I just Beat The GMAT!

Hi All,

I had my test this morning and scored a 700. I would say I am disappointed because I was expecting like a 740 or so but after going through todays' experience, I want to share some things I took granted for, over-looked and need to learn from.

Ok, I am not saying I was expecting 740 because thats how my practice tests were. My tests were more like 670/680/690 usually. However, I was doing poorly for quant (low 40s) and decent for verbal (low 40s). I had full time work this week Mon-Wed and the way prep was: I focused more on quant these last 2-3days (MGMAT tests and OG ques) while I had spent more time on verbal (spe SC my weakness the weeks before).

My split today was 48quant (decent by most ppl standard but yay for me) and 37 for verbal (Disaster for me today). This was a wake up call for me. In both, V and Q i had 7-8q left in the last2-3min so i juz skimmed through at breakneck speed and answered somehow. I wasn't surprised that I had ques left in Q but Very Very shocked that I was so slow in V this morning. I am generally a fast reader and never have problems finishing exams, timing wise.I have a good reading speed, RC is usually my forte. Reflecting back, I took a lil' too long checking and double checking my SC problems which slowed me down and I guess now I know why. Even though my V prep was pretty good till last week, I slacked off in V these last 3-4days and focused only on math (Having 3 full days of work didnt help either but still). Thus, my SC prep wasn't as strong as I thought which led me to double guessing my answers and wasting a lot of time.

Also, even though I tried MGMAT, princeton and 800score.com tests in addition to Gmat Prep, I did Not finish OG for any section. I think I have about 40% OG left at least. But I thought that's Ok since I did prac tests. Lesson Learnt again!

Also, I think the math ques are harder in the actual test than in OG, more of MGMAT standard. However, I personally felt that MGMAT V was slightly easier than the test. (Or maybe I just feel so cos i scored low today).

Also, Stamina is important! I wasn't tired in the exam (though hungry) but when I did my prac tests, the review of the incorrect questions was rather cursory. Which is why i had to review the wrong ones again the night before Gmat. Also, when I did OG, I only check the wrong ones, (I just somehow dont have the patience to review the ques I had right thought I know its imp to review All attempted OG ques..Help!)

Now about re-taking, I know my potential for V is a lot higher and it was a wake up of sorts this morning. I know it will be pointless if i re-take and score ard 710/720. I want to aim for 750 atleaat since I wanna retake. Apart from the mistakes I made, someone suggest a Good strategy?

Hope that listing out my complacencies helped those in a similar situation.

Regards

would really appreciate if someone could shed some light on 'smart studying' techniques. I find it quite difficult to study on weekdays spe with work (usually 13/14hr days). And I honestly dont want to retake it unless I can figure out a good way to plan and study and have the potential to hit 750 or so.

Thanks!

Hi All,

Anyone has a good well thought of retaking strategy they would like to share?
A lil' disappointed that no one responded since ppl here are generally so forthcoming and helpful!
Perhaps one of the instructors could step in?

Congratulations!

I wish you further successes. Be persistent. Write down the goals.
The goals should be specific, realistic, measurable, personal and convictional.


Read Harvard Business School Goal Story:
https://www.lifemastering.com/en/harvard_school.html

Hope it helps!
Best,
Maciek

chocoswiss,

I wrote a lengthy debrief of my study strategy, the link is in my signature area. Post any specific questions that it doesn't address, I'll take a crack at 'em.