All,
I have been reading some of the forum threads and have enjoyed your advice. I have recently made the decision to go back to get my MBA. I am a recent graduate with an BS in Management Information Systems. I graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.9) from undergrad. I completed my BS part-time while working full time as an IT Project Manager. I have over 12 years of business and IT experience, primarily in the financial and banking sectors, so needless to say, an MBA will be a value tool in my aresenal for future career growth if I plan to stay in this industry.
So, to get to the point...I have spoken at length with the graduate admissions office for the College of Business where I plan to attend (not a Top 10 school by any means, just a local, but respected state university). They have assured me that based on my undergradute GPA, work history and experience, and recommendations, anything over ~500-600 would be more than enough to secure a position in their MBA program. That being said, I am targeting somewhere in this general area for a score.
I am curious what others have to say about study preparation given my goals. Obviously I don't wish to be viewed as an underachiever, but if I can get in with a 550, why shoot for a 750? Here is my current plan and materials:
PR - Cracking the GMAT (2009 Edition)
OG - Offical Guide
Kaplan - Kaplan GMAT Prep with CD
I have ~3 months to prep, realistically devoting ~2 hours per night 3-4 nights per week and maybe 4-6 hours on weekends (total). I can say I am very strong in the verbal sections (probably to the point I could sit for the exam now and score pretty high). The quantitative worries me a bit more. I took mostly business math in college (stats, etc.).
Is there any free practice exams I could take online that would allow me to gauge my current state? I know about GMATPrep, but I believe you have to register for the exam to get the download. I'd like to take a practice exam to see where I am, and then develop a detailed study plan from there.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks for hanging in there with me if you have read this far.
Mark
EDIT:
I just found this thread that contains a pretty good list of practice tests. I would still love to hear what others have to say about my prep approach.
I have been reading some of the forum threads and have enjoyed your advice. I have recently made the decision to go back to get my MBA. I am a recent graduate with an BS in Management Information Systems. I graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.9) from undergrad. I completed my BS part-time while working full time as an IT Project Manager. I have over 12 years of business and IT experience, primarily in the financial and banking sectors, so needless to say, an MBA will be a value tool in my aresenal for future career growth if I plan to stay in this industry.
So, to get to the point...I have spoken at length with the graduate admissions office for the College of Business where I plan to attend (not a Top 10 school by any means, just a local, but respected state university). They have assured me that based on my undergradute GPA, work history and experience, and recommendations, anything over ~500-600 would be more than enough to secure a position in their MBA program. That being said, I am targeting somewhere in this general area for a score.
I am curious what others have to say about study preparation given my goals. Obviously I don't wish to be viewed as an underachiever, but if I can get in with a 550, why shoot for a 750? Here is my current plan and materials:
PR - Cracking the GMAT (2009 Edition)
OG - Offical Guide
Kaplan - Kaplan GMAT Prep with CD
I have ~3 months to prep, realistically devoting ~2 hours per night 3-4 nights per week and maybe 4-6 hours on weekends (total). I can say I am very strong in the verbal sections (probably to the point I could sit for the exam now and score pretty high). The quantitative worries me a bit more. I took mostly business math in college (stats, etc.).
Is there any free practice exams I could take online that would allow me to gauge my current state? I know about GMATPrep, but I believe you have to register for the exam to get the download. I'd like to take a practice exam to see where I am, and then develop a detailed study plan from there.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks for hanging in there with me if you have read this far.
Mark
EDIT:
I just found this thread that contains a pretty good list of practice tests. I would still love to hear what others have to say about my prep approach.
