I just Beat The GMAT!

Hi guys,


To start with, I'm a very ordinary guy. No marks for guessing my profession, I'm a software engineer. And like all my peers I too had a dream to pursue an MBA. Gave cat twice and faltered for obvious reasons- my preparation was not up to potential. I promised myself not to give CAT again and started looking for other avenues. GMAT was the obvious choice as I assumed it to be way easier than is the CAT. However, these assumptions were soon to be shattered!

It was March 2008 that I started my preparation. Collated some stuff from a local coaching institute (I better not take its name) and completed both the quant and verbal sections respectively. I later realized that these books were renditions of the OG 10. This finding made me realize that it was foolish to rely on a coaching institute. Instead I got myself the following books: Princeton Review, Kaplan Premier Program and Kaplan Verbal Workout and Kaplan 800. I completed the Kaplan books, except the 800 one, only to realize that my basics were in fact baseless. I returned to Princeton Review and found out the level too low for me to handle. I grew in confidence and started giving back to back tests. Princeton Test scores ranged from 650 to 710 while Kaplan ranged from 530 to 590. I booked the GMAT date in August, 5 days ahead of my birth day, and gave two Power Prep Tests before hitting the final stone. I scored 700 and 640 in those two tests.
However, my so called strategies were bound to go for a spin - I scored a dismal 590(Q47 V28).

Lesson: One should always plan and interrogate fellow test takers. I was all by myself and never tried to seek any one's opinion on the GMAT (Though I wanted to prove a point here - but it took me a while to sink in that it's a hard world out there with no room for emotions)

Next up, was disaster time as I had only 2 months left to the first deadline(s). After tons and tons of brainstorming I thought that it would be a great idea to give GMAT another shot. This time, however, I started using forums more seriously. I also spoke to current students and peers who had great scores. I also had a strategy in mind. I solved a plethora of tests and was getting scores mostly in the early 700s. November was here and I took the GMAT date, 15 days ahead of the first potential deadline. In the knack of deadlines, however, I lost it completely - I scored a 610(Q44 V30), courtesy -my non-timed break during the quant section and my shivering body throughout the verbal section.


Lesson: Never let deadlines drive you. Give the GMAT only once you are thoroughly prepared. I also made the mistake of assuming that my application will be ready in 15 days -something which is quite unlikely. Remember, the GMAT is only a number in your application. It's true that a high GMAT may earn you that coveted seat in a b school; however, the admissions team lays more stress on your application's uniqueness than on your GMAT score.

It was time for me to take a break. However, don't mistake this for a vacation as I was buried under office work thereafter. I thought this to be a blessing in disguise as I was too frustrated and almost gave up on the idea of an MBA (that's a sad thing to do). I perennially mocked people who always whined on the concept of working and studying simultaneously, only to realize that those people were correct. This goes to all software engineers and those in other industries - studying while one's working is a daunting task, but the feeling of achieving that dream score is ecstatic. I know its clichéd, but trust me guys, the idea of studying hurts more than studying lone� . After a hiatus of 4 months, I decided to devote some quality time to preparation. It was hard coming back to books again but then all great things are perhaps the most difficult to achieve! I re-solved all the material I had and gave the tests (Although it didn't help much as a major chunk of the questions was repeated). The only new material I had were the new sets of tests from Manhattan and 800score. These sets not only made me realize my current level but compelled me to work voraciously on my weaknesses. I averaged 680 on Manhattan and 720 on 800score. Come July, it was time for the GMAT, yet again. I was happy for the fact that I was writing the exam ahead of potential deadlines and that I was very confident on both the quant and Verbal sections. The day came and I thought I ruled the quant section and I guess that feeling ruined by verbal section. I scored a 650 (Q49 V30).

Lesson: Sometimes staying away from studies help. The fact that I improved in the Quant section testifies the same. Also, if you intend to start your studies after a gap, always start with your strength areas. Quant was my strength in this case. Moreover, English was something that I always dreaded. The more you run away from things, the more they will haunt you. This saying attributed my atrocious verbal score. Also, do not let the success of one section overrule your potential to perform in the following sections. I did the mistake of becoming overtly confident after I solved the Quant section - This feeling almost raped (virtually) me in the verbal section.

