-
drabblejhu
- MBA Student
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:04 pm
- Location: oakland
- Thanked: 1 times
- Followed by:1 members
Just wanted to say thanks to all those who have posted problems/solutions and their success stories; I've greatly benefited from the advice and support! I also wanted to share good news-and hopefully helpful tips--after a long journey. I've been a high school teacher/administrator of 5 years with my bachelor's and master's in English--until Summer 2008, I was still considering getting my PhD in English! Math has never been my forte; in fact, I have harbored an inferiority complex about my math skills. So, when I decided to apply for an MBA, I knew the GMAT would be a huge obstacle. And it was.
The first time I took the test in 2008, I took the MGMAT class but felt overwhelmed by the demands of the class. I struggled to even finish the quant section until 2 weeks or so before the test; even then, my time management wasn't strong. I still moved too quickly or too slowly through problems:
Quant Scores:
MGMAT 9/08: 34
MGMAT 10/08: 34
MGMAT 11/08: 41
MGMAT 11/10: 37
MGMAT 11/20: 43
MGMAT 11/25: 46
GMAT PREP 1: Accidentally deleted!
GMAT PREP 2: 47
Real Test 12/1/08: 42 (63%)
Disappointed with my first GMAT results, and eventually really disappointed by my application results in spring 2009 (I only applied to two top schools), I moped, ate ice cream, re-evaluated my application and re-strategized. Retaking the GMAT was the item on my list that I dreaded, but I knew I had to do it.
Because I had already taken an MGMAT class and taken the test, I knew the best way for me to improve was not to take another class but to tailor a study plan to hone in on my areas for improvement.
My plan in a nutshell: I adapted MGMAT pedagogy and resources, kept excellent records, and sought outside help when needed, customizing and adjusting my plan to areas of improvement as they evolved. It took about 2.5 months.
Here is a progression of my quant scores the second time around:
8/1/09: 43
9/09: 36
GMAT PREP 1: 45
9/09 37 (Timed 2:40 per problem)
9/24/09: 43
GMAT PREP 2: 44
Real Test, 9/30/09: 48
Curriculum:
I planned for a week on each MGMAT math topic (such as Number Properties), reviewing about two subtopics each day by using the MGMAT Strategy Guides and doing OG11 and OG Quant Review problems the next day. My goal was to master the OG Quant, OG 11 and OG 12 problems. I kept track of all the problems I did, reviewed missed problems, and made flashcards of my errors (note: do not write out the whole problem, just the part where you got stuck or made an error). I started with what I already knew was my weak point on the actual test, geometry, moved to number properties second because I knew it made up a big part of the test. Week 3 was EIV with a heavy focus on inequalities and VIC (Plug-Ins), and then the other topics, with FDP last because I had had better timing/accuracy there. I planned for a practice test after every two topic areas, saving GMAT PREPs for the last week; before every practice test, I would run through my flashcards. In the end, I did not get through all the OG problems, and I didn't take all of my practice tests, but that was OK. See below.
Hyper-Organization:
I made an 8-week calendar, which I constantly adjusted as I progressed (and real-life outside the GMAT came up-yes, there is one!). I bought a binder and made tabs for each math topic, with sub-tabs for OG Green, Orange (11th edition) and Red (12th edition). I also kept my practice test scratch paper, made a list of all the new problems in OG 12, and made a list of "things to do" to add to or modify the original plan on a daily/weekly basis. I filed flashcards in corresponding sections, so I could cross-reference practice problems and flashcards easily.
Two Tutoring Sessions
As a teacher, I know it takes mastery of a subject to truly teach it well-this makes teaching yourself pretty challenging! Thus, I budgeted funds for two private tutoring sessions (discounted rate for former MGMAT students). Doing so also gave me access to my old tests and other MGMAT resources online. As a tutor, my former GMAT instructor Ron Purewal gave me strategies and practice assignments I wouldn't have thought of. Plus, in those moments where you feel the GMAT is crushing your spirit, an expert and a coach gave me much-needed perspective and encouragement! As many of you know, Ron is awesome!
