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Scored 450 - Need Preparation Advice!!!

by costarica » Wed Aug 19, 2009 9:46 pm
I took the GMAT exam last Monday and I got slaughtered (450). I was getting consistent scores of 550 - 650 on my practice tests (Princeton & GMAT Prep) and I used the 11th edition Official Guide and the supplementary Quantitative and Verbal guides. I'm 28 years old, born and raised in Costa Rica, a graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio (Information Systems) with a 3.2 GPA, 6 years of work experience and solid recommendations.

I was extremely upset, concerned, embarrassed and depressed after I received the unofficial results. Yes, I was a mess! Nonetheless, now I'm deeply motivated to beat the GMAT as it is the only barrier standing between me and my dream of an MBA from a top 50 B-school. I will apply soon to NYU, Georgetown, Babson, UT and INSEAD for Fall 2010 so I need a score of 650 - 700+ in order to have a decent chance of admission. I scheduled a new exam for October 17th, I purchased all the MGMAT study guides and I created a study plan based entirely on MGMAT and the 11th edition Official Guide and I plan on doing one practice exam per week (6-7 exams before the test). Does this sound like a good plan? I would greatly appreciate your advice.

By the way, this website and forum is of great support for all of us that are trying to beat the GMAT. Thanks a million guys!
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by costarica » Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:38 pm
Any advice? Anyone? :roll:
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by DanaJ » Thu Aug 20, 2009 12:56 pm
One of the reasons you ended up with such an unexpectedly low score is probably the fact that you did not use the right resources. Don't get me wrong: the OGs are essential for practice, but you also need a general/specific strategy guide, like the MGMAT series that you've bought.

Seems to me that your plan is pretty solid, since the guides cover every aspect of the test and will fill that "strategy gap" that I suspect you currently have. I myself have not used the MGMAT series, but I only needed help in verbal (particularly SC and CR). I used Kaplan's tips for SC and the PowerScore CR Bible for CR (which I highly recommend on this forum because it's the only book that really nailed the GMAT-style in CR questions).

Also, there may be a secondary reason for your below average performance. You seem to have had pretty good scores on your CATs before the big day, which makes me wonder whether or not stress was a factor that severly impacted your score. If that's the case, you should also focus on this aspect of the prep: dealing with pressure.

P.S. I deleted the other thread in the "I jusr Beat the GMAT!" section. There's no need for a duplicate thread...
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by costarica » Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:47 pm
DanaJ wrote:One of the reasons you ended up with such an unexpectedly low score is probably the fact that you did not use the right resources. Don't get me wrong: the OGs are essential for practice, but you also need a general/specific strategy guide, like the MGMAT series that you've bought.

Seems to me that your plan is pretty solid, since the guides cover every aspect of the test and will fill that "strategy gap" that I suspect you currently have. I myself have not used the MGMAT series, but I only needed help in verbal (particularly SC and CR). I used Kaplan's tips for SC and the PowerScore CR Bible for CR (which I highly recommend on this forum because it's the only book that really nailed the GMAT-style in CR questions).

Also, there may be a secondary reason for your below average performance. You seem to have had pretty good scores on your CATs before the big day, which makes me wonder whether or not stress was a factor that severly impacted your score. If that's the case, you should also focus on this aspect of the prep: dealing with pressure.

P.S. I deleted the other thread in the "I jusr Beat the GMAT!" section. There's no need for a duplicate thread...
Thanks DanaJ!!! I believe that MGMAT is the way to go and I am going to follow the advise on dealing with pressure during the test and the preparation the week before. I crammed during the week before and I believe that exhaustion and stress had a lot to do with my score. I will update weekly with my CAT scores as I progress. I feel confident that I can get a score of 650+!
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by beatthegmat » Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:36 pm
Great attitude costarica, kick some butt! :)
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by costarica » Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:03 pm
beatthegmat wrote:Great attitude costarica, kick some butt! :)
Thank you! Your website rocks!!! :D
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by costarica » Thu Aug 20, 2009 6:04 pm
Which practice tests do you recommend I focus on? I'm thinking on doing MGMAT and GMAT Prep. Do you think I should also use Princeton and Kaplan and alternate them weekly?
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by DanaJ » Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:52 pm
GMATprep is of course the best resource out there for CATs. I understand MGMAT is a close second, so I suppose your plan is OK. However, if you do want more practice, you could always go for more tests. I have not used the Princeton Review tests, but I have taken all Kaplan CATs. My opinion is that Kaplan quant is too straightforward math problem oriented, while its verbal questions are not quite GMAT-styled. It's up to you whether you want to spend the extra time on those!
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by costarica » Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:34 am
DanaJ wrote:GMATprep is of course the best resource out there for CATs. I understand MGMAT is a close second, so I suppose your plan is OK. However, if you do want more practice, you could always go for more tests. I have not used the Princeton Review tests, but I have taken all Kaplan CATs. My opinion is that Kaplan quant is too straightforward math problem oriented, while its verbal questions are not quite GMAT-styled. It's up to you whether you want to spend the extra time on those!
Thanks! I think I will focus on MGMAT and GMAT PRep. :D
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Practice Exams

by EMAN » Fri Aug 21, 2009 9:53 am
Good discussion with the practice exams. Is it beneficial to take them once a week? I was initially going to take most of these toward the end of my study regimen. Any additional input is appreciated. Good luck with the test Costarica!
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by DanaJ » Fri Aug 21, 2009 12:58 pm
I actually had a pretty crazy strategy regarding CATs. At the very beginning of my prep, I took about 3-4 to figure out what my weaknesses were. Then I went through the rest something like in the last two weeks of prep. On reflection, I should not have wasted as many CATs in the beginning, but I'm not dissatisfied with my decision of working hard those last few weeks.

I guess costarica's approach is also a good one: he wants to track his performance over the course of his prep.

I suppose it all depends, but in the end we all need to do two things:
- take 1-2 diagnostic tests before we start
- take 1 test at the very end (preferably GMATprep) so we know what to expect on test day

What you do in between varies greatly according to personal taste and this is coming from a person who took two full-length practice tests one after the other on a number of occasions!
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by costarica » Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:26 pm
Well, my study plan is in full motion now. This is my 3rd day of study time with the MGMAT and I think I'm on the right track. I have cleared a lot of fundamental gaps in my quantitative and I have learned a few tricks for DS. My first practice test is due on Sunday!

Thanks everyone for their input!!!
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