720 (96th Percentile) - How I Beat The GMAT!

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by Michael Uritcky » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:17 pm
beatthegmat wrote:I just checked out https://beatthegmat.blocked/ and the site is indeed still up on my end--can you try again?

Anyone else noticing an outage?

Excellent !

It works.

Thank you

Michael Uritcky

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by beatthegmat » Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:25 pm
Awesome--you freaked me out for a second. :)
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by rocket » Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:18 am
Dear founder, beatthegmat,

Is there any way to find out how were the recent exams. I mean i will be giving the GMAT after a day. I just wanted to know how are the questions coming. do you have any such column?

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by beatthegmat » Mon Mar 01, 2010 12:35 pm
Not sure I understand your question--if you're referring to people's perspectives on the GMAT, I would take a look at the I just Beat The GMAT forum.
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by jamila » Tue Apr 13, 2010 5:04 am
Hi,

Kindly advise on how to use flashcards that I downloaded from the link posted by you. I have never used it before.

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by beatthegmat » Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:51 am
Hi Jamila,

Have you had a chance to read my first post on the thread? I talk about how I used flashcards there. Basically, use the BTG flashcards as a quick review reference--print them out and when you have 5 min free each day, just cycle through them for review.

Good luck!
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by jamila » Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:26 pm
Hi Eric,

Yes I went through all your posts and suggestions in detail, but was not sure on what a flashcard is and of its use. As per google it is a two-sided card whereby one one side you write the question and the other side your answer. And when I went through the .pdf posted by you it already had some notes on it. Shall I only read through them in my free time or use them as a two-sided card?

Also I wanted to ask you that is a GMAT preparatory course essential? I am very bad at math and quant.

Also you have mentioned 2-4 months of prepartion time. Does it mean devoting the entire day to studies? I work so if that's the case I might have to quit my job. However, if I do not discontinue working I can still give approx. 6 - 7 hours to studying.

Please advice.

Thank you for your help and effort. Appreciate your prompt response.

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by beatthegmat » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:21 am
The Beat The GMAT flashcards are actually not meant to be two-sided--but it's up to the person using them to determine how to best study from them. I recommend that you use the BTG flashcards for quick review, and I HIGHLY recommend that you also create your own as you come across concepts/problems that specifically address your own weaknesses.

A GMAT prep course can help but by no means is it essential. Plenty of people in this community (myself included) have been able to prepare for the test without a course. Here are some study plans to help you: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/how-to-g ... n-the-gmat

And to answer your last question, you don't need 6-7 hrs/day to study. 2-4 hours is more realistic, across 2-3 months. Don't quit your job!

Good luck!
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by jamila » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:16 pm
Thank you very much Eric.

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by beatthegmat » Thu Apr 15, 2010 9:12 am
You're welcome! And just know that this community is here to help you, so don't hesitate to ask questions throughout your GMAT prep and MBA admissions.

Good luck!
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by IWillSurvive » Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:27 pm
Hey there,

I just came across this post in April 2010.

It is an excellent plan and well-balanced. Thanks SO much for providing a positive spin on GMAT studies. It is stressful for us all, and you made it that much easier.

Hope you are enjoying yourself now. I wish I would have traveled the world too!

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by beatthegmat » Fri Apr 23, 2010 1:44 pm
Glad to hear you appreciate this plan! Hope it's helped guide your own studies. Good luck!
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by IWillSurvive » Fri Apr 23, 2010 2:10 pm
I am actually working at my computer....so I just saw your reply.

I do have two additional question:

1. How did you conquer anxiety? Did that every plague you?

I think this is ultimately what happened to me. Halfway through the exam, I felt like I hit a "wall". I just gave up.

2. Do you feel that someone has to be "math-oriented" to succeed on the GMAT? I am more inclined towards reading and vocabulary.

Any suggestions on that would be so wonderful!

Angie

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by beatthegmat » Fri Apr 23, 2010 2:18 pm
IWillSurvive wrote:I am actually working at my computer....so I just saw your reply.

I do have two additional question:

1. How did you conquer anxiety? Did that every plague you?

I think this is ultimately what happened to me. Halfway through the exam, I felt like I hit a "wall". I just gave up.

2. Do you feel that someone has to be "math-oriented" to succeed on the GMAT? I am more inclined towards reading and vocabulary.

Any suggestions on that would be so wonderful!

Angie
Hi Angie,

Happy to answer your questions--and just for your reference, please feel free to reach out to our community throughout your prep--you'll find a friend network of people here who want to see you succeed!

To address your questions:

1) Test anxiety wasn't too much of an issue because I did a LOT of practice tests prior to my real exam. What's more, I did my practice tests under 'simulated' conditions--tried to take the test the same time of day I would take my actual GMAT, tried to do it in a relatively trafficked area of a library to simulate ambient noise in a test center, etc. That kind of repetition and simulation really paid off to get my mind ready for the GMAT. I recommend this approach to you and everyone else too.

2) You definitely don't have to be math oriented to succeed on the GMAT. I was a Political Science and Sociology major(s) in college, so not a math guy at all. Most of what you see on the GMAT is math you've covered in early highschool. It takes some review and diligent practice to get comfortable again. You can do it, many community members here have! For inspiration, check out this debrief from an English teacher who significantly raised her math score: https://www.beatthegmat.com/if-an-englis ... 55694.html

Good luck!
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by IWillSurvive » Fri Apr 23, 2010 2:26 pm
Hello once again,

I like the idea of simulated test conditions. The noise is always annoying. I will try that.

I will also stay connected here with other members. Everyone seems very motivated and intelligent. I look forward to learning from everyone.

Have a great day!