Tweaking Your Plan is A Key to Success
I strayed from my original plan as I uncovered new areas for learning; for instance, while I knew I had to tackle hard inequality DS problems, only after reviewing the material and doing practice problems did I see what the real issue was. I learned I needed to internalize a number picking/testing protocol that would prevent me from freezing in the moment, giving up, and just guessing on DS problems. In the end, spending an extra week paid off because further in my studying, I realized that a number plugging protocol applied to many, many other problems. Of course, spending extra time on this area meant letting go of other, less important aspects of my own curriculum. At the time, though, I was frustrated that I couldn't "stick to the plan"; I now realize that as you go, you learn more about what you need to learn, so you should make adjustments!
Mental Battle:
I know it's been said before, but for many of us (self included), the GMAT was a mental battle more than anything. There were definitely moments, sitting in my living room for yet another evening, where I gave up. Luckily, I have a boyfriend who knew that the best way to help me was to have zero tolerance for my self-defeating attitude; I hope you have a friend (or perhaps someone on these forums) who will pull you up in those dark moments! A perfectionist for much of my life, I had concentrated my time and efforts where I knew I could excel in an absolute sense. This mindset dictated many of my choices in life, and the GMAT forced me to confront and change who I was-at least a little. On the test, the perfect solution to a problem is not always the best one, and the perfect test score is not always the right goal given your larger MBA goal. What I learned is that success on the GMAT-and beyond--is not about getting it right, but feeling confident that I've prepared enough to respond effectively to the difficult and unexpected challenges that will always be there. I felt successful not when that score came up after the test, but DURING the test, when I realized I was excited when an inequality DS problem popped up-a few months ago, I would have dreaded it, but the 2nd time, I just attacked it!
Recommended Reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. I do not read self-help books at all, and I only read this as summer reading for work. She is an educational psychologist whose studies of achievement and success have found general application. Coincidentally, I was studying for the GMAT at the same time, and it helped with the mental battle!
The End: I met my realistic (some would say modest) goal in quant, worked on non-GMAT areas for my application, applied to b-school, and got into my target school: University of Michigan. I am 100% happy with this MBA program because it is one of few great MBA programs offering the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in business and education-or public policy. I'm still figuring that part out, and excited about this next phase in my life.
I hope my story is encouraging and these tips are helpful. Good luck to everyone on the GMAT and on your MBA goals!
The first time I took the test in 2008, I took the MGMAT class but felt overwhelmed by the demands of the class. I struggled to even finish the quant section until 2 weeks or so before the test; even then, my time management wasn't strong. I still moved too quickly or too slowly through problems:
Quant Scores:
MGMAT 9/08: 34
MGMAT 10/08: 34
MGMAT 11/08: 41
MGMAT 11/10: 37
MGMAT 11/20: 43
MGMAT 11/25: 46
GMAT PREP 1: Accidentally deleted!
GMAT PREP 2: 47
Real Test 12/1/08: 42 (63%)
Disappointed with my first GMAT results, and eventually really disappointed by my application results in spring 2009 (I only applied to two top schools), I moped, ate ice cream, re-evaluated my application and re-strategized. Retaking the GMAT was the item on my list that I dreaded, but I knew I had to do it.
Because I had already taken an MGMAT class and taken the test, I knew the best way for me to improve was not to take another class but to tailor a study plan to hone in on my areas for improvement.
My plan in a nutshell: I adapted MGMAT pedagogy and resources, kept excellent records, and sought outside help when needed, customizing and adjusting my plan to areas of improvement as they evolved. It took about 2.5 months.
Here is a progression of my quant scores the second time around:
8/1/09: 43
9/09: 36
GMAT PREP 1: 45
9/09 37 (Timed 2:40 per problem)
9/24/09: 43
GMAT PREP 2: 44
Real Test, 9/30/09: 48
Curriculum:
I planned for a week on each MGMAT math topic (such as Number Properties), reviewing about two subtopics each day by using the MGMAT Strategy Guides and doing OG11 and OG Quant Review problems the next day. My goal was to master the OG Quant, OG 11 and OG 12 problems. I kept track of all the problems I did, reviewed missed problems, and made flashcards of my errors (note: do not write out the whole problem, just the part where you got stuck or made an error). I started with what I already knew was my weak point on the actual test, geometry, moved to number properties second because I knew it made up a big part of the test. Week 3 was EIV with a heavy focus on inequalities and VIC (Plug-Ins), and then the other topics, with FDP last because I had had better timing/accuracy there. I planned for a practice test after every two topic areas, saving GMAT PREPs for the last week; before every practice test, I would run through my flashcards. In the end, I did not get through all the OG problems, and I didn't take all of my practice tests, but that was OK. See below.
