Introduction and Plan

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SynPo800: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 2:53 pm

Introduction and Plan

by SynPo800 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 3:00 pm

Hey Everyone,

New to this place, I took the GMAT about 2 years ago (I had taken a practice test before and did some light reading) - Got a 39 in both Verbal and Quant (overall 640) as well as an 8 on IG.

The plan is to counter-act my rather low GPA, I think I'm shooting for a 780+.

Based on some general research an increase of 140 points is a pretty ridiculous goal, especially considering that I am trying to breach the 750 barrier.

Plan is to study anywhere from 1-2 hours per day for about a month, then do a test to see where I am. If any significant progress has been made I will stay that course.

I am a bit curious if anyone has been able to make such significant gains with, what I consider to be not-considerable effort?

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Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Thu Dec 01, 2016 3:00 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; Followed by:511 members; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Thu Dec 01, 2016 4:31 pm

Hi SynPo800,

To start, it's important to understand that the score that you "want" and the score that you "need" are not necessarily the same score. No School will require that you score 780, so you would likely find it easier to redefine your score goal and make it more realistic (and thus, attainable). Given what you've described, you would likely need at least 3 months of consistent, guided study to hit 750+, so studying for just one month might not be enough time to make the 'interim goals' that you're looking for.

Since you're coming back to your studies after such a long period, it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). That score will give us a good sense of your current strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at [email protected]

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SynPo800: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 2:53 pm

by SynPo800 » Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:32 pm

Thank you for the quick response. I was planning on applying this Spring or next Fall.

Schools: UPenn, Harvard, MIT, Stanford

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GMAT/MBA Expert

Bara: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 383; Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:20 pm; Location: Online Conferencing - in person in select cities.; Thanked: 55 times; Followed by:21 members

by Bara » Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:54 pm

SynPo - - Once you DO a diagnostic test again, and ascertain where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you an set a course to master content, employ best

While improving your score will help you, a 780 is really not necessary - - how is your entire candidacy and what are you doing to make yourself a 'hell yes' to the admissions people?

You have access to awesome advisors on BTG who can help direct you to pivot towards 'extra currriculars/life-balance' activities, volunteering, your essays, and other facets of being a great leader. Where are you at on this aspect of your process?

Best,

Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
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SynPo800: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Thu Dec 01, 2016 2:53 pm

by SynPo800 » Fri Dec 02, 2016 9:52 am

Thank you for the reply Bara.

My GPA is a 3.1 (engineering) that is why I thought I would need a GMAT of 780+ to impress admissions. My extra curriculars/life balance activities and volunteering are set (I have been volunteering for the last 20 years - pretty much non-stop). I am currently unemployed and that is going to be a major hurdle.

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GMAT/MBA Expert

Bara: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 383; Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 5:20 pm; Location: Online Conferencing - in person in select cities.; Thanked: 55 times; Followed by:21 members

by Bara » Fri Dec 02, 2016 10:05 am

Gotcha. GPAs are important, of course, but it also might be the classes you took in engineering, and the school you attended. A 3.1 at a top tier school is different than a school with less weight. Throw this information over to the admissions consultants. I believe it's also what you are doing during this time not working that they'll also be looking at. Great about volunteerism!

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GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; Followed by:511 members; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Fri Dec 02, 2016 10:17 am

Hi SynPo800,

With the timeframe you've described, you have plenty of time to study for the GMAT, which is good. You'll have to be consistent with those studies though - studying in 'small chunks' throughout the week is often better than 'cramming' (or studying "when you can"). You've also named some highly competitive Schools, so beyond having a competitive GMAT score, you'll need a strong OVERALL profile AND you'll need to 'market yourself' correctly to each individual Program. To start though, we need that initial CAT score, so you should plan to take that CAT soon (perhaps this weekend).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at [email protected]