Just gave my GMAT yesterday and got a 710, not as good as it seems because the split's Q-44 (69th%ile) n V44(97th%ile). I guess a uniform split would have been better, nevertheless I am very happy with my score. I don't know whether my experience would be relevant to any of you but since I had used this forum to read the experiences of others and gained valuable insight regarding the exam, I will contribute my bit.
Profile:MBBS doctor
3 years clinical experience
2 years family business
IELTS score: 8.5
Background: Being a medical doctor by profession, the last time I have unitized my quantitative skills prior to my GMAT training was about 11 years ago; the calculator function of my mobile phone has been a great friend. I am an Indian national and hence English is not my native language, but I would say I am adequately proficient in it.
Period of study: I decided to pursue management studies 2 and half months ago and immediately purchased the OG 12 ed, which I believe is the ultimate resource for GMAT. I spent the first month, studying quants basics and completed the verbal sample questions in OG. In the second month, gave a couple of tests n tried to solve the quants questions.
Resources: QG 12 ed, OG quants review, Kaplan n Kaplan 800
GMAT prep tests: I gave the Princeton tests, the 800s, Kaplan, GMATprep (obviously) and Manhattan (half way through the quants section, I got so depressed with my performance that I quit the test and went off to sleep). I have provided below my scores in the last exam of each group of tests (except that of GMATprept test 1) as I had given these just prior to the actual exam and maybe an actual indicator of my performance rather than the ones I had given at an earlir point in my preparation
Name of test...............Verbal........Quants
1......GMAT Prep test1..........40.............38............640.........1 moth prior to exam
2......800 test.....................41.............41............690.........5 days prior to the exam
3......Princeton test.............41.............36............630........ 4 days prior
4......Kaplan test.................36.............36............600.........3 days prior
5......Manhattan...........................Abandoned......................2 days prior
7......GMAT prep 1 (repeat)...41.............40............680.........day before the exam.
Actual GMAT ........... 44............ 44........... 710
GMAT experience: On the day before the exam, I revised the last questions in the quants section of the OG and gave the final GMATprep test by mid-afternoon. The score really elated me. Spent rest of the day, Watching a movie on TV and went to Church in the evening to pray for appropriate divine intervention. Later, I ran through the rules of SC and went off to sleep early.
On the day of the exam, woke up in the morning and solved 2 questions in PS and DS each to prepare my mind for the quants onslaught lying in wait. I reached the centre one hour early.
The Pearson staff was professional. I had no problems completing the various formalities. The scratch-pad and Staedtler pen were easy to use even though I had no previous experience using the same. The keyboard was a generic model, no problems there.
The AWA section was ok, though I think I may have screwed up the issue a bit. I don't have the scores yet. Took a break. A couple of minutes away from the testing room, really relieves stress.
The quants section was not as bad as I thought, managed to get some of 'em right. The questions were at the level of the GMAT prep tests. Took a break again and was relieved that the worst was over.
The verbal began with an SC that I could not decipher, but overall it went well. I got the
bold-faced portion question half way through and I was truly elated. And then, it was done.
Ran through the irritating questionnaire, got to the score section and waited for that damned hour-glass symbol to disappear. The hundreds digit of the overall score was >6 and <8 (not too bad eh?) and I screamed with joy(in my mind).
N now I am sitting with here with a hangover and a mild and unexpected sense of loss for the entire experience.
I can offer 2 advices from my limited experience:
I spent a large part of the 17 days prior to the exam on various prep tests. I think I could have improved my score in quants by studying techniques and revising basics. So unless you are going to really study the questions you have erred in and related basics, don't waste too much time on tests.
Finally, the GMAT is not an IQ test, it is not a reflection of your capabilities. It is determined by factors such as period of study, resources used, final test day experience, LUCK and many other factors, so if you score less in the real test do not fret too much. You can always improve.
I apologize for this long-winded narration. But if you did read through the epic, I will follow it up with RC questions in my next post =) All the best!!!