I didn't beat the GMAT, but I sparred with it for a 620!

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Hi guys.

Just wanted to let you know that I took the GMAT test for the first time, this Monday and I scored a 620. The preparation for the test was really tough and quant. was a MAJOR challenge. I've always been art-focused and did everything I could to avoid math when I was younger (I studied law and work in advertising now). GMAT quant. was a real wake-up call and it took me about a year's study before I felt confident enough to even schedule the test. Ironically, I scored higher in quant than verbal (which has always been my strength. Goes to show, right?)I did self-study, by the way. I want to say a great big THANK YOU! to Manhattan GMAT for their fantastic study materials (you guys made me understand AND like math- a miracle), to Kaplan for their wonderful materials, even though I unfortunately couldn't take the class, and thanks to Brent@beathegmat for patiently and clearly answering all questions. Everyone at Beat the GMAT, you were awesome, with your questions, answers and insights.

I know 620 isn't a particularly impressive score, what with those scoring 720, 740 and upward but I'm glad I was able to take the test at all. The anxiety and doubt was quite debilitating! But hey, I promised to let you guys know how the test went and how I did. Thanks again everyone! I look forward to reading all your success stories.

P.S- I'm considering taking the test again to see if I can improve my score. [If anyone had told me even a month ago that I would consider taking the GMAT twice, I would have called them crazy!] But goes to show you never know, right :)?
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by essaysnark » Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:28 am
Hey Kemmy G - congrats on the 620, and the very positive attitude!! With your great mindset, you're going to do even better when you take it again! It's wonderful to see someone approach it like you are.

The GMAT test is HARD and breaking 600 is a commendable achievement! (This is not a post about "is it good enough" it's just a recognition that this test is a bear and anyone who gets in the 600s is impressive, in our book).

Keep doin' what you're doin' and we can't wait to hear what the NEXT score is!!

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by prodizy » Thu Oct 20, 2011 7:47 am
Excellent post - especially the positive attitude. I am sure next time you will finish it off :) All the best.
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by Shalini_gmat » Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:01 am
very very inspiring indeed.

i have mostly been a lurker. see these posts reminds me of my time.

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by prodizy » Sat Oct 22, 2011 3:14 am
@shalini You have already taken the GMAT and had similar experience?
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by Kemmy G » Sun Oct 30, 2011 1:32 am
Thank you so much every one! :)

Been busy finishing up school essays so haven't been here in a while. I really appreciate your encouragements and it's strengthened my decision to take the GMAT again. Good luck to everyone who still has to take the test! I think one thing that helped set my mind for the test is this- every question in the GMAT has an answer. There's no out-of-this-world question that demands an abstract answer and the workings are quite understandable if you're patient and follow it step-by-step (for quant that is!) So I applied myself to finding out that correct answer and how to get there, again and again which meant reviewing all the questions, even the ones I got right. There's a saying where I come from that goes something like this- 'there's not only one road into a market'. To paraphrase- the roads that lead into a market are many. It's exactly the same with quant! For my correct answers, I discovered that my steps to the answer where not always the same as the OG's and sometimes, my steps were shorter and other times the OG was shorter. It really pays to know more than one method because, mahn, it helps to save time and avoid panic mode!

Also, if you believe in God and prayer (I'm a Christian), use them. They help tremendously! I asked God [more like cried, :)] to keep me calm and focused during the exam because I realized my biggest weakness was rushing trough the questions (to save time, can you imagine!) and therefore missing vital information. When I didn't understand questions, I would start panicking, and this had a domino effect on the other questions. I can tell you that HE really came through for me, especially after the test, as I was able to let go of questions I realized I could have got right but didn't. Unlike previous prep tests I had taken, I didn't beat myself up about them. It was a great relief to not do that.

To leave this on a high note, I got my proper scores back and I'm really chuffed to tell you that I got a 6 in my AWAs! I'm almost prouder of this than my quant score, :D!

Stay strong and positive guys. We all CAN beat the GMAT!!!

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by essaysnark » Sun Oct 30, 2011 6:23 am
Great advice, Kemmy G - thanks for sharing all the tidbits! Sounds like you're very dedicated (and patient!) and those two attributes will take you far!

Best of luck in the re-test and keep us posted along the way - can't wait to hear about another round of successes!!

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by vaibhavgupta » Mon Oct 31, 2011 5:46 am
Kemmy G wrote:
Stay strong and positive guys. We all CAN beat the GMAT!!!
We will beat the GMAT rather!