I've been a active READER in this forum and always thought I'd contribute
to the story pool when I had completed my goal.
Well, now since I have, here's my story.
1. Personal background
I'm a 31 year old Korean male, living in Seoul. I lived in the US during
elementary school and served in the Army on a US army base in Korea.
I would consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to gain a considerable level of English skills. I have a B.A in Electronicall Engineering.
2. The long long journey
(1) During my 3rd year into my career (2005), not having thought things through, I thought I might want to get an MBA. Registered for a GMAT test. Thinking getting a feel of how the test is like would help. BAD IDEA.
Having a engineering back ground, I got a 47 on the Q. But on the verbal a 18!!! Total 540.
(2) During the following year (2006) I did my research this time and found out the schools got access to 5 most recent test scores. OUCH. I took some prep course on CR and SC for about 2 months. I was pretty confident with the Math, a bit over confident. I took the test and got a 670 (Q;48, V34)
(3) Now this is where the real fustration started. I had my heart on Stanford and I knew I needed a 700+ score to at least compete with other applicants. I studied some more and took the test again during the same year. Whalla a 650 (Q 47, V31). Pressed for time to appy, I took the test again 2 months later. Someone, with an engineering background, hinted that I needed to turn off the timer during Math portion. I did what he said and it totally back fired!! The test ended with more then 10 problems untouched... result... 650 (Q42, V37)
I ran out of time and applied with the 670. Not even invited for an interview.
(4) The following year (2007), I took a course in math. Took the test and got a 690 (Q 50, V33). My scores fluxuated up and down, increasing my fustration. to this point my Q range was 42~50 and V 31~37 (not counting the 18 I got on my first test). I knew if I could only get the best of Q and V, I'd hit a 700+ score. But again pressed for time, I applied again with the 690. Again no interview invitation.
(5) Early this year, I was determined to go to B-school. I took the test again and got a 700 (Q44, V42). I was somewhat pleased with this score, but a bit dissapointed with my Q. If I had hit the Q with a 50, my score would have been a 750 or 760. I am targeting for MIT this year and some people recommended I re-take the test one more time. Since my Q score had room for improvement. I took the test last Friday (Sept 5) and got my 740. Still below my potential best score of 760 (Q:50, V 42), but still a solid 700+ score.
I am totally through with GMAT now.
Hope my story proves to be of some value.
Good luck to you all.
to the story pool when I had completed my goal.
Well, now since I have, here's my story.
1. Personal background
I'm a 31 year old Korean male, living in Seoul. I lived in the US during
elementary school and served in the Army on a US army base in Korea.
I would consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to gain a considerable level of English skills. I have a B.A in Electronicall Engineering.
2. The long long journey
(1) During my 3rd year into my career (2005), not having thought things through, I thought I might want to get an MBA. Registered for a GMAT test. Thinking getting a feel of how the test is like would help. BAD IDEA.
Having a engineering back ground, I got a 47 on the Q. But on the verbal a 18!!! Total 540.
(2) During the following year (2006) I did my research this time and found out the schools got access to 5 most recent test scores. OUCH. I took some prep course on CR and SC for about 2 months. I was pretty confident with the Math, a bit over confident. I took the test and got a 670 (Q;48, V34)
(3) Now this is where the real fustration started. I had my heart on Stanford and I knew I needed a 700+ score to at least compete with other applicants. I studied some more and took the test again during the same year. Whalla a 650 (Q 47, V31). Pressed for time to appy, I took the test again 2 months later. Someone, with an engineering background, hinted that I needed to turn off the timer during Math portion. I did what he said and it totally back fired!! The test ended with more then 10 problems untouched... result... 650 (Q42, V37)
I ran out of time and applied with the 670. Not even invited for an interview.
(4) The following year (2007), I took a course in math. Took the test and got a 690 (Q 50, V33). My scores fluxuated up and down, increasing my fustration. to this point my Q range was 42~50 and V 31~37 (not counting the 18 I got on my first test). I knew if I could only get the best of Q and V, I'd hit a 700+ score. But again pressed for time, I applied again with the 690. Again no interview invitation.
(5) Early this year, I was determined to go to B-school. I took the test again and got a 700 (Q44, V42). I was somewhat pleased with this score, but a bit dissapointed with my Q. If I had hit the Q with a 50, my score would have been a 750 or 760. I am targeting for MIT this year and some people recommended I re-take the test one more time. Since my Q score had room for improvement. I took the test last Friday (Sept 5) and got my 740. Still below my potential best score of 760 (Q:50, V 42), but still a solid 700+ score.
I am totally through with GMAT now.
Hope my story proves to be of some value.
Good luck to you all.
