I just finished my second attempt at the GMAT with a 750 (Q49 V44). It's been quite a journey that started back in April 2009 with periodic studying and high aspirations. I scored a disappointing 670 in my first attempt one month ago, but I was determined to hit 700+. However, I wasn't expecting a 750 
A special thanks to this website for all its help - I couldn't have done it without Beat the GMAT! Below are some details about my preparation.
July 2009 GMAT First Take:
670 (Q44 V38) AWA 6
August 2009 GMAT Second Take:
750 (Q49 V44) AWA 6
Books:
* Kaplan Premier
* OG12
* PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible
I started with Kaplan Premier, which offered a good overview of the test questions. Then, I finished my studying with OG12 and scored 670 on my first attempt.
Most importantly, I realized after my first attempt that I didn't focus enough on my weaknesses. After re-focusing for my second attempt, I focused specifically on my weakest areas: data sufficiency and critical reasoning. To improve DS, I re-did a bunch of the OG12 questions and studied the solutions. To improve CR, I purchased PowerScore's Bible and powered through the book in a few days. As others on this website have said, PowerScore's CR Bible is a great book with some great tips. I was convinced that there was no way I'd be able to simplify CR, but the book proved me wrong. This book undoubtedly contributed to my improved verbal score. After a few weeks of concentration on DS and CR, I was confident that attempt #2 would be more successful.
I encourage all GMAT takers to stay focused on the ultimate goal - b-school. It's easy to lose focus in a sea of GMAT practice questions, but maintaining focus and determination is critical to success in this endeavor. There were certainly times when I was discouraged with practice test scores, but I powered through those tough times. It's all worth it in the end.
I took a few practice tests with VERY mixed results. See below:
GMAT Prep 1 (1st attempt): 690
Kaplan CAT 1: 550
Kaplan CAT 2: 540
Kaplan CAT 3: 540
GMAT Prep 1 (2nd attempt): 690
GMAT Prep 2 (1st attempt): 710
***GMAT (1st attempt): 670***
MGMAT Free Online CAT: 640
GMAT Prep 2 (2nd attempt): 730
***GMAT (2nd attempt): 750***
I applaud this website for all its resources! It was invaluable to my test preparation, and I owe much of my success to the instructors and other contributors on this site. A huge thanks to Beat the GMAT and its staff! You rock
A special thanks to this website for all its help - I couldn't have done it without Beat the GMAT! Below are some details about my preparation. July 2009 GMAT First Take:
670 (Q44 V38) AWA 6
August 2009 GMAT Second Take:
750 (Q49 V44) AWA 6
Books:
* Kaplan Premier
* OG12
* PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible
I started with Kaplan Premier, which offered a good overview of the test questions. Then, I finished my studying with OG12 and scored 670 on my first attempt.
Most importantly, I realized after my first attempt that I didn't focus enough on my weaknesses. After re-focusing for my second attempt, I focused specifically on my weakest areas: data sufficiency and critical reasoning. To improve DS, I re-did a bunch of the OG12 questions and studied the solutions. To improve CR, I purchased PowerScore's Bible and powered through the book in a few days. As others on this website have said, PowerScore's CR Bible is a great book with some great tips. I was convinced that there was no way I'd be able to simplify CR, but the book proved me wrong. This book undoubtedly contributed to my improved verbal score. After a few weeks of concentration on DS and CR, I was confident that attempt #2 would be more successful.
I encourage all GMAT takers to stay focused on the ultimate goal - b-school. It's easy to lose focus in a sea of GMAT practice questions, but maintaining focus and determination is critical to success in this endeavor. There were certainly times when I was discouraged with practice test scores, but I powered through those tough times. It's all worth it in the end.
I took a few practice tests with VERY mixed results. See below:
GMAT Prep 1 (1st attempt): 690
Kaplan CAT 1: 550
Kaplan CAT 2: 540
Kaplan CAT 3: 540
GMAT Prep 1 (2nd attempt): 690
GMAT Prep 2 (1st attempt): 710
***GMAT (1st attempt): 670***
MGMAT Free Online CAT: 640
GMAT Prep 2 (2nd attempt): 730
***GMAT (2nd attempt): 750***
I applaud this website for all its resources! It was invaluable to my test preparation, and I owe much of my success to the instructors and other contributors on this site. A huge thanks to Beat the GMAT and its staff! You rock