Hyper-Organization:
I made an 8-week calendar, which I constantly adjusted as I progressed (and real-life outside the GMAT came up-yes, there is one!). I bought a binder and made tabs for each math topic, with sub-tabs for OG Green, Orange (11th edition) and Red (12th edition). I also kept my practice test scratch paper, made a list of all the new problems in OG 12, and made a list of "things to do" to add to or modify the original plan on a daily/weekly basis. I filed flashcards in corresponding sections, so I could cross-reference practice problems and flashcards easily.
Two Tutoring Sessions
As a teacher, I know it takes mastery of a subject to truly teach it well-this makes teaching yourself pretty challenging! Thus, I budgeted funds for two private tutoring sessions (discounted rate for former MGMAT students). Doing so also gave me access to my old tests and other MGMAT resources online. As a tutor, my former GMAT instructor Ron Purewal gave me strategies and practice assignments I wouldn't have thought of. Plus, in those moments where you feel the GMAT is crushing your spirit, an expert and a coach gave me much-needed perspective and encouragement! As many of you know, Ron is awesome!
Tweaking Your Plan is A Key to Success
I strayed from my original plan as I uncovered new areas for learning; for instance, while I knew I had to tackle hard inequality DS problems, only after reviewing the material and doing practice problems did I see what the real issue was. I learned I needed to internalize a number picking/testing protocol that would prevent me from freezing in the moment, giving up, and just guessing on DS problems. In the end, spending an extra week paid off because further in my studying, I realized that a number plugging protocol applied to many, many other problems. Of course, spending extra time on this area meant letting go of other, less important aspects of my own curriculum. At the time, though, I was frustrated that I couldn't "stick to the plan"; I now realize that as you go, you learn more about what you need to learn, so you should make adjustments!
Mental Battle:
I know it's been said before, but for many of us (self included), the GMAT was a mental battle more than anything. There were definitely moments, sitting in my living room for yet another evening, where I gave up. Luckily, I have a boyfriend who knew that the best way to help me was to have zero tolerance for my self-defeating attitude; I hope you have a friend (or perhaps someone on these forums) who will pull you up in those dark moments! A perfectionist for much of my life, I had concentrated my time and efforts where I knew I could excel in an absolute sense. This mindset dictated many of my choices in life, and the GMAT forced me to confront and change who I was-at least a little. On the test, the perfect solution to a problem is not always the best one, and the perfect test score is not always the right goal given your larger MBA goal. What I learned is that success on the GMAT-and beyond--is not about getting it right, but feeling confident that I've prepared enough to respond effectively to the difficult and unexpected challenges that will always be there. I felt successful not when that score came up after the test, but DURING the test, when I realized I was excited when an inequality DS problem popped up-a few months ago, I would have dreaded it, but the 2nd time, I just attacked it!
Recommended Reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. I do not read self-help books at all, and I only read this as summer reading for work. She is an educational psychologist whose studies of achievement and success have found general application. Coincidentally, I was studying for the GMAT at the same time, and it helped with the mental battle!
The End: I met my realistic (some would say modest) goal in quant, worked on non-GMAT areas for my application, applied to b-school, and got into my target school: University of Michigan. I am 100% happy with this MBA program because it is one of few great MBA programs offering the opportunity to pursue a dual degree in business and education-or public policy. I'm still figuring that part out, and excited about this next phase in my life.
I hope my story is encouraging and these tips are helpful. Good luck to everyone on the GMAT and on your MBA goals!
Last edited by drabblejhu on Tue Apr 06, 2010 5:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
