Does It Count?

Question

Just finished the GMAT and walked away with a 730 - 49Q, 41V. Overall, very pleased with my score as it is 20 points higher than my practice tests. However, I do have one question that's still bugging me...

On the last Quant question, I selected an answer choice but didn't hit the "next" button before time ran out. Did that answer register or did my last question go down as "no answer"? In essence, does the "next" button have to be pressed for the GMAT to register the response? I can't find anything on the GMAT website that clarifies one way or the other. Anyone have a better understanding of the process? If it wasn't counted, does anyone know how much one unanswered question can negatively affect a Quant score?

- CR

gurpreetsingh · Answer

I think last question is counted if you have selected the choice, but I m not 100% sure.
Lets wait for some expert advice.

einstein10 · Answer

if you have selected last question and not confirmed then gmat confirms automatically. this is mentioned in Kaplan book.

msand · Answer

yes I agree with sandeep25398

DAYNE · Answer

CarpathianRidge could you give a thorough explanation on how you preped for the exam?

Thank You in Advance!

CarpathianRidge · Answer

I'll meet you half way; how about a brief summary of how I prepared?

I originally began studying for the GRE in July '09. My thought process was that because both exams tested similar material and similar concepts, I would study for and take the GRE first as a sort-of "practice" GMAT. I studied for about 3 months and scored well enough on the GRE (92nd percentile) to convince mmyself to forgo the GMAT and use my GRE score to apply to a couple of the schools that accept the GRE score in lieu of the GMAT. I was interviewed at one but ultimately dinged from both. I rededicated myself to the GMAT and began studying diligently (2 hours/day on weekdays, 6 hours/day on weekends) in February. I used a lot of material (OG 12th ed., Kaplan Premier, Kaplan Math, MGMAT S.C. and C.R., Princeton Review '07) but didn't finish each book cover to cover. In hindsight, I should have spent more time with the OG. My fundamentals were fine but I still fell into simple GMAT traps that more practice with GMAT-type questions would minimize. I also took a total of 4 CAT tests:

MGMAT 1 - 700
MGMAT 2 - 690
GMATPrep 1 - 710
GMATPrep 2 - 710

On the day of the test, I arrived to the testing center about one hour early. I really believe that it's important to get in the right mindset before you take the test. I ducked across the street to a deli and reviewed some notes I had on hand. I also tried to memorize one of the many great GMATclub AWA templates posted online. Even though the effectiveness of this last-min prep is limited I believe it "wakes my brain up" and gets me warmed up for the real test (just don't overdo it).

I'm not a super intelligent guy. I knew I was going to have to work hard, be disciplined in my study program, and stay relaxed on the day of the test. Whenever I would get nervous during the test, I'd remind myself that many admission committees say the GMAT only constitutes somewhere between 5-10% of an applicants weighted admission score. Stay upbeat, positive, and tackle the GMAT like a challenge and you'll do well. Good luck!

- CR

bb · Answer

Thank you for the debrief. Looks like you have taken GMAT already? (Since you have a history with apps this year?)

CarpathianRidge · Answer

No, this was my first GMAT. I took the GRE last year and used that score to apply to two MBA schools that accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT (HBS and GSB).

bb · Answer

if you don't mind the question - what motivated you to take the GMAT? Did you feel GRE was not the right tool? or was your score not strong enough for the HBS/GSB?

(looks like you got the interview - that's a pretty big deal).

CarpathianRidge · Answer

I took the GMAT because I believe adcoms are more familiar/comfortable with the GMAT than the GRE, no matter what they say. Also, having a GMAT score allows me to apply to almost any business school, vice only the handful that accept the GRE. Finally, I had nothing better to do in the winter than study for the GMAT so might as well put that time to good use!

bb · Answer

Thanks 
I am impressed that you have responded to a 3 month old post. good memory (or something)!

vwjetty · Answer

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