Verbal: a bit unfair towards non-E speakers. Or is it?

[astrbac]

Hi all,

I am new here on the forum so first, warm greetings from Croatia! Now, I have started preparing for the GMAT 4 weeks before the test, but taking it seriously for only two. Of course, the score I got was so low that I wish to keep it private (arround 500).

I then got the OG 11 and started studying like there is no tomorrow. Im still having problems with some of the math sections but that is not what worrys me - its the verbal. Some of the RC passages seem so outrageously difficult for non-native speaker that I cant belive it. I have learned English for 15 years and got a FCE Cambridge dilploma, but still can't get it sometimes... Any cure for that

Also, the more I read about candidates profiles, the more I feen unfit for a top mba school. I have low GPA (I was rebellious, didn't like the program, divorced parents, lived with grandparents etc) because I started doing real estate business with my friend, but that business eventually went bust after about 3 years. We were too young and inexperienced but I really learned a lot from it. I can almost call it lifechanging experience, as we were the first ones in my country to deal with foreign clients, over the internet. Then I had a few "normal" jobs, but nothing that can be reffered to as leading position.

I am seriously interested in the best education that can be obtained and that is in the US, but the more I study the less I feel good enough. Any advice most appreciated.

Cheers,
Alex

[beatthegmat]

Welcome to the Beat The GMAT community, Alex!

A good place to start is understanding your target GMAT score--what is it?

[astrbac]

Hi,

thanx for the quick reply! Hm, well, since I wish to apply to either Wharton, Columbia or Northwestern, I belive my score needs to go over 700. (750 would be better). I have read that gtting from 500 over 600 takes a little effort, but from 600 to 700 takes monumental effort . Not really comforting, eh?!

Cheers
A.

[beatthegmat]

Have you taken a GMATPrep test yet, to benchmark your current performance? If so, what did you score?

[astrbac]

yea,

I have taken the tests but not the one from gmatter or MBA.com if thats what you are thinking? I bought the Princeton prep book and took the two online tests, then went and took the real gmat. Practice tests were arround 540, 550, and the real thing was 480. Man what a humbling experience...

It has been almost 3 weeks from that. I have been studying a lot, solving problems from OG11 (so far math only) and am still struggling with the tougher questions. Combinations speciffically, DS is also not a piece of cake...

But hey, if nothing else, for the first time I have this terrible urge to win this thing , and thats something, eh?

Alex

[GCHall840]

Hi Alex,
I think that it is true that there can be some things that are intimidating when it comes to studying for the GMAT. I could talk about that, but it would take too long.

Here are some points that I think might help you in your quest for a better score on the GMAT:

1. I visit this forum on a regular basis. I read about people who were disappointed when they got a 600 or better on the GMAT. I would be so happy to get a 600 on the GMAT. I really would. I don't want to compare myself with other people like that. I have my own goals and my own aspirations, so I like to concentrate on what I can do best. Of course, I take pointers from the people who got a great score, when they share their strategies for success. That is what I like about this forum the most.

2. Reading comprehension and critical reasoning have always been hard for me. I think that it is the way that passages and the resulting questions were written in both of those verbal areas, are what makes it difficult for a lot of native, English speakers as well. It takes a whole lot of focusing when you read the passages and answer the questions in those two verbal, subject areas. You really do need to develop certain strategies to deal with the specifics of RC and CR passages and question types.

3. I think that if you are studying on your own or if you are taking a class, you need to come up with a structured study plan. You need to have something concrete to work from on a regular basis. I would look at the subject areas covered on the GMAT first. Take a diagnostic test, second. Look at the results from your diagnostic test to find what your strengths and weaknesses are. Make up a study plan with what subject areas are covered on the GMAT, first. Second, cover all aspects of those subject areas, paying the most attention to your weaknesses. Then, do your best to turn those weaknesses into strengths.

4. Use the Official Guide to the GMAT, 11th edition most of all. If you have found a specific study guide from one of the test prep companies, use the one you feel the most comfortable with. I would couple using that prep test study guide with practicing in the Official Guide. I would also go to mba.com to utilize that site to take the 2 GMATPrep tests that you can download for free. You should monitor your progress by taking practice tests all along the way at pre planned dates. I also think that the time you have set for studying for the GMAT, should give you an idea about how many tests that you should plan to take. I wouldn't take a practice test just to take a test. I think that the results that you get from those practice tests will give you a better idea about how you are doing as well. Once you feel confident and proficient after you have taken quite a few practice tests, then you should sign up to take the GMAT at that point in time.

I hope that this might help you.
Greg

[astrbac]

well, i'll say.... THANK YOU Greg! of course, and you, beatthegmat admin he he

Yes, I have started to develop some sort of an improved plan and I will concentrate on doing my best. Whatever the score, I WILL try and write decent essays and apply to some of the best schools as well as to some that are in the second tier.

Thank you all once again
Alex

[GCHall840]

Hi Alex,
I forgot to tell you about where you can find some additional practice tests. I know that if you go to princetonreview.com and register for that site, you will have access to 4 online, computer adaptive tests that you can take for free. In addition, you can go to manhattangmat.com and register on that site. Manhattan GMAT offers quite a lot of useful study aides for a certain fee, depending on what you might want or need. Most importantly, MGMAT offers an online, computer adaptive test bank with a database of 1,000 questions where you can take up to 6 online CAT's without any questions being repeated. The fee for that is $39.

Greg

[Stacey Koprince]

Also, just FYI, most people find they need to study (regularly, 5-6 days a week) for 2-4 months before taking the test.