Prior to Magoosh, I took my first diagnostic test using the GMAT Prep software and scored 580 (Q39,V30). I honestly felt defeated because I knew I needed at least a 700+ for the top B-schools. I decided to purchase Magoosh because it was reasonable prized at $179 in comparison to the other courses in the market.

Magoosh was a REALLY good way to take a step back and relearn everything I thought I knew about Quant. Mike's explanations were really helpful in learning the efficient way to solve math problems. The quant practice questions were really good and had detailed solutions. My quant score improved from Q39 to Q46 in my practice tests.

However, I didn't really enjoy the verbal section of the platform. The verbal was too rule based and did not emphasize on examples.

Overall, I will recommend Magoosh for quant.

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After 1 month, I took my first diagnostic test using the GMAT Prep software and scored 580 (Q39,V30). I honestly felt defeated because I knew I needed at least a 700+ for the top B-schools. So I decided to work on my Verbal because my SC score was really low, I re-read the MGMAT SC book but looking back now I should have accepted that my issue was not only about putting in the time needed, but also about finding a good online platform with video lectures. I have never been one to study using only books.

I re-read the MGMAT SC but I think I made my situation worse by trying to memorize all the different rules. I was hesitant about spending more money on courses but one day when I was working on some OG SC questions after work, I failed 8 out of the 10 SC questions i had solved so out of frustration, I bought the eGMAT SC course. It was truly a blessing. The way the topics are broken down is incredible. For each video, there is a pre-assessment quiz which was good so that I can access my knowledge on the topic (e.g modifiers, pronouns etc). Then the video explanations explained the topics and addressed common errors. Afterwards a post assessment quiz was given.

After watching half of eGMAT videos, I took another practice test and scored GMAT Prep 2: 640 (Q45, V35). Quite an improvement from V27 but I knew that I needed to find more time to work on SC.

In October, I took the Exam Pack 1 and scored 680 (Q48, V35). I retook the exam again but the questions were 30-40% the same so I scored 770 (Q50, V45) so I didn't get too excited. 2 weeks later, I finished the remaining verbal videos and took another practice test and scored 710 (Q48, V40).

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I selected a morning exam time (8:30am) to write my first and hopefully finally GMAT exam. The exam location is conveniently located off Barlow Trail but I will suggest you drive to the location if your exam is in the morning. The main entrance to the building is not open until 8am and given how cold it can be in Calgary, you may not want to freeze before your exam!

At 8am, I went upstairs to the Pearson VUE test centre and meet the staff at the reception. The staff was very polity and respectful. She reviewed the terms and conditions and took my palm print. She asked me if i wanted to start earlier than 8:30am since I was the only one writing the exam that morning (of course I accepted! I am a morning person).

In terms of noise, I will not suggest you seat close to the window. Since the test centre is located close to the airport and a fairly busy road, it can get a bit noisy. However, after a while i was able to tune it out (may exam nerves).

In terms of facilities and restrooms, the facilities were okay and I was able to utilize my 8mins break efficiently.

I don't plan on retaking the exam but if I were to retake it, I will recommend the location.

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