I just Beat The GMAT!

I just finished my second attempt at the GMAT with a 750 (Q49 V44). It's been quite a journey that started back in April 2009 with periodic studying and high aspirations. I scored a disappointing 670 in my first attempt one month ago, but I was determined to hit 700+. However, I wasn't expecting a 750 A special thanks to this website for all its help - I couldn't have done it without Beat the GMAT! Below are some details about my preparation.

July 2009 GMAT First Take:
670 (Q44 V38) AWA 6

August 2009 GMAT Second Take:
750 (Q49 V44) AWA 6

Books:
* Kaplan Premier
* OG12
* PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible

I started with Kaplan Premier, which offered a good overview of the test questions. Then, I finished my studying with OG12 and scored 670 on my first attempt.

Most importantly, I realized after my first attempt that I didn't focus enough on my weaknesses. After re-focusing for my second attempt, I focused specifically on my weakest areas: data sufficiency and critical reasoning. To improve DS, I re-did a bunch of the OG12 questions and studied the solutions. To improve CR, I purchased PowerScore's Bible and powered through the book in a few days. As others on this website have said, PowerScore's CR Bible is a great book with some great tips. I was convinced that there was no way I'd be able to simplify CR, but the book proved me wrong. This book undoubtedly contributed to my improved verbal score. After a few weeks of concentration on DS and CR, I was confident that attempt #2 would be more successful.

I encourage all GMAT takers to stay focused on the ultimate goal - b-school. It's easy to lose focus in a sea of GMAT practice questions, but maintaining focus and determination is critical to success in this endeavor. There were certainly times when I was discouraged with practice test scores, but I powered through those tough times. It's all worth it in the end.

I took a few practice tests with VERY mixed results. See below:

GMAT Prep 1 (1st attempt): 690
Kaplan CAT 1: 550
Kaplan CAT 2: 540
Kaplan CAT 3: 540
GMAT Prep 1 (2nd attempt): 690
GMAT Prep 2 (1st attempt): 710
***GMAT (1st attempt): 670***
MGMAT Free Online CAT: 640
GMAT Prep 2 (2nd attempt): 730
***GMAT (2nd attempt): 750***

I applaud this website for all its resources! It was invaluable to my test preparation, and I owe much of my success to the instructors and other contributors on this site. A huge thanks to Beat the GMAT and its staff! You rock

great score congrats

modesto2 wrote:I just finished my second attempt at the GMAT with a 750 (Q49 V44). It's been quite a journey that started back in April 2009 with periodic studying and high aspirations. I scored a disappointing 670 in my first attempt one month ago, but I was determined to hit 700+. However, I wasn't expecting a 750 A special thanks to this website for all its help - I couldn't have done it without Beat the GMAT! Below are some details about my preparation.

July 2009 GMAT First Take:
670 (Q44 V38) AWA 6

August 2009 GMAT Second Take:
750 (Q49 V44) AWA 6

Books:
* Kaplan Premier
* OG12
* PowerScore Critical Reasoning Bible

I started with Kaplan Premier, which offered a good overview of the test questions. Then, I finished my studying with OG12 and scored 670 on my first attempt.

Most importantly, I realized after my first attempt that I didn't focus enough on my weaknesses. After re-focusing for my second attempt, I focused specifically on my weakest areas: data sufficiency and critical reasoning. To improve DS, I re-did a bunch of the OG12 questions and studied the solutions. To improve CR, I purchased PowerScore's Bible and powered through the book in a few days. As others on this website have said, PowerScore's CR Bible is a great book with some great tips. I was convinced that there was no way I'd be able to simplify CR, but the book proved me wrong. This book undoubtedly contributed to my improved verbal score. After a few weeks of concentration on DS and CR, I was confident that attempt #2 would be more successful.

I encourage all GMAT takers to stay focused on the ultimate goal - b-school. It's easy to lose focus in a sea of GMAT practice questions, but maintaining focus and determination is critical to success in this endeavor. There were certainly times when I was discouraged with practice test scores, but I powered through those tough times. It's all worth it in the end.

I took a few practice tests with VERY mixed results. See below:

GMAT Prep 1 (1st attempt): 690
Kaplan CAT 1: 550
Kaplan CAT 2: 540
Kaplan CAT 3: 540
GMAT Prep 1 (2nd attempt): 690
GMAT Prep 2 (1st attempt): 710
***GMAT (1st attempt): 670***
MGMAT Free Online CAT: 640
GMAT Prep 2 (2nd attempt): 730
***GMAT (2nd attempt): 750***

I applaud this website for all its resources! It was invaluable to my test preparation, and I owe much of my success to the instructors and other contributors on this site. A huge thanks to Beat the GMAT and its staff! You rock

Great Score!! Congrats!! truly inspiring!

Hey All,

I have a question about simulating real test conditions.

How does one go about doing that in a library? What if you cannot use WiFi that long? Or, what if you have a battery that simply will not last 3.5 hours?

Would sitting at home, with earplugs (and a TV making soft sounds), would that simulate real test conditions?

Thanks!

ReachingHigher wrote:Hey All,

I have a question about simulating real test conditions.

How does one go about doing that in a library? What if you cannot use WiFi that long? Or, what if you have a battery that simply will not last 3.5 hours?

Would sitting at home, with earplugs (and a TV making soft sounds), would that simulate real test conditions?

Thanks!

hahaha yeah that'll work. I used earplugs every time because i knew that in the real test i'd be wearing them. if you have a study room, try to use that.

That sounds like a plan. I was just stumped by that, mostly because I definitely do not want to test at a library (although that is a good simulation of the real thing).

Thanks!