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boatracers
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
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I posted this in the Math section, but it's probably better suited here....
Good luck!
Paul
-----------------------------
Hey All,
A lot of my friends in the past asked me how I did so well on the GMAT.
I scored a 780, and it was a significant difference from my original score of 580!
Here's the secret to what I did, and I hope that it will help you all as well!
About the 580:
When I took the test the first time, I scheduled the morning test. This was probably not the best strategy for me, as I had been practicing mostly in the afternoon. I was clearly physically tired in the morning, and I had to drink a cup of coffee to "stay awake" during the exam.
Looking back, this was an awful idea for me, as I was clearly out of my rhythm, and my score of 580 was significantly lower than my practice scores.
About the 780:
I was really disappointed when I got my 580, and was determined to do well. Here's what I did to do well without taking a fancy and expensive test prep course:
Step 1: Get the right materials
I purchased the following:
a) Electronic software by the ETS with the real GMAT questions (warning: do not buy the book version if you get the electronic version. The electronic version uses the same questions, and will give you a false score because you are answering questions that you've already seen).
b) I also purchased the cheapest book of GMAt questions that I could find (in my case it was the Arco book).
c) I also bought the Princeton Review's Math Workout book. This has some useful strategies on how to tackle math problems.
d) I also bought the Kaplan book with the CD. This is typically known as the hardest questions, but prepare you well for the test.
Step 2: Pace yourself and peak at the right time
I began my studies by only answering 10 questions a night using the Arco book. I gave myself an unlimited amount of time, and made sure that I was able to get the questions right. Sometimes I'd spend up to 30 minutes on 1 question to make sure that I was right. If I got something wrong, I'd spend a lot of time to make sure I know what I did wrong.
Step 2: Increase the pace
As I got better, in the 2nd or 3rd week, I answered 10 questions again, but gave myself 1 hour to finish them all. Again, the hope is that you can quicken the pace, but still get the same amount right.
Step 3: Transition to the computer tests
Since all GMAT tests are taken on a computer, I moved my studies to a computer. I made sure that I was keeping up the pace.
Step 4: not really a step, but keep this in mind.
During my studies, I made sure that I had a music break in between studies. This helped me stay in a "happy place" so that when I went and studied again that I was in the zone. For me this happened to be music, but for others this might be to eat candy, read a book, or do jumping jacks. Whatever it is, I found it useful for me to listen to music. The result was that I came back super pumped to answer test questions. I was on an adrenaline high and kicked some butt!
The key is not always to answer so many questions when practicing, but to understand how to answer the questions. Once you master this, you will do well!
Also, for me...I am not a morning person. I scheduled an afternoon sitting the second time, and the results were great for me.
If anyone has any more questions regarding the GMAT or essays, please respond to me on this board! If you're wondering, I ended up at Wharton!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Paul
-----------------------------
Hey All,
A lot of my friends in the past asked me how I did so well on the GMAT.
I scored a 780, and it was a significant difference from my original score of 580!
Here's the secret to what I did, and I hope that it will help you all as well!
About the 580:
When I took the test the first time, I scheduled the morning test. This was probably not the best strategy for me, as I had been practicing mostly in the afternoon. I was clearly physically tired in the morning, and I had to drink a cup of coffee to "stay awake" during the exam.
Looking back, this was an awful idea for me, as I was clearly out of my rhythm, and my score of 580 was significantly lower than my practice scores.
About the 780:
I was really disappointed when I got my 580, and was determined to do well. Here's what I did to do well without taking a fancy and expensive test prep course:
Step 1: Get the right materials
I purchased the following:
a) Electronic software by the ETS with the real GMAT questions (warning: do not buy the book version if you get the electronic version. The electronic version uses the same questions, and will give you a false score because you are answering questions that you've already seen).
b) I also purchased the cheapest book of GMAt questions that I could find (in my case it was the Arco book).
c) I also bought the Princeton Review's Math Workout book. This has some useful strategies on how to tackle math problems.
d) I also bought the Kaplan book with the CD. This is typically known as the hardest questions, but prepare you well for the test.
Step 2: Pace yourself and peak at the right time
I began my studies by only answering 10 questions a night using the Arco book. I gave myself an unlimited amount of time, and made sure that I was able to get the questions right. Sometimes I'd spend up to 30 minutes on 1 question to make sure that I was right. If I got something wrong, I'd spend a lot of time to make sure I know what I did wrong.
Step 2: Increase the pace
As I got better, in the 2nd or 3rd week, I answered 10 questions again, but gave myself 1 hour to finish them all. Again, the hope is that you can quicken the pace, but still get the same amount right.
Step 3: Transition to the computer tests
Since all GMAT tests are taken on a computer, I moved my studies to a computer. I made sure that I was keeping up the pace.
Step 4: not really a step, but keep this in mind.
During my studies, I made sure that I had a music break in between studies. This helped me stay in a "happy place" so that when I went and studied again that I was in the zone. For me this happened to be music, but for others this might be to eat candy, read a book, or do jumping jacks. Whatever it is, I found it useful for me to listen to music. The result was that I came back super pumped to answer test questions. I was on an adrenaline high and kicked some butt!
The key is not always to answer so many questions when practicing, but to understand how to answer the questions. Once you master this, you will do well!
Also, for me...I am not a morning person. I scheduled an afternoon sitting the second time, and the results were great for me.
If anyone has any more questions regarding the GMAT or essays, please respond to me on this board! If you're wondering, I ended up at Wharton!
Good luck!
only.. Q-49 V-19 AWA-5..
