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…
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. 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 clichd, 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 came across this useful course run by a fellow PG maxximus. This helped a great deal.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.
Awesome effort ! I hope you get to end this journey with some cool admits this season.
All the best !
cheers!
tank_I
Awesome effort ! I hope you get to end this journey with some cool admits this season.
All the best !
cheers!
tank_I
thanks man
even hope for the same. But frankly your signature brings me to the question : where is your journey ? If you tout my effort to be awesome, ur effort can be deemed insanely and incredibly awesome !
al d best fr ur apps.
cheers
Varun
Also, I owe everything to a great PG called maxximus
The feeling of seeing a 710 on my screen was an amalgam of agony and jubiliation. I almost ended up shouting in the room at one instance. Thanks to the wonderful lady instructor, I was not allowed to do so ď Š
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
u r a great inspiration to many people ( esp me )
I already gave GMAT twice already with scores 650 and 640 .
Planning to give third and final time on Nov end ...
u r a great inspiration to many people ( esp me )
I already gave GMAT twice already with scores 650 and 640 .
Planning to give third and final time on Nov end ...
thanks man !
Let me know in case i can help u in any way.
Go for the kill 😃
gud post mate...really good for starters like me...i just know about the gmat format but i don't know what are all the books to study...please help me...what are all the books to get and in which order to study...i have got some exposure to management exams as i've wrote cat 2008....til now i've 1 yr work experience and m a mechanical engineer...2008 passout ...awaiting your reply
hey there
As far as the books are concerned: here u go :-
(In chronological order)
Princeton Review
OG 12
Kaplan Premier Program
Kaplan 800
The first two will give u a better idea about the format and the various types of questions that come in the actual GMAT.
Kaplan is the hardest to solve. So only once you are OK with the 1st two should you go for Kaplan
PS: For SC you can refer to Manhattan SC (It is the best book for Sentence correction)
Hope this has been of assistance !
atb
Varun
Once you are done with these, you can solve the 1000 series..
i.e.
1000 SC
1000 RC
1000 CR
They are easily available on the internet.
But first one must finish the BOOKS :)
atb
Varun
what's your profile???
Varun,
Could u please tell me about this EXPERT mentors?
How are they?
Regards,
Rajat
Varun,
Could u please tell me about EXPERT mentor?
How are they?
Regards,
Rajat
710/3.5 yrs/IT
Varun,
Could u please tell me about EXPERT mentor?
How are they?
Regards,
Rajat
hi rajat
saying anything about Expert's would be advertising on PG.
Ill rather advice you to see their website and decide for urself.
the best part is that a fellow PG (maxximus) runs it 😃
PS : It helped me a great deal..
Varun - first of all - congrats on the improved score! Good idea posting this as well - am sure it will be helpful to a lot of folks out there.
As I had the time, and was in an insufferably good mood, thought I'd quickly add my two cents on improving one's GMAT score..
I had scored a dismal 650 the first time I gave the test back in 2008, mainly because I underestimated the test. I had prepared for just over a week and a half for it, assuming that it would be a walk in the park.. Oh how I kick myself now!
A couple of mistakes I made:
a) Underestimated the test based on the practice tests and q's I had gone through
b) Did not enter the test center with a plan in mind - how much time to spend on each q, how to pace my awa, the reading comprehensions etc and ended up rushing through a bunch of q's at the end
c) I didnt practice enough
I retook the GMAT a few weeks back, this time after a month of proper prep - 30-45 mins a day, and 2-3 hours on weekends - plus took 4 Kaplan Practice Tests, the 2 GMATPrep Practice Tests and a couple of Princeton Review Tests.. and the results showed for themselves.
I would advise that, as earlier mentioned in this post - first go through the books (I used Princeton Review), refresh your fundamentals (math & verbal) and then go in for all the practice section tests (not the full test yet!). The 12th Edition of the GMAT Official Guide is absolute gold when it comes to practice.. do atleast 50-75% of the practice q's (there are 120-160 q's of each type). Last of all - 2 weeks before your test date, do a practice test from the GMATPrep Software - give yourself an idea of how you're doing.. then do the 4 Kaplan practice tests for the next week or so - and then finally - do the second and last GMATPrep Software Practice Test.. it's the best predictor of the score you can expect to get in the actual test... I got predictions of 750 and 770 in it.. and ended up in the middle on the test day.
Last of all - avoid preping on the day of the exam.. keep your mind free and focused on the task at hand. Blow through the first set of q's as fast as you can - but with care - try to get ahead of the time curve by around 5-10 mins by the mid-point - that'll give you enough breathing time for the tougher q's later on.
AWA - piece of cake - just do what all the books tell you to - go with an idea of what kind of formatting and examples you're going to use.. and you'll be fine.
All the best!
hey sid
great to see your post...ur spot on with ur strategies....but wat was ur eventual score in GMAT ?
its really good that guys such as u are coming up with all this information...we usually hear about great scores and great admits...but we overlook the journey to reach that milestone :)
cheers
Varun
It's actually in my signature... I scored 760 and 6.0 awa..
Hey Varun!!!
Great success story. You are definitely an inspiration. But before all the praise which i am going to shower and which you most definitely deserve, let me get one thing straight. you say you have given the GMAT 4 times (wow!!!! thats incredible). How did you manage to keep your hopes alive man. I ask because i gave my GMAT on 04-11-09 and scored an abysmal 560 (Q 42 V 25). Being an engineer myself just cant come to terms with it. But to be fair to the test makers i was getting these scores for every test prep that i gave. My problem is that i seem to have hit the glass ceiling and just dont know how to reduce my incorrect answers. The material that i studied for over two months was
- OG edition 11
- OG edition 12
- GMAT quant review
- GMAT verbal review
- Kaplan 800.
- Kalplan premier
What i need to improve drastically is verbal and that too from scratch. Kindly help me in rectifying this error and get my desired score of over 680 in my second attempt.
Best Regards,
Vinay
Hey Varun!!!
Great success story. You are definitely an inspiration. But before all the praise which i am going to shower and which you most definitely deserve, let me get one thing straight. you say you have given the GMAT 4 times (wow!!!! thats incredible). How did you manage to keep your hopes alive man. I ask because i gave my GMAT on 04-11-09 and scored an abysmal 560 (Q 42 V 25). Being an engineer myself just cant come to terms with it. But to be fair to the test makers i was getting these scores for every test prep that i gave. My problem is that i seem to have hit the glass ceiling and just dont know how to reduce my incorrect answers. The material that i studied for over two months was
- OG edition 11
- OG edition 12
- GMAT quant review
- GMAT verbal review
- Kaplan 800.
- Kalplan premier
What i need to improve drastically is verbal and that too from scratch. Kindly help me in rectifying this error and get my desired score of over 680 in my second attempt.
Best Regards,
Vinay
Hi Vinay,
The sole purpose of writing this was not only to inspire but to help people learn from their mistakes.
Coming straight to your point. If there is one person who can help you achieve a bad, good or great gmat score , then thats YOU.
Concentrate on your mistakes and analyse the reasons as to WHY they were wrong. Thats the only key to help you out mate.
As for my inspiration thing, well i must confess that it was a tough ask. I was down after my third attempt. But then I realized the pitfalls by chronically analyzing my weaknesses. quite a few PG's , most specifically maxximus helped me scale my score.
Believe in yourself . You shall conquer the world !
atb
Varun