760 but horrible AWA :-(

[syv11]

Got 760 on my GMAT but really messed up quant (89%); did great on the verbal section, but got a very disappointing 4.5 on AWA. Hope my application essays can get me out of that.

I mainly used the OG for studying, though preferred Kaplan's math review and GMAT 800 book. Usually got all math right, so not sure what went wrong but I can highly recommend these books. I think my main issue was getting stuck with one of the questions and losing to much time on that ...

I very much enjoyed this forum here and the opportunity to post questions!!

Good luck to all future GMAT takers!!!!

[kishore]

Thats an awesome score dude...)....Can you Please eloborate more on your Preparation....Tests...ect

[syv11]

I started by reviewing the math material (worked for 5 years and forgot quite some of the basics) as it proved useless trying to work on the problems without having the right basis. Also, the tested material is relatively limited. I found that reviewing the math sections of Barrons, Kaplan's 800 and the OG helped a lot! Kaplan has some nice shortcuts, but I do think it is worth the time and revising the material to refresh the highschool memory. It is well enough presented to do it in self-study at home. Once I did that, I started practicing. I probably worked on math for around 2 months (over Thanksgiving, otherwise weekends (6 hours) and 1-3 hours at night - I actually really enjoyed these examples), mainly doing examples.

Verbal was a different story: Kaplan has some decent tips, but I studied by doing the actual problems and then reading through the explanations. The #1 material I used was the orange and violet OG materials. I spent significantly less time on that part. The explanations of the OG guide are great in my opinion!

I did both free GMAT tests I downloaded once registered for the test. The first one I took without studying and with a lot of guessing I got to 680. The second I took just before the exam: got 770. Time was never an issue on the practice tests, however I did get stuck on one math problem on the test. I did some other free online GMAT exams, but I found the OG questions the best preparation.

For AWA: I found in this forum some very good essay structure templates and essays for every topic. Everyone stresses structure: 1 paragraph introduction, 2 - 3 paragraphs in the middle (each with a different argument) and 1 conclusion paragraph. Use lots of phrases such as however, for example, moreover, finally, etc.

I would recommend to take ear-plugs (I did not take any) as the typing of your colleagues can be distracting, Don't forget a snack for the break!!

[AleksandrM]

I never even thought of that!!! That is such a great suggestion. I have a very very very bad temper and blow up easily. Therefore, I would probably do pretty bad on the actual test if I kept getting distracted because the adrenaline and testosterone would mess it all up for me. But earplugs are an absolutely great idea!

Thanks so much.

[RayBanFan]

Hi Syv,

Did you take a test prep course (doesn't sound like it)? And, which schools are you looking at applying to? Obviously, your score is very competitive. Did you have any target schools in mind when you were studying for the GMAT?

Thanks for your input!

[Tud]

I never even thought of that!!! That is such a great suggestion. I have a very very very bad temper and blow up easily. Therefore, I would probably do pretty bad on the actual test if I kept getting distracted because the adrenaline and testosterone would mess it all up for me. But earplugs are an absolutely great idea!

Thanks so much.

The place that I wrote actually gave me earplugs without me asking. I was surprised but didn't end up using them. I thought that they'd be uncomfortable and that I'd spend more time messing with them that I should. If you plan on using them then try some out first so that you're used to how they feel.

[solaris]

A 4.5 is a perfectly adequate score for any school! You've done very well, don't worry about the GMAT at all.