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I bombed the GMAT, really need your help/advice.

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I bombed the GMAT, really need your help/advice.

by JaredSD » Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:23 am
I took the gmat this morning and scored a 450. I did not expect a great score as I only studied for 3 weeks, and really did not read anything in-depth. I did read some of the Manhattan GMAT guides, but only on a .pdf scanned version on my PC. The testing conditions were terrible; it was windy (30mph) which rattled the windows. In addition, I called the center 45 minutes before the test to see what the room temp is and they told me it was hot; I get in there and it is freaking freezing. The test was at 8:30, and I certainly not awake at that time. Perhaps I should take it at a 3:00 time slot next time?

I feel somewhat down, but really shouldn't considering I used this as a benchmark exam. I would like to know what materials you all think are the best for certain parts of the test. I have heard reviews about several different study guides. Some ppl at my school swear by the Princeton Review, but I read online that the MGMAT is the best. I also hear to switch it up; the PR for strategy, and certain MGMAT guides for study (number properties etc...). It is confusing because there are so many choices/decisions out there such as MGMAT, PR, Powerscore Bible, OG 12th, online courses, in person courses (Kaplan)....etc. I understand this is quite a loaded posting, but please give me any advice you think would help. The good thing is I have a lot of time to devote to this, and I am not letting this low score get my determination or confidence down! I just need a plan of attack!

So in a nutshell:

1. what materials are best for certain sections?
2. Any kind of strategy is appreciated
3. Is 2 months an adequate amount of time to do a lot better than 450?
4. Any certain practice tests to buy? I know some come with books, and there are free ones on mba.com

Thank you all very much for anything you have to offer!
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by Brian@VeritasPrep » Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:20 pm
Hey Jared,

Sorry to hear about a rough test day! Sounds like you got hit with a bunch of negative factors all at once. The good news is that I'm sure you've learned a lot from the experience about what to expect from the test (and how to prepare for the unexpected in terms of circumstances).

I like your point about how you "really shouldn't (feel down)" - you can definitely build from here. Before it's too far in the past, I'd highly recommend that you take some time to jot down notes about which concepts and question types you know you struggled with or took you too long so that you can address those.

As for how to proceed, one thing that's helpful is that there are a few free resources out there designed to get people familiar with what companies offer, and you can use those both for that reason and to just cherry pick some free strategies and practice problems. For example, I'm hosting one of our free seminars online next week - the information should be hyperlinked at the right of this page -and I know that Kaplan and others offer the same kind of thing. And if the SD in your name indicates San Diego (sorry...we don't have much in South Dakota), you may want to check out an in-person free trial class; our 2010 Worldwide Instructor of the Year, Matt Douglas, teaches many of our San Diego classes. A lot of what you glean from a program comes down to your confidence in it, so feel free to test the waters a bit so that you're fully bought into your decision.
Brian Galvin
GMAT Instructor
Chief Academic Officer
Veritas Prep

Looking for GMAT practice questions? Try out the Veritas Prep Question Bank. Learn More.
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by JaredSD » Tue Mar 22, 2011 1:47 pm
I am actually in Fayetteville, AR....trying to get in to the U of A mba program...contingent on a good score haha. Thanks for the reply. I know there is a wealth of info out there, just trying to get an combined point of view of what people think are the better resources for studying. I have heard this:

Powerscore CR Bible for CR
MGMAT 1,2,5 (number properties, fractions, and geometry)
MGMAT 8 (sentence structure)
Princeton Review (for test taking techniques)

Any thoughts?

Also, I know this....I will take a long sleeve shirt next time!
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