Depressed & Bashed - I'm the JoeBloggs

[chengx]

hey guys,

I think im slowly falling into the deepest of depressive states - the gmat is really really doing my head in....

i dont get it, ive done so many problems, gone through all the books (OG, Kaplan, Princeton, you name it)...i even do the grid sheets & just can't seem to improve @ all.
I've been studying for the past 3 months and have taken the Gmat twice receiving 420 the 1st time & 430 the next...I know I'm not stupid - I even somehow managed to ace the MBA interview school of my dreams(MIT/Tsinghua IMBA) and was told that I was their youngest sucessfull applicant this year...only thing is ....they gave me a conditional offer based on my "to be" gmat score & I'm really starting to feel that I can't beat the test no matter what I do.
Ive gone on all the forums, tutors, read all the threads....even downloaded the flashcards

even when it comes to practice tests i just take too long or cant even come up with a methodology to approach the answer....these past couple months has been so bashing on my confidence & my abilities.

I just took a practice test & got 20/37 math wrong - mostly because of my pacing but also that I took too long. Is there no way I can beat this test?...I feel like the past 3 months of intensive studying & reviewing & trying & hoping has all been in vain....

- Hopeless

[beatthegmat]

First of all, I think it's useful to have some perspective: the GMAT is just a test and one of many criteria that business schools consider when determining your candidacy. Moreover, as you had rightly implied--your GMAT score does not reflect anything about your intelligence. You seem to be smart guy, and this test is not going to determine your future success. Try not to lose sleep over this stupid test.

It sounds like you've done a lot of work to master the concepts/subjects tested on the GMAT, and your last hurdle is to master your pacing. The only way to master pacing is lots of PRACTICE.

When you are going through your practice sets, keep a timer next to you and give yourself no more than 2 minutes per question--then move on. You need to learn how to be comfortable under these timed conditions as well as learn how to guess at the end of your time.

Do some searching on this forum as well the wiki and blog to see strategies to master timing. The solution is really simple--PRACTICE.

On another note, it sounds like you are totally burnt out from studying. Consider taking one week off prior to re-starting your studies. Believe me, it will help you a lot.

Best of luck!

[Stacey Koprince]

I agree that you sound like you can use a break! Also, I don't like to suggest that people spend more money, but some people do need an outside source, like a class or tutor, to help maximize their scores. I'd take a week or two off and try again - but outside help may be something to look into if you're still struggling at that point.

And I also want to echo something Eric said: this test is definitely not a measure of your intelligence. All it measures is how good you are at taking this test. Period.

[GMAT Newbie]

Hey Chengx,
I am in a similar situation to you. I have never taken the test, but like you, I have done a lot of examples and I still cannot seem to nail this exam.

I am underperforming in my simulations because of timing and because I just can't seem to answer the questions correctly. Eric and Stacey really do know what they are talking about.

I have been studying for the last 2 months, full time (except weekends - since I am not working) and I don't know if that's the reason. If you are doing the same that maybe why.

Good luck with your studying and don't give up. I am also starting to believe that this test is not a measure of intelligence.

[fsar45]

I agree that you should definitely consider a prep course or tutor. Having a professional help you figure out specific weaknesses and develop a targeted strategy to attack them could make a huge difference. Some companies offer payment plans, so you can spread out the cost, so check that out if the cost would be a factor. I really think you could benefit from it.

Good luck!!!!!

[chengx]

Hey everyone,

firstly, i just wanted to say thankyou all so much for the support. Seriously, I was feeling horrible when I posted my 1st comment & I cant express how nice it is to see that there are people out there who will take the time to write something supportive back.

To admin, thank you too for the support. I'm not going to give up & will keep you guys posted on how I do...I can't express in words how much I appreciate the replies...really thankyou guys

Feelin less Joe-Bloggy already,

Chengx

[beatthegmat]

Thanks for your kind words. We're here for your support and encouragement. Best of luck!

[chengx]

Hey everyone,

New day, New Month - I'm going to nail this *bleepin* test.

I had a revelation last night (this might have been caused by the one-turned-numerous-number of cocktails @me friends bday party)...but besides that, I have come to the conclusion that I ain't no genius @ math or a verbal brainchild either. But I am probably the most stubborn biatch in the world so I'm not going to give up that easily Mr.GMAT (I hate you eternally)

Thankyou admin for your suggestions on timing - This is so self-inflicted but a part of my revelation was realizing that I've been "scared" to time myself & take practice tests (does this sound stoopid or can you relate?). My confidence has been shaky lately & I guess a part of me was already defeated by the idea of grading myself so why dont I just avoid it altogether? (ya stoopid I know)

Anyways, sorry for the bantering but the main point of this post was just to get some feedback on this website www.litesee.com? They have a bunch of timed-verbal-jumbo on it & I was wondering how applicable & helpful they were to practice with?
They even have a 15-min timer that cuts you off accordingly (good for me considering that I am physically inept @ timing myself properly-end up cheating all the time)

Sorry again for the bantering & hope to hear some feedback soon on this site

Ms.JoeBloggs

[Stacey Koprince]

It's not fun to get a score you didn't want to get, but use the experience to figure out a gameplan for taking it again. Make something positive out of it. If you need to, take a little break before starting up your study again, but do the below ASAP before you forget everything.

What were you scoring on practice tests before you went in? How did things go on test day? Did you have a good night's sleep? Were you overly nervous? What went well and what went poorly during the test itself? How was your pacing - was it okay or did you run out of time? Etc.

Write down everything you can remember; that will help you figure out what you need to do to take it again. Also, come back on here with what you wrote down and ask the group for advice on how to figure out what went wrong and how to avoid those same problems next time.

There are lots of people here with great ideas who would love to help you figure out how to beat this test - and you can do it. It's just going to take some more work.