650 on first GMATPrep Test

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650 on first GMATPrep Test

by fadibassil » Sun Aug 15, 2010 5:30 am
Hello all,

I've been visiting the forums for the past two months on and off and this is my first post.
First a bit of background. I have an engineering background (grad. 4 years ago and working at the university so it's still relatively fresh), done the GRE a year and a half back and got Q:770 V:570 and was going for a PhD but the combination of recession and life choices made me change my mind and now I see the MBA as the more viable option for a career change.
I've been preparing for the GMAT for the past two months but on and off throughout each week using the GMAT Review 12th edition book. I took the diagnostic test before starting the preparation, and I got PS: above average, DS: average (note that I had never seen this type of questions before), RC:Above Average , CR, Average , and SC Average .First mistake during the following preparation was that I did not log my time appropriately, I was doing it vaguely for each group of questions I tackled. Second mistake, I did not keep an error log. I had a general feel of what problems I was missing but nothing concrete.

Today I took my first simulated test and I got slapped in the face :). My timing was all over the place. the Analytical writing part was fine. although I did not review or analyze my final responses.

The surprise was in the Quant: I could not finish on time and I got stuck on certain questions where I had to repeat the calculations several times until I figured that I was using the wrong assumptions ( the stock ratings question where you're asked how many stocks can you rate with 1 letter 2 letters and 3 letters with repetition) . I think I was under pressure from time and panicking. I missed the last 7 question and guessed the previous 3.

the second surprise was that I finished the verbal 15 minutes ahead of time.
The score is Q: 40 V: 39 total 650

I want a 700+ score as among my target schools I have LBS, Oxford , ... for a specialization in finance/strategic management

I understand now the importance of timing, but If anybody can provide advice or guidance on timing or on anything else I'd love to hear it as I just had my engineering ego slapped :D

My test is on 22 sep. 2010

Thanks a lot

Fadi
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by Gurpinder » Sun Aug 15, 2010 3:03 pm
fadibassil wrote:Hello all,

I've been visiting the forums for the past two months on and off and this is my first post.
First a bit of background. I have an engineering background (grad. 4 years ago and working at the university so it's still relatively fresh), done the GRE a year and a half back and got Q:770 V:570 and was going for a PhD but the combination of recession and life choices made me change my mind and now I see the MBA as the more viable option for a career change.
I've been preparing for the GMAT for the past two months but on and off throughout each week using the GMAT Review 12th edition book. I took the diagnostic test before starting the preparation, and I got PS: above average, DS: average (note that I had never seen this type of questions before), RC:Above Average , CR, Average , and SC Average .First mistake during the following preparation was that I did not log my time appropriately, I was doing it vaguely for each group of questions I tackled. Second mistake, I did not keep an error log. I had a general feel of what problems I was missing but nothing concrete.

Today I took my first simulated test and I got slapped in the face :). My timing was all over the place. the Analytical writing part was fine. although I did not review or analyze my final responses.

The surprise was in the Quant: I could not finish on time and I got stuck on certain questions where I had to repeat the calculations several times until I figured that I was using the wrong assumptions ( the stock ratings question where you're asked how many stocks can you rate with 1 letter 2 letters and 3 letters with repetition) . I think I was under pressure from time and panicking. I missed the last 7 question and guessed the previous 3.

the second surprise was that I finished the verbal 15 minutes ahead of time.
The score is Q: 40 V: 39 total 650

I want a 700+ score as among my target schools I have LBS, Oxford , ... for a specialization in finance/strategic management

I understand now the importance of timing, but If anybody can provide advice or guidance on timing or on anything else I'd love to hear it as I just had my engineering ego slapped :D

My test is on 22 sep. 2010

Thanks a lot

Fadi
Hey Buddy,

Dont get discouraged, GMAT can be overtaken!

If you need help prepping for the material (the math, english, specific question types) use Manhattan Books. They are GREAT!!!! Just go to mgmat.com

If you issue is specifically timing, go at the following website and download the error trackers.
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log

Get a stopwatch. and start doing Official Guide questions under timed conditions and RECORD your answers in that error tracker. This way, you will be able to pace yourself while noting which areas you are able to do and not do under timed conditions. Then you can simply go back to them and review them a little more and tackle the questions again.

:d
"Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress."
- Alfred A. Montapert, Philosopher.

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by InkyBinky » Sun Aug 15, 2010 3:16 pm
I think it's doable. I scored a 650 on my first GMAT Prep 2 months ago. I recently took the second GMAT Prep after a couple months of self-guided study and scored a 750. I haven't taken the real test yet, though, so who knows what I'll get under real conditions.

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by fadibassil » Mon Aug 16, 2010 7:50 am
Thank you both for your replies.
and thank you Gurpinder for these resources.

Fadi