Just got back from the test center after having taken the GMAT. Scored a 720 (94th percentile) with Q46 (76 percentile) and V44(97th percentile).It feels odd typing this post, because for one, only a few hours ago I was typing up something similar in a 'structured' AWA format.
I haven't posted here before - but before I started on my GMAT journey I came across Eric's blog and the meticulously detailed study patterns. I vowed to develop a similar studying pattern. I did not.
However, I feel compelled to write about my experience for anyone else that might be in my shoes.
Outside of a few conversations about MBA school with friends and reading a few internet sites, I have very little information on what it takes to get into a top tier MBA school. Work and life keeps me busy enough and academics inadvertently take a back seat.
A couple months ago, I signed up for a Kaplan Live online prep course. I went through the sessions week after week. By the end of the Kaplan course - I rescheduled my MBA date. I wasn't ready.
What Kaplan did for me though was make available a one-stop shop where I could come back and take practice tests, when my schedule allowed me to. Which - in the last 2 weeks I used extensively. I'd imagine most of the other test prep options offer this ability - so in the end, its really YOU thats the difference maker. Not the program.
The bottom line in my opinion for anyone deciding whether or not you need a prep course, is knowing whether or not you will take time to practice! Just attending the course really won't get your prepped no matter what the marketing gimmicks tell you. For people that have a job - just taking 2 hours each day can be a big deal. So take 1 hour when you can't take 2 - but do it. It helps more than any prep course / magic potion can.
None of my practice tests were 720. The highest I ever got was 690. With an average closer to 650.
Now, onto phase 2 of this journey. The application. I need to educate myself on what this really means other than essays and interviews - and I'd appreciate any tips. My goal is Booth or Kellogg. Perhaps the pros on this forum know if my score 'cuts it'.
I worked hard (but not regularly). I didn't prepare for a 750 - so I didn't get one.
Good luck to all (and to me!)
I haven't posted here before - but before I started on my GMAT journey I came across Eric's blog and the meticulously detailed study patterns. I vowed to develop a similar studying pattern. I did not.
However, I feel compelled to write about my experience for anyone else that might be in my shoes.
Outside of a few conversations about MBA school with friends and reading a few internet sites, I have very little information on what it takes to get into a top tier MBA school. Work and life keeps me busy enough and academics inadvertently take a back seat.
A couple months ago, I signed up for a Kaplan Live online prep course. I went through the sessions week after week. By the end of the Kaplan course - I rescheduled my MBA date. I wasn't ready.
What Kaplan did for me though was make available a one-stop shop where I could come back and take practice tests, when my schedule allowed me to. Which - in the last 2 weeks I used extensively. I'd imagine most of the other test prep options offer this ability - so in the end, its really YOU thats the difference maker. Not the program.
The bottom line in my opinion for anyone deciding whether or not you need a prep course, is knowing whether or not you will take time to practice! Just attending the course really won't get your prepped no matter what the marketing gimmicks tell you. For people that have a job - just taking 2 hours each day can be a big deal. So take 1 hour when you can't take 2 - but do it. It helps more than any prep course / magic potion can.
None of my practice tests were 720. The highest I ever got was 690. With an average closer to 650.
Now, onto phase 2 of this journey. The application. I need to educate myself on what this really means other than essays and interviews - and I'd appreciate any tips. My goal is Booth or Kellogg. Perhaps the pros on this forum know if my score 'cuts it'.
I worked hard (but not regularly). I didn't prepare for a 750 - so I didn't get one.
Good luck to all (and to me!)
