***TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN: I have included only the most vital details for decent analysis of my situation. Although, mentally bruised and battered, I still have the audacity to hope. Here is short summary of my painfully, yet enlightening journey of the GMAT. ***
May 2006 to May 2009:
Graduated from Northern Illinois University with B.S in Political Science (Cum GPA 2.72, last 4 semesters GPA 3.25) . The day after graduation became a managing partner with a highly competitive company in the Chicago wireless retail industry (age 26). Within a short period became responsible for the total operations of multiple locations throughout the Chicago-land area, which also included managing a staff of 15 employees. After significant business achievements and invaluable business experience, a corporate merger which included a restructuring decision, led me to seek an MBA.
June 2009 to Nov 2009:
Enrolled in the Manhattan GMAT prep course
Studied moderately (3-5 week, 4 hours day)
Took GMAT 11/20/2009:
Q: 25, 15% ; V: 31, 58%
TOTAL: 480 30%
(*HAD TERRIBLE TEST ANXIETY, SLEPT 4 HOURS NIGHT BEFORE)
Dec 2009 to April 2010:
Feeling like something was mentally wrong with me, I check with my family doctor. She diagnosed me with ADD and prescribed Adderall, but felt I should see a specialist. 2nd diagnosis confirmed initial diagnosis. Applied for time extension accommodation on GMAT, after several weeks GMAC denied request. Devastated but not defeated, I tripled my efforts to reach a score in the 90% percentile.
Resources Used:
OG 12
OG verbal & quant
All 8 Manhattan strategy guides
Powerscore Critical Reasoning Bible
Kaplan GMAT Platinum CD 2005
800score.com
Pretty much exhausted any GMAT material which I found at the library and various pdf downloads from torrent website. Took over 15 practice exams ranging from 550-700. Rigorously, studied 6 days a week & 9 hours a day in the library. Consequently isolated myself from sunlight and any remaining social life and made the GMAT my primary purpose for living (to the unhealthy extent of losing 30lbs, but it was perhaps the side effects of the ADD medication). Even started studying hypnosis and mediation for achieving peak performance during stressful situations. :roll:
Took 2nd GMAT on 4/20/2010
Q: 32, 33% ; V: 27, 42%
TOTAL: 500, 35%
(*HAD RELATIVITY LOW TEST ANXIETY, SLEEP 8 HOURS NIGHT BEFORE)
4/27/2010 and beyond...
New scaled down goal is to enroll in a top 50 full time MBA program, and after carefully consideration of my current options I am planning on attempting the GMAT a 3rd time. Perhaps delusional, but my aim is to score somewhere in range of a 670-700. Also, I am planing on taking the exam by the next available date, which can be as soon as 5/22/2010. I am open for any suggestions or advice in regards to what I can realistically achieve. Also, with my current profile if you think I am competitive at any top 50 MBA program.
I truly appreciate any feedback!!

May 2006 to May 2009:
Graduated from Northern Illinois University with B.S in Political Science (Cum GPA 2.72, last 4 semesters GPA 3.25) . The day after graduation became a managing partner with a highly competitive company in the Chicago wireless retail industry (age 26). Within a short period became responsible for the total operations of multiple locations throughout the Chicago-land area, which also included managing a staff of 15 employees. After significant business achievements and invaluable business experience, a corporate merger which included a restructuring decision, led me to seek an MBA.
June 2009 to Nov 2009:
Enrolled in the Manhattan GMAT prep course
Studied moderately (3-5 week, 4 hours day)
Took GMAT 11/20/2009:
Q: 25, 15% ; V: 31, 58%
TOTAL: 480 30%
(*HAD TERRIBLE TEST ANXIETY, SLEPT 4 HOURS NIGHT BEFORE)
Dec 2009 to April 2010:
Feeling like something was mentally wrong with me, I check with my family doctor. She diagnosed me with ADD and prescribed Adderall, but felt I should see a specialist. 2nd diagnosis confirmed initial diagnosis. Applied for time extension accommodation on GMAT, after several weeks GMAC denied request. Devastated but not defeated, I tripled my efforts to reach a score in the 90% percentile.
Resources Used:
OG 12
OG verbal & quant
All 8 Manhattan strategy guides
Powerscore Critical Reasoning Bible
Kaplan GMAT Platinum CD 2005
800score.com
Pretty much exhausted any GMAT material which I found at the library and various pdf downloads from torrent website. Took over 15 practice exams ranging from 550-700. Rigorously, studied 6 days a week & 9 hours a day in the library. Consequently isolated myself from sunlight and any remaining social life and made the GMAT my primary purpose for living (to the unhealthy extent of losing 30lbs, but it was perhaps the side effects of the ADD medication). Even started studying hypnosis and mediation for achieving peak performance during stressful situations. :roll:
Took 2nd GMAT on 4/20/2010
Q: 32, 33% ; V: 27, 42%
TOTAL: 500, 35%
(*HAD RELATIVITY LOW TEST ANXIETY, SLEEP 8 HOURS NIGHT BEFORE)
4/27/2010 and beyond...
New scaled down goal is to enroll in a top 50 full time MBA program, and after carefully consideration of my current options I am planning on attempting the GMAT a 3rd time. Perhaps delusional, but my aim is to score somewhere in range of a 670-700. Also, I am planing on taking the exam by the next available date, which can be as soon as 5/22/2010. I am open for any suggestions or advice in regards to what I can realistically achieve. Also, with my current profile if you think I am competitive at any top 50 MBA program.
I truly appreciate any feedback!!













