-
frazermr
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:42 pm
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Team,
In early 2012, I decided to dedicate the first five months of the year to GMAT preparation. I spent the first couple of weeks researching the exam, developing a study plan, and identifying resources and tools that would allow me to achieve my target GMAT score (700). I was ready to knock the GMAT out of the park....or so I thought.
At first, I reviewed the Official Guide, but it didn't thoroughly explain how to solve each question type. In the quant section, I would practice 10 problems at a time and review the explanations for the problems I missed...but some of the explanations weren't really all that helpful.
To supplement my existing efforts, I enrolled in the Kaplan GMAT Prep Course (Classroom). I worked diligently on the homework and was always ready for class, but the classes felt more like a "high level" overview, rather than the deep dive I was expecting. I spent roughly 3 hours per day on weekdays and 6-8 hours on weekends reviewing the online workshops, question banks, and CAT exams. Unfortunately, I still wasn't scoring in the 700 range. (I was hovering in the 620-660 range on the CAT exams) The test taking strategies were helpful, but the foundational content necessary to solve each question type was noticeably absent (in my opinion).
I thought maybe it was just the instructor, so I re-enrolled in the Kaplan course, with a different instructor, to ensure that I exhausted every opportunity to improve my performance. After enrolling in the class for the second time, my scores on the CAT exams were unchanged. I kept hearing that the Kaplan CAT exams were more difficult than the actual GMAT. Since I was scoring in the 620-660 range on the CAT exams, I thought I was in a position to do well on the actual GMAT come test day....but I was wrong.
I took the GMAT on August 6th and scored an abysmal 530 (Q: 35 / V: 27). I was shocked, disappointed, and unbelievably discouraged. I worked diligently (or so I thought) for 5-6 months and wasn't even close to my goal of 700. After my first GMAT experience, I decided to take some time away from the GMAT to focus on work and to clear my mind.
After a great deal of reflection, I decided that I wanted to refocus my efforts on achieving my target GMAT score (700). However, I'm trying to be more intentional and thoughtful with my preparation, but I'm not sure where to begin. Here are the resources I have to date:
 1.) The Official Guide (13th Edition)
 2.) The Official Guide Verbal Review (2nd Edition)
 3.) The Official Guide Quant Review (2nd Edition)
 4.) GMAT Premier (Kaplan Course Book)
 5.) Princeton Review: "Cracking the New GMAT" (2013)
I used one of the Princeton Review practice exams for my "diagnostic exam." (520, Q: 30, V: 32)
I'm a first time poster, long time reader. Any advice or insight at all would be more than appreciated! I have the work ethic and determination to make this goal a reality, I just need some guidance.
�
Kind regards,
Mike
In early 2012, I decided to dedicate the first five months of the year to GMAT preparation. I spent the first couple of weeks researching the exam, developing a study plan, and identifying resources and tools that would allow me to achieve my target GMAT score (700). I was ready to knock the GMAT out of the park....or so I thought.
At first, I reviewed the Official Guide, but it didn't thoroughly explain how to solve each question type. In the quant section, I would practice 10 problems at a time and review the explanations for the problems I missed...but some of the explanations weren't really all that helpful.
To supplement my existing efforts, I enrolled in the Kaplan GMAT Prep Course (Classroom). I worked diligently on the homework and was always ready for class, but the classes felt more like a "high level" overview, rather than the deep dive I was expecting. I spent roughly 3 hours per day on weekdays and 6-8 hours on weekends reviewing the online workshops, question banks, and CAT exams. Unfortunately, I still wasn't scoring in the 700 range. (I was hovering in the 620-660 range on the CAT exams) The test taking strategies were helpful, but the foundational content necessary to solve each question type was noticeably absent (in my opinion).
I thought maybe it was just the instructor, so I re-enrolled in the Kaplan course, with a different instructor, to ensure that I exhausted every opportunity to improve my performance. After enrolling in the class for the second time, my scores on the CAT exams were unchanged. I kept hearing that the Kaplan CAT exams were more difficult than the actual GMAT. Since I was scoring in the 620-660 range on the CAT exams, I thought I was in a position to do well on the actual GMAT come test day....but I was wrong.
I took the GMAT on August 6th and scored an abysmal 530 (Q: 35 / V: 27). I was shocked, disappointed, and unbelievably discouraged. I worked diligently (or so I thought) for 5-6 months and wasn't even close to my goal of 700. After my first GMAT experience, I decided to take some time away from the GMAT to focus on work and to clear my mind.
After a great deal of reflection, I decided that I wanted to refocus my efforts on achieving my target GMAT score (700). However, I'm trying to be more intentional and thoughtful with my preparation, but I'm not sure where to begin. Here are the resources I have to date:
 1.) The Official Guide (13th Edition)
 2.) The Official Guide Verbal Review (2nd Edition)
 3.) The Official Guide Quant Review (2nd Edition)
 4.) GMAT Premier (Kaplan Course Book)
 5.) Princeton Review: "Cracking the New GMAT" (2013)
I used one of the Princeton Review practice exams for my "diagnostic exam." (520, Q: 30, V: 32)
I'm a first time poster, long time reader. Any advice or insight at all would be more than appreciated! I have the work ethic and determination to make this goal a reality, I just need some guidance.
� Kind regards,
Mike