It was time that I left every other thing and got down to some serious studying.I thankfully got released from my project and utilized the much needed bench period (techies would know what I'm talking about) to full potential. I completely revamped my study schedule. I started from the basics. Be it the quant or the verbal section, I lay utmost importance to concepts and solved almost a 1000 questions combined in a months time. Manhattan SC was one book that I never took seriously and just tried to parrot the rules -something that really helps on the GMAT. Got hold of the OG 11 and also solved 1000 SC RC and CR to gain an insight into few real GMAT level questions and ultimately had a sought after plan for the verbal section. . I also crafted different strategies for Data sufficiency and Problem solving techniques. By this time, I was scoring quite high on both Manhattan and Power prep tests and never felt so good. Took the date 2 days ahead and gave the GMAT. My score - 710 (Q47 V40). The quant score was on the lower side, however, plenty of other things went my way so...No regrets!

Lesson: There is no room for a layman in a GMAC Pearson Professional Centre. It is mandate that when you enter the room, you have a devised plan in your mind and the will to execute it. Half the time we loose the battle because we are overcome by a host of hurdles. GMAT is a demon that tests your potential to stand its demolitions- or shall I say JO DAR GAYA WOH MAR GAYA.

The feeling of seeing a 710 on my screen was an amalgam of agony and jubilation. I almost ended up shouting in the room at one instance. Thanks to the wonderful lady instructor, I was not allowed to do so �

My honest advice to all GMAT takers:-

Know your strengths and use them at adversity.
Alleviate your weaknesses. Learn from them even if you find hard eliminating them.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Basics are pivotal to both the Quant and Verbal section.
Avoid Frustration - it kills

Preparation Material that I ended up using:-

Books:-
Princeton Review
OG 10 and 11
Kaplan Premier Program
Kaplan Verbal Workout
Manhattan SC

Tests:-
Princeton - variable scoring
Kaplan - a morale spoiler
Power Prep - ideal conditions are tested but the level of questions is on the lower side
Manhattan - I rate them the best
800score - a close second.

PS: I haven't mentioned AWA anywhere. It was or rather still is my strongest section. Perhaps the lone thing I can boast about � However, any serious GMAT candidate is bound to get at least a 4.5 on the AWA by simply following the rules quoted in the OG.

Cheers
Varun
My mentor for GMAT and applications

Hi Varun,

Your story is truly inspirational and I would love to know how you modified your verbal strategy to increase your score from 28 to 40. Your story sounds very familiar to mine that I really would love to get your feedback on my GMAT journey. I have made two attempts at official GMAT so far and I am losing all faith that I can actually score 700.
I started studying for GMAT through Manhattan GMAT course from Nov 2009 through Jan 2010 and I was scoring around 600 by the time it was January and I decided to give it a try with the real deal. I scored pathetically - 570 (V-27, Q-41) which were lower than what I had been scoring on practice exams. I was highly disappointed, but I realized that if I was going to increase my score, I would have to focus my energy on verbal. So I bought PowerScore CR bible, I re-studied Manhattan Sentence Correction guide thoroughly and enrolled in Knewton. I also re-did all my SC problems from OG, tried to dissect each SC problem I got wrong and took ample notes and made flash cards on idioms. Then right around March, I started to see my verbal score go up to 34 and my verbal score saw improvement as well. After seeing 680 on Knewton and 660 in GMAT Prep software exams, I thought I was prepared to give another try at GMAT and I took it on 04/17/10 and scored horribly once again at 610 (V-30 Q-43). I felt very much at ease during the exam and I didn't feel rushed mostly (didn't finish 2 problem for verbal). I really don't know what went wrong - I felt really confident about Quant, but it went down from what I have been scoring (47, and 48) and my verbal score just doesn't seem to budge even after dedicating so much time doing OG questions, reviewing carefully and taking detailed notes.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR VERBAL SCORE?

REAL GMAT 04/10 V-30 Q-43 (610)
GMAT PREP 03/10 V-34 Q-47 (660)
Knewton 03/10 V-34 Q-48 (680)
Knewton 03/10 V-25 Q-48 (610)
Knewton 03/10 V-29 Q-38 (550) = The software was running really slow. Couldn't finish verbal
REAL GMAT 01/10 V-27 Q-41 (570)
GMAT PREP 01/10 V-30 Q-44 (600)
MGMAT 01/10 V-31 Q-43 (600)
MGMAT 12/09 V-30 Q-43 (600)
MGMAT 11/09 V-33 Q-39 (590)

Please let me know what you think. I would like to give another/final try in May.

