My journey from 590 to 710 – Reliving my GMAT experience!
Hi guys,
First things first!
This is not an attempt to attract post replies on PG nor is it an endeavor to encourage the accruing space coaching institutes are speculated to have on PG. This is a mere attempt to give back what PG has to given me. Reciprocity –that’s the word
To start with, I’m a very ordinary guy. No marks for guessing my profession, I’m a software engineer. And like all my peers I too had a dream to pursue an MBA. Gave cat twice and faltered for obvious reasons- my preparation was not up to potential. I promised myself not to give CAT again and started looking for other avenues. GMAT was the obvious choice as I assumed it to be way easier than is the CAT. However, these assumptions were soon to be shattered!
It was March 2008 that I started my preparation. Collated some stuff from a local coaching institute (I better not take its name) and completed both the quant and verbal sections respectively. I later realized that these books were renditions of the OG 10. This finding made me realize that it was foolish to rely on a coaching institute. Instead I got myself the following books: Princeton Review, Kaplan Premier Program and Kaplan Verbal Workout and Kaplan 800. I completed the Kaplan books, except the 800 one, only to realize that my basics were in fact baseless. I returned to Princeton Review and found out the level too low for me to handle. I grew in confidence and started giving back to back tests. Princeton Test scores ranged from 650 to 710 while Kaplan ranged from 530 to 590. I booked the GMAT date in August, 5 days ahead of my birth day, and gave two Power Prep Tests before hitting the final stone. I scored 700 and 640 in those two tests.
However, my so called strategies were bound to go for a spin – I scored a dismal 590(Q47 V2
.
Lesson: One should always plan and interrogate fellow test takers. I was all by myself and never tried to seek any one’s opinion on the GMAT (Though I wanted to prove a point here – but it took me a while to sink in that it’s a hard world out there with no room for emotions)
Next up, was disaster time as I had only 2 months left to the first deadline(s). After tons and tons of brainstorming I thought that it would be a great idea to give GMAT another shot. This time, however, I started using forums more seriously and came across this useful course run by a fellow PG
maxximus. I also spoke to current students and peers who had great scores. I also had a strategy in mind. I solved a plethora of tests and was getting scores mostly in the early 700s. November was here and I took the GMAT date, 15 days ahead of the first potential deadline. In the knack of deadlines, however, I lost it completely – I scored a 610(Q44 V30), courtesy –my non-timed break during the quant section and my shivering body throughout the verbal section.
Lesson: Never let deadlines drive you. Give the GMAT only once you are thoroughly prepared. I also made the mistake of assuming that my application will be ready in 15 days –something which is quite unlikely. Remember, the GMAT is only a number in your application. It’s true that a high GMAT may earn you that coveted seat in a b school; however, the admissions team lays more stress on your application’s uniqueness than on your GMAT score.
It was time for me to take a break. However, don’t mistake this for a vacation as I was buried under office work thereafter. I thought this to be a blessing in disguise as I was too frustrated and almost gave up on the idea of an MBA (that’s a sad thing to do). I perennially mocked people who always whined on the concept of working and studying simultaneously, only to realize that those people were correct. This goes to all software engineers and those in other industries – studying while one’s working is a daunting task, but the feeling of achieving that dream score is ecstatic. I know its clichéd, but trust me guys, the idea of studying hurts more than studying lone . After a hiatus of 4 months, I decided to devote some quality time to preparation. It was hard coming back to books again but then all great things are perhaps the most difficult to achieve! I re-solved all the material I had and gave the tests (Although it didn’t help much as a major chunk of the questions was repeated). The only new material I had were the new sets of tests from Manhattan and 800score. These sets not only made me realize my current level but compelled me to work voraciously on my weaknesses. I averaged 680 on Manhattan and 720 on 800score. Come July, it was time for the GMAT, yet again. I was happy for the fact that I was writing the exam ahead of potential deadlines and that I was very confident on both the quant and Verbal sections. The day came and I thought I ruled the quant section and I guess that feeling ruined by verbal section. I scored a 650 (Q49 V30).
Lesson: Sometimes staying away from studies help. The fact that I improved in the Quant section testifies the same. Also, if you intend to start your studies after a gap, always start with your strength areas. Quant was my strength in this case. Moreover, English was something that I always dreaded. The more you run away from things, the more they will haunt you. This saying attributed my atrocious verbal score. Also, do not let the success of one section overrule your potential to perform in the following sections. I did the mistake of becoming overtly confident after I solved the Quant section – This feeling almost raped (virtually) me in the verbal section.
It was time that I left every other thing and got down to some serious studying. I thankfully got released from my project and utilized the much needed bench period (techies would know what I’m talking about) to full potential. I completely revamped my study schedule. I started from the basics. Be it the quant or the verbal section, I lay utmost importance to concepts and solved almost a 1000 questions combined in a months time. Manhattan SC was one book that I never took seriously and just tried to parrot the rules –something that really helps on the GMAT. Got hold of the OG 11 and also solved 1000 SC RC and CR to gain an insight into few real GMAT level questions and ultimately had a sought after plan for the verbal section. . I also crafted different strategies for Data sufficiency and Problem solving techniques. By this time, I was scoring quite high on both Manhattan and Power prep tests and never felt so good. Took the date 2 days ahead and gave the GMAT. My score – 710 (Q47 V40). The quant score was on the lower side, however, plenty of other things went my way so...No regrets!
Lesson: There is no room for a layman in a GMAC Pearson Professional Centre. It is mandate that when you enter the room, you have a devised plan in your mind and the will to execute it. Half the time we loose the battle because we are overcome by a host of hurdles. GMAT is a demon that tests your potential to stand its demolitions- or shall I say JO DAR GAYA WOH MAR GAYA.
The feeling of seeing a 710 on my screen was an amalgam of agony and jubilation. I almost ended up shouting in the room at one instance. Thanks to the wonderful lady instructor, I was not allowed to do so
My honest advice to all GMAT takers:-
Know your strengths and use them at adversity.
Alleviate your weaknesses. Learn from them even if you find hard eliminating them.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Basics are pivotal to both the Quant and Verbal section.
Avoid Frustration – it kills
Preparation Material that I ended up using:-
Books:-
Princeton Review
OG 10 and 11
Kaplan Premier Program
Kaplan Verbal Workout
Manhattan SC
Tests:-
Princeton – variable scoring
Kaplan – a morale spoiler
Power Prep - ideal conditions are tested but the level of questions is on the lower side
Manhattan – I rate them the best
800score – a close second.
PS: I haven’t mentioned AWA anywhere. It was or rather still is my strongest section. Perhaps the lone thing I can boast about However, any serious GMAT candidate is bound to get at least a 4.5 on the AWA by simply following the rules quoted in the OG.
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