From 660 (V45 Q35) to 730 (V48 Q42) - Thanks Knewton! PART 1

Find out how Beat The GMAT members tackled GMAT test prep with positive results. Get tips on GMAT test prep materials, online courses, study tips, and more.
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March 2011 - Another day at work full of fire drills and low morale. I don't think I can take this anymore. I need a way out.

April 2011 -Things haven't gotten much better. I swear, my IQ drops 20 points every time we have a team meeting. Yes, that puts me in negative IQ territory. Wait, I know what I'll do! I'll visit my friend who is studying abroad in Amsterdam. That should get me out of this slump.

May 2011 - Breaking point. Ready to leave the country. Although the trip will be awesome, it is only a temporary fix. Suddenly, a great idea hits me in the face. Time to consider going back to school for my MBA. I'll study a week or two after I get back. However, right now, it's party time!!

June 2011 - My MGMAT books are finally here! Time to brush up on my severely rusty math.

*Sidenote - My brain has basically been on vacation since senior year of high school. Although I was very strong in math as a kid, I used to be one of the laziest SOB's around.

July 2011 - I start to get serious and study almost everyday after work. Luckily, my work schedule is extremely easy compared to some of you guys (9-5, M-F), so it has been easy to study fairly consistently. My confidence is growing. Let's take a MGMAT practice test, shall we?

*GASP* - 530?!?! WTF??

*Chuckles nervously* Well, I haven't really gone through all my books yet, so I have a lot to learn.

August 2011 - My studying starts getting very consistent. I'm feeling better about my math. Let's take another MGMAT practice exam.

600? Better, but not where I need to be. I'm going for the coveted 700+, after all!

September 2011 - My test is on the 26th. This is a busy month for me; I go out of town almost every weekend for music festivals, Las Vegas trips, etc. I decide to take GMAT Prep 1, as I've heard it is the most reliable indicator of actual GMAT score.

650 (Q45 V34)? Not bad! Surely I will push my score up to 700 after going through the MGMAT Sentence Correction Guide. After all, how difficult can CR and RC actually be? The answers are right there on the screen! (BAD IDEA!!)

I go into the exam room on a Monday. I've gotten so many well wishes via text message today; I feel the positive vibes. I figure I can squeeze a couple more points out of quant because I've gone over more content since GMAT Prep 1, which should push me up into 700 territory. I get to the testing center early. However, someone is angry in the lobby for some reason. It seemed like he was mad because somehow his keys fell behind the shelf in the locker, or something. Who knows...

Before I know it, I get my picture taken, provide my signature and palm print, and start on the exam. I feel great about the AWA, and it sets me up perfectly for the quant section. I feel surprisingly good doing the quant; I feel like I have even gotten many difficult questions correct! Surely I will get a better score than on GMAT Prep.

Verbal section is a bit trickier than I expected, but overall, I feel like I'm doing fine. I start getting pretty worn out towards the end. I wonder why?

*FLASHBACK* - It's Friday before the test, and I'm out for my friend's birthday. I'm planning on studying on Saturday, so I won't drink too much, right? Well that plan flew straight out the window when my friend's little brother requests Jager Bombs at the bar. I can't say no to this kid!!

An hour later, we hop in the cab and head to another bar. This will not end well...

Needless to say, I spent half of Saturday laying on the couch with a wicked hangover. No studying done at all.

BACK TO THE TEST

Around question 38, I realize I'm running out of time. I click random answers and end the test. Very ready to see my score...

WTF is all this demographic crap!!??! Oh well, whatever. Just ready to see my score. I should have a 700, or at least very close to it.

........660!??!

How could this have happened!?!? Sigh... 3 months of studying... for practically NOTHING. I dejectedly grab my belongings and leave the test center. I reach my car and call all of the people who were so excited about my test, just so I can tell them I failed in reaching my goal. I've gotta pick myself back up and revamp my approach. How can I do this? As I drive back to my condo, the miles fly by. Before even realizing it, I've reached my place.

Let me know if you guys want part two. This first part took a little while to type, lol. I don't want to type part two if no one is interested :D

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by transfer9858 » Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:10 am
Ya write part 2! I just started my prep and taking it on may 24th, need some inspiration!

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by killer1387 » Sun Jan 22, 2012 6:59 am
go on dude its getting interesting...!!