GMAT Strategy

Hey guys! I dont know what to do right now.. I need some advice please!

So I have taken the Kaplan course twice and I have been studying every day for few months now.. and my test is dec. 15, 2011 less than two weeks from now.

I have read a lot of peoples experiences and most people say that the Real GMAT is easier than the Kaplan Cats and most people score a lot better on the real Gmat.

Im not sure how accurate that is, but as of now the highest score I have received on the Kaplan CATs is a 500 and what is really frusterating me is that I heard the GMAT PREP is suppose to be easier and I cant seem to get higher than a 400! I dont know which score to believe and I dont know what to do from this point on. Im stressing too much and Im so sick of studying the same material.

Honestly Ill be happy with a score of 600 ... ill take any advice anyone can give me.. I would really appreciate it thanks!!!

Hey cnayebyan - not quite sure what kind of advice you're looking for - but yes we can commiserate!!! This test is stressful!

Most people we've ever worked with end up doing worse on the GMAT than any of their practice tests. We're no expert so cannot say if that's true of Kaplan practice tests as well. Generally the pressure of the unfamiliar test center and the clock ticking and all the weird distractions of people around you can make for tough going. Not trying to freak you out further!!! But if you're serious about needing a >600 score, then unfortunately, it sounds like perhaps you're not quite ready for the big day quite yet.

Of course, you could proceed with this test as a "practice" - it can help you set a baseline, and certainly going through the whole experience once should help with nerves too. You'll better know what to expect. If you decide in advance that this will be a "practice" test then it may actually help you score higher, since you'll be taking the pressure off somewhat - you'll already be ready to go at the test again a second time, so you might be able to perform better this first time.

You will not have any penalty in the application process for testing 2 or even 3 separate times, so this strategy cannot hurt you. Of course, if you feel you might do better if you take a break completely from the studying before your first test, then ramp up to this again after a few weeks, that might be a viable way to go as well.

Not sure which grad school programs you're targeting, but if you're looking to get into a Top 30 school, then you are gonna have a tough time with a score in the low 600s. Perhaps you've already identified a program that will accept candidates with lower scores, in which case you don't need to stress as much at all - just go in there ready to do your best, and you should be fine. (We've even heard of some lower-ranked programs waiving the GMAT altogether for candidates that they really like!!! It's not as big of a deal at certain schools.)

Anyway, we understand how crazy this whole thing can make people, and so what we can offer are simply general words of support and big well-wishes and good-lucks to you!!!

Please report back and let us know how it goes!!!

EssaySnark

Thank you for your advice! I was planning to just take it and see what happens, I feel like its a gamble. Im planning to go to Pepperdine which accepts students with a min of 570... doesnt sound bad at all. One of my friends had a 530! and because she had high gpa and was close with the counselor they let her in. Plus she didnt even take any practice tests to prepare! she only practiced from the book.

I feel like theres nothing left for me to study even though Im not scoring as high as I should be.. I dont know, well see how it goes!

I have taken practice exams at the center so I do know the testing experience, but maybe since its the Real Gmat ill be more focused than a practice test. I will definitely report back once I get it over with!

Thanks again!

Hi there,
Aiming for the score you are looking at isnt hard at all.

There are a few tips though. You have to get a couple of questions right in the maths test in a row. Tht will help u set up a standard.

Verbal section is very scoring. So if u can brush up on your concepts in SC and CR (strengthen, weaken and explain the paradox), which are the most common question types i think u will cross the 600 mark.

All the best.
S

Pepperdine!!! But how will you ever make it to class with the beautiful beach just steps away??!????



Funnily enough, it was actually Pepperdine that we were referring to above when we said that some schools will waive the GMAT!! We had just spoken with a current student there who reported that that was what happened with him. (He said that he'd taken the GRE many years back but the score was expired, and he didn't do so great when he tried with the GMAT... and they ended up waiving it because he had good grades, just like your friend.)

Some schools are quite flexible. So you should be in good shape!! Do your best and we are certain it will all turn out wonderfully.

Can't wait to hear back once it's over!

EssaySnark

Thank you guys for your wonderful tips and feedback! Im so glad I found this wonderful forum. Few words of encouragement really helps

I hope my nerves dont make me panic!

I havent studied too much on the essay portion though.. how important is that? Im terrible at thinking of examples and points to talk about hope its not a difficult annoying topic.

:mrgreen:

Some say the AWA doesn't matter at all - but it does!! It's just not nearly as critical as the other parts of the test (or the other parts of your app). You should definitely research how to approach it. There are great resources here on BTG, check them out before you go into it. It's easy to learn a workable strategy for the AWA -- and it's easy to choke on this part without one!

EssaySnark