I just Beat The GMAT!

I beat the GMAT, and I don't have a lengthy debrief for you all. I just have one lesson. Perseverance.

If you haven't read this thread, I highly encourage that you read it:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/attention-al ... tml#466860

There are no gimmicks to beating the GMAT. No amount of debriefs that you read from other people will be the magic pill that helps you achieve the score that you want.

For me, it literally took 4 GMATs before I got the score that I wanted.

This site is a support network of incredible people who want to help each other get into the business school of their dreams by sharing their thoughts and experiences, their defeats and triumphs, in hopes that others may learn from this well worn path. However, it seems like some people are just looking for a quick fix. I literally read a thread a few months ago written by a purported GMAT tutor who was recommending that candidates take a stimulant for alertness before the exam. Are...you...kidding...me? The same tutor dissects questions on GMATPrep relentlessly in an effort to determine how the scoring algorithm works.

Short answer is: Who cares? The scoring algorithm is how it is. It's outside of your control. You show up on gameday, and get as many questions right as you can in the prescribed amount of time. Does that change? No!

How do you get there?

You need to run the football. No trick plays, no hail marys - run the football. By that, I mean grind out every last yard you can reach for in the trenches. I mean, doing GMAT questions and taking practice CATs until your head falls off. Throughout my GMAT Preparation Phase, I've likely taken no less than 50 practice CATs (over a 15 month span) and worked through almost every reputable book on the market.

It's about determination. As I said earlier, I've taken the GMAT 4 times. I got a 700 on my first try. Wasn't happy. Got a 710 on the 2nd, still didn't like my score (I need to offset a low GPA). Took it again, got a 730, felt like I could run with it, so I deployed to Afghanistan and started working on my apps from there based on the 730. Still wanted to improve my chances, so scheduled a retake for as soon as I got back from Afghanistan.

Finally, the taste of victory - 750 (48Q, 44V). I was jumping up and down in the test room and they threatened to file an incident report. (can you blame me?)

It's been an arduous road. For some of you more talented ones (like my friend Mark who scored a 770 on his first try), it will be less arduous. For some, it will be more arduous.

But the moral of the story is - the only way to beat the GMAT and get the score you want is grinding it out with practice.

There are no gimmicks, so stop trying to game the game.

Good Luck,

Sonny

Great post. Taking over 50 practice tests and working on your apps in Afghanistan is truly the definition of perseverance and no excuses. Keep us updated on your app progress!

Nice work, Devil Dog. Good luck on the applications!

I know you're estatic with your score, but did you know can get $250 back? Now you can proudly say you only spent $750 on the GMAT. That's like eating a big ice cream Sundae and finding a couple benjamins at the bottom of the dish.

https://www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages ... _GMAT.html

Bschool2013 wrote:Nice work, Devil Dog. Good luck on the applications!

I know you're estatic with your score, but did you know can get $250 back? Now you can proudly say you only spent $750 on the GMAT. That's like eating a big ice cream Sundae and finding a couple benjamins at the bottom of the dish.

https://www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages ... _GMAT.html

Yeah, I knew that. Thanks though brother! Good looking out.

Thanks, Your post is thought provoking.

Couple of questions for you

- Anything different you did between 730 and 750, other than writing tests.
- Did you face timing issues in Quant while preparing and did you overcome them by tests or by practicing topic wise problems.

AJ