Varun,

I also would like to know how you jump for the 20's to 40. Please share your strategy.

Thanks

Thanks so much for describing your inspirational journey! I really appreciate what you said about not working around a deadline - everyone has been asking me WHEN I'm taking the test, and I just don't feel ready to schedule it yet given my latest practice score of 590!!

I now feel good about taking it when I feel ready. Thanks again!

CANDOGIRL wrote:Hi Varun,

Your story is truly inspirational and I would love to know how you modified your verbal strategy to increase your score from 28 to 40. Your story sounds very familiar to mine that I really would love to get your feedback on my GMAT journey. I have made two attempts at official GMAT so far and I am losing all faith that I can actually score 700.
I started studying for GMAT through Manhattan GMAT course from Nov 2009 through Jan 2010 and I was scoring around 600 by the time it was January and I decided to give it a try with the real deal. I scored pathetically - 570 (V-27, Q-41) which were lower than what I had been scoring on practice exams. I was highly disappointed, but I realized that if I was going to increase my score, I would have to focus my energy on verbal. So I bought PowerScore CR bible, I re-studied Manhattan Sentence Correction guide thoroughly and enrolled in Knewton. I also re-did all my SC problems from OG, tried to dissect each SC problem I got wrong and took ample notes and made flash cards on idioms. Then right around March, I started to see my verbal score go up to 34 and my verbal score saw improvement as well. After seeing 680 on Knewton and 660 in GMAT Prep software exams, I thought I was prepared to give another try at GMAT and I took it on 04/17/10 and scored horribly once again at 610 (V-30 Q-43). I felt very much at ease during the exam and I didn't feel rushed mostly (didn't finish 2 problem for verbal). I really don't know what went wrong - I felt really confident about Quant, but it went down from what I have been scoring (47, and 48) and my verbal score just doesn't seem to budge even after dedicating so much time doing OG questions, reviewing carefully and taking detailed notes.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR VERBAL SCORE?

REAL GMAT 04/10 V-30 Q-43 (610)
GMAT PREP 03/10 V-34 Q-47 (660)
Knewton 03/10 V-34 Q-48 (680)
Knewton 03/10 V-25 Q-48 (610)
Knewton 03/10 V-29 Q-38 (550) = The software was running really slow. Couldn't finish verbal
REAL GMAT 01/10 V-27 Q-41 (570)
GMAT PREP 01/10 V-30 Q-44 (600)
MGMAT 01/10 V-31 Q-43 (600)
MGMAT 12/09 V-30 Q-43 (600)
MGMAT 11/09 V-33 Q-39 (590)

Please let me know what you think. I would like to give another/final try in May.

Hey there,

thanks for your kind words. I'm sure you will BEAT the gmat indeed.

To answer your queries, it is not evident from your post as to which section you want us to stress upon. A verbal score of 43 is gr8 and I don't foresee any gaps there. However, your Qaunt score is on the lower side and you really need to work on it.

Let me know what all help you need from me. I'm willing to assist you !

Cheers
Varun
My mentor for GMAT and applications

suzeemunkee wrote:Thanks so much for describing your inspirational journey! I really appreciate what you said about not working around a deadline - everyone has been asking me WHEN I'm taking the test, and I just don't feel ready to schedule it yet given my latest practice score of 590!!

I now feel good about taking it when I feel ready. Thanks again!

Hey there,

Good to see your reply.

Just work hard and take a date ONLY when your heart asks you to GO for it.

All the best and give me some good news soon!
Varun
My mentor for GMAT and applications

GMAT680 wrote:Varun,

I also would like to know how you jump for the 20's to 40. Please share your strategy.

Thanks

Sure mate...Will be posting that soon !

atb!
varun
My mentor for GMAT and applications

Hey Varun,

Can you let me know where I can find the Manhattan tests?
Did you register for them online?

neonite wrote:Hey Varun,

Can you let me know where I can find the Manhattan tests?
Did you register for them online?

