D Terman wrote:Hi Everyone!

Its D Terman here again and I'm only 4 days away from GMAT round #3... (Taking on 8/18/2008 @ 8:00AM - People have told me that this is a lucky date and time and that my stars are in alignment and at this point I'll take any help I can get).

I've taken this whole week off of work and have been taking one practice test (800 score) each morning and reviewing it in detail in the afternoon and then in the evenings I'm working out, resting, and going over notes/flash cards... Any additional advice you have for me ?...

For all those wondering about the 800 score tests I think they are fairly reflective of the real deal and my scores show that, but I read alot of posts and many are saying that they are tougher than the real deal... I hope that this holds true and I blow the real GMAt out of the water.

800Score Cat 1 (Quant Only) - 31
800Score Cat 2 (Quant Only) - 37
800Score Cat 3 Q30, V41 - 590
800Score Cat 4 Q35, V39 - 600
800Score Cat 5 Q38, V27 - 540, I'm assuming Verbal is a fluke.

Also, I did end up shelling out $630 for the two day Veritas Quang Focus Class and eventhough I don't think I learned a ton of new things I did pick up a few tricks, gained a ton of confidence as I realized mid way through the class... "I know this stuff and there is no reason why I can not and will not do better", and got access to some great material... VERTIAS' books are great and signing up for any of their courses gives you access to 15 tests eventhough I don't like the VERITAS PREP tests too much... Took one yesterday and the breakout was Q48, V24 - 600... I thought the Math was super easy and the Verbal was super hard.

Thanks again to everyone and their support!

D Terman

D Terman wrote:Hi Everyone,

D Terman here... So after all was said and done I scored a 640(Q36, V41)... I was really aimining for a 650+, but I will not take the exam for a 4th time. 460 to 640 is all I got.

Wish I could have scored higher, but glad that its over. Now, hopefully my work experience (5 years as Financial Analyst in Energy Industry including year long stint in South America), GPA (3.7 from top CA school), and essays will carry me the rest of the way.

D Terman

D Terman wrote:Henry BB,

I know you feel terrible right now, but its not the worse thing in the world that could happen and you WILL do better. Before I answer your question I'd ask how many years of work experience you have.... I have four this year and would be going into MBA school with 5 and I believe that is what most of the top B-schools are looking for... Therefore, if you less than 5 and feel like you need alot of time to prepare for GMAT round 2 then I'd say take your time and apply for Fall 2010. If you have a pressing reason to apply for next year then I would say dedicate yourself and do well now.... Also, if you read some forums alot of people are saying that there is little difference in applying in round 1 or 2.

Finally, as a last piece of advice I would tell you to do two things 1) relax, do something fun and do not think about GMAT for atleast two weeks... Like a runner that has just finished a Marathon you're body and mind needs to relax...

2) When you are ready to get started studying again sit down and really think about what went wrong this time, was it not enough time to study, not the right materials, etc.... then right down a plan of how you are going to improve and put it in the front of a clear binder and use that binder to organize your stuff... Look it each time you're feeling down and as a reminder of what are the key areas you need to work on... You friends and family will most likely make fun of you for doing this, but this a way to use the anger, depression, and heartache you feel now as inspiriation for the next round!

I hope this helps and all the best to you!

D Terman