

Therefore, WCS, assuming that I get dinged at every school I apply at this year, I will retake the GMAT next summer with (hopefully) stronger math skills, targeting the 680+ range. From personal and empirical observations, moving from a consistent 550 to 600 is a step up, from 600 to 650 is a jump, but, IMHO, from 640 to 680+ takes "a solid understanding" of either Q or V. I am going to target Q because, no matter which school we ultimately choose, Babson or Boston, that first year core will be essentially math intensive.

That being said, see you back in the forum after the new year.

christoph

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23 Nov 2006, 08:24

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GMATT73

christoph

Great ! I am very happy for you ! All the best for your future.

If IMD is one of your target schools, I would be please to advise your during the application process.

Christoph

No. It starts in January. Only 1 intake. And its a short program. So it may not suit you. But its a great school. BW recently ranked it at 1 in Europe. Very nice surrounding. Just in front of the lake of Geneva ;-)

https://www.imd.ch

GMATT73

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23 Nov 2006, 09:37

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christoph

GMATT73

christoph

Great ! I am very happy for you ! All the best for your future.

If IMD is one of your target schools, I would be please to advise your during the application process.

Christoph

https://www.imd.ch

Splendid school website Christof, thanks for the link. My first impression of the school is that it is somewhat of a "United Nations MBA Program." Must be a very invigorating learning enviornment.

died4me

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23 Nov 2006, 12:51

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GMATT73

died4me

perseverance!
This word fits perfectly. I truly admire your character.
If I were a adcom committe member, I will select you! :lol:

I need to thank you because your posts (in verbal) helped me a lot, moreover your story inspired me.

Matt, You are correct that 680+ requires a solid understanding of either Q or V.. not both!! If you can master some basics of Q, you can score 680+. Have you tried the Challenge 25? It is a great tool to improve your Q skills. If you understand all the questions from these challenges, you will get 47+ in Q easily.
Somehow, if you end up applying for 2008 (I may end up like that) and If you need any help with Q, just let me know.

Cheers!

Current Student

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25 Nov 2006, 11:31

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Congrats...chief... I knew you would pull it off!!!

Folks some bad news on my side...after my recent merger..my dang new managment has discontinued funding my Exec-Mba ......grrrr!!

gonna hit the app rounds again....

kurt22

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25 Nov 2006, 11:41

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Hey buddy!!

Congrats!! What a fight back man!
I got 300 in Jan this year and then got a 470 in Sep this year..... :cry:

I am working for a 600+ too this time man....

Please tel me what else can i do apart from ur brief?

Thanks

-K

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