Hey Neonite,

Yes buddy, ul have to register and pay for the Manhattan tests-around 38$. Even I tried getting free tests online but I could not do so.

let me know in case you find free manhattan tests anywhere

ATB!
Varun

varun.bullseye wrote:

neonite wrote:Hey Varun,

Can you let me know where I can find the Manhattan tests?
Did you register for them online?

Hey Neonite,

Yes buddy, ul have to register and pay for the Manhattan tests-around 38$. Even I tried getting free tests online but I could not do so.

let me know in case you find free manhattan tests anywhere

ATB!
Varun

I would rather suggest to get any of MGMAT's 8 books with which you get access to respective Q bank and all the 6 CATs. Check out amazon; each of the books is just around $17. Use the code found inside the book and register on manhattangmat.com

btw Varun, your post is truly inspirational and an excellent example of perseverance. Congrats for your score!

Congratulations Varun for that awesome score Man!

Good luck for the next phase...

Please do share your experience of verbal esp how you moved from mid 20's to 40.....Please talk about this journey in more details....

Cheers!

Varun,

I would love to know what you did to increase your verbal score as I'm struggling to increase my verbal score.
Thanks. Looking forward to your response.

Hey mate..

Your story gives me a ray of hope that i mite just be there with all you elite people one day..
truly inspirational...


Cheers
CG

simply superb post...

and you personifies the quote "Never ever give up"

Dear all,

Greetings!

As it is evident from my post, i have gone down many a times in the GMAT and have learnt the hard way. But I would still try and recall the process ( I hate to call it a strategy :0) and share it with you all.

Lets start with my favorite section : Sentence Correction(SC).

The first and the foremost thing one must do is to parrot all the rules in Manhattan GMAT. It is the best book for SC I have ever come across. The book has been divided into several sections- one for each rule. So after you read every chapter, try to solve the 10-20 questions given at the end. Mark all the questions that you were unable to solve. DO NOT THINK ABOUT ANY OTHER RULE WHILE YOU ARE SOLVING A PARTICULAR SET OF QUESTIONS. Now once you have completed all the questions and parroted the rules in the book, do a revision:-

1) Analyse the right answers and question yourself as to what made you choose a particular choice over the others.
2) Re-solve all the questions that you wrongly answered at the first go.

It is extremely important to analyze each and every option. Even if you have zeroed in on a choice, DO NOT NEGLECT other options. Mark your choice ONLY after reading all the choices correctly.

After successfully, completing the Manhattan SC book. You can take a small notebook and make notes as to where you went wrong and which are your strength areas. You should roughly have around 15-20 points if you seriously did as directed.

Now, you will be at a stage where in you are required to identify potential errors in a random SC problem. The Official GMAT Guide (OG) is the best place to work next. Put all the learning from the Manhattan SC book to good use and solve the SC questions in the OG. Start small- don't think you can scale all problems at one go. It can be 10, 20 or max 30 problems at one stretch- The idea is to master the art and not win any race. You can solve a bunch of 15-20 questions ideally on each day and then analyze what went right and what went wrong. While you do so, keep appending your notebook(the one that we made initially)

Post-finishing the SC questions in OG, you are ought to be a confident person and with lots and lots of armors in your notebook , you are all set to attack any SC question. Do read the notebook multiple times and you will be surprised to see how you much have you grown all this while - Read the first point and the last point in your notebook and you'll understand what I mean.

Now all the learning thus far can be polished. If you have the time, hit 1000SC and solve the questions there. Again do not attempt more than 30 questions at one go ( You can if you are a superman ) . Thats my advice Analyze the same way as aforementioned and keep updating your notebook. If you think that 1000 SC is a cake walk and that you need tougher SC questions - go for the Kaplan 800 SC section . The SC questions there will really exercise your brain cells but the learning would be immense.

Thumb rule : Whatever be the learning, be it the silliest of concepts or just a self-belief - update your notebook. You will have a self-made SC bible at the end of your prep which you can publish don't forget to read that bible of yours 2-3 days before the official GMAT-day.

I hope that I made sense. If you have further clarifications on my SC strategy, feel free to revert. I'll be more than willing to help! I will be posting my next favorite section- Critical reasoning next !

Wishing you all a great day ahead!

Cheers
Varun
My mentor for GMAT and applications