-
gauri@mbawatch
- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:41 am
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Hi everyone,
I've been a silent observer in this forum and have been inspired by and learnt from many here, and for that I thank Eric and every other inspiring contributors here.
Disclaimer: all of the below, the good and the bad, was achieved while I have been working full-time.
My 'latest' attempt has brought me to 600: Q42 V31. While my score improved 130 points, as I will elaborate below - it is obviously not what I was hoping for. I honestly do not know what went wrong w the Verbal section as I thought I was doing well. I've been on this journey for so long I'm really ready to move on and be done w the GMAT.
My previous scores were:
November 2006 - 550 Q32 V34 AWA 5.0
July 2008 - 470 Q27 V28 AWA 4.0
January 2011 - 490 Q22 V35 AWA 4.0
November 2011 - 470 Q27 V28 AWA 5.5
The score from November is past the 5 year record so it no longer shows on my score report. I mention it here to provide the complete background. This was my first attempt: I had only studied from the Kaplan books, I did not take any prep courses, study w a tutor, open an OG book, or even write the mock tests before writing the actual GMAT. At the time I was merely testing the GMAT waters as I was still in University and was not at all stressed so I was happy with my score for a first time attempt.
Hindsight is always 20/20 and I learnt valuable lessons from my test scores following the first attempt, such as:
1. Never give the exam after an extremely stressful, bad day at work, as I did in July 2008. Of course I was extremely saddened with my score dropping from 550 to 470, if nothing else I had expected it to stay the same. I panicked from the beginning, lost time in Quant, missed a few questions, could not tell whether I was doing well or bad - it was the worst testing experience to date. I also knew part of the reason for my poor performance was a stressful work environment and so I decided I needed to make a change in my life before another rewrite. I changed jobs and got busy with the routine; while exploring schools and deciding on my list of potential schools via fairs, events, alumni meets, school visits, etc.
2. If you're not ready, reschedule or better yet, don't schedule an exam until you know with an absolute certainty you will make it count: it was too late to reschedule the date in January 2011, so I wrote it anyway. Surprisingly my score increased by a few points and my Verbal score was higher than when I scored a 550! However I only had two choices: either I rewrite or I apply with the 550. I chose to rewrite because I wasn't ready to apply (another story for another post). I found this forum (by the grace of God), gathering reliable test prep resources, identifying my weaknesses, etc. I knew that Verbal was my strength despite the fluctuating scores, I had scored a 35 and believed I could work on increasing it. Since Quant was my weakness I decided to devote more time to understanding the basic concepts, tips, and tricks to answer the questions correctly and hope for an increase.
3. Don't try new test centers just because they are close to you: November 2011. I prepared for this test, fully intending to go out and 'Beat the GMAT' once and for all, inspired by the posts on this forum. I had a timeline for my applications and I was not going to let the GMAT mess with it. Selecting a different test center was a good and bad mistake: good, because it taught me (after) not to mess with a decent thing and bad, because it cost me the test. This test center was located in a 'college' of a few rooms on the second floor of a 4 storey building. Throughout the test you could hear phones ringing as well as conversations through the thin walls, people walking by, and staff heating stuff in the microwave and having personal conversations!!
Of course I complained to Pearson VUE and they offered me a rewrite at no extra cost. Although this threw a wrench in my plans I was eventually able to organize my timelines once again. All that was left to do was to Beat the GMAT, again. I scheduled the exam at 8 a.m. at the first test center where I began my GMAT journey. Throughout my preparation, I wrote the MGMAT CATs & GMATPrep tests in the morning, reviewed all my areas of weakness and would practice more after reviewing the concepts, completed the OG guides, etc. I also fought many mental battles to be 'ready' for this test as I did intended to close the book after this and go to Plan B, whatever that might be - it certainly would not include a GMAT because now I was sick of the hold it seemed to have on my future.
I found that my Quant score was increasing on the mocks, not to the point of inflation but enough to help me understand how I needed to attack each question just as a question; instead of thinking if the next would be easy, hard or where I was based on the computer algorithm. As long as I knew I was answering a question correctly based on my knowledge within the allotted time, I would win half the battle (it really does work).
On the exam day, even though I had slept terribly (rather, not at all) I was determined to approach this beast with calm, no matter what the outcome. I had a massive headache during the Verbal section but never did I feel I was doing as badly as the final score showed. My takeaways:
*I was surprised to receive a 42 in Quant: my highest yet, when I thought I was doing better in Verbal.
*Seeing only a 31 in Verbal really hurt; I hoped it would at least be a 34(worst case).
*I am happy that I scored 600 - my hard work really did pay off; at least I increased my Quant score, something that I truly had given up on. I also finally believed in myself, I wrote the test in a calm, focused manner throughout and I improved 130 points from a 470! That is a good accomplishment for me.
I am, however, extremely perplexed now because a 630 (target school) would have meant me just writing a 'I just Beat the GMAT smiley faces' post versus this post where I need a second opinion:
I do believe an application is considered in its entirety: my recommendations, essays & goals, work experience, GPA, extra-curriculars, & GMAT. I know that the GMAT is a tool to separate the 'yes'/'no' piles and that it is indicative of your ability to handle the academic rigour of an MBA (or so they say). However, despite the disappointments and successes of the GMAT, I have never doubted my ability to handle the academic rigour of school. And I never will. Period. I was working full-time when I graduated with a 75% for my Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Mgmt. I took 3 business courses at a time, sometimes with all 3 on the same day and my last semester GPA was a 3.6. I'm no scientist but I know I will have no issues doing even better this time.
But I do not know how the adcoms will view my scores - will they see my improvement and know of my capabilities? Or will they see the number 600 and toss my application aside ('come back when higher')? Of course I can write this exam again - but I honestly do not know if my score will improve (ideal), stay the same (worse) or God forbid, decrease (worst). Perhaps I am not a good test-taker when it comes to the GMAT, I don't know. I do know that I do well when the entire exam is in front of me (university exams, certifications, etc). And given the disappointments, the mental battles, the lack of confidence, the hours of preparation it took me to finally write this exam & improve, I am not rushing to book another date because right now, I am so done with the GMAT. I'm really ready to move on and shine through my applications and hope for the best.
There are no guarantees in life. I am not seeking one regarding my applications; but is the best course of action really another GMAT test? Especially given the probability Does the GMAT really control everything? What do you think? I'd really appreciate some feedback re the GMAT (ceteris paribus).
I've been a silent observer in this forum and have been inspired by and learnt from many here, and for that I thank Eric and every other inspiring contributors here.
Disclaimer: all of the below, the good and the bad, was achieved while I have been working full-time.
My 'latest' attempt has brought me to 600: Q42 V31. While my score improved 130 points, as I will elaborate below - it is obviously not what I was hoping for. I honestly do not know what went wrong w the Verbal section as I thought I was doing well. I've been on this journey for so long I'm really ready to move on and be done w the GMAT.
My previous scores were:
November 2006 - 550 Q32 V34 AWA 5.0
July 2008 - 470 Q27 V28 AWA 4.0
January 2011 - 490 Q22 V35 AWA 4.0
November 2011 - 470 Q27 V28 AWA 5.5
The score from November is past the 5 year record so it no longer shows on my score report. I mention it here to provide the complete background. This was my first attempt: I had only studied from the Kaplan books, I did not take any prep courses, study w a tutor, open an OG book, or even write the mock tests before writing the actual GMAT. At the time I was merely testing the GMAT waters as I was still in University and was not at all stressed so I was happy with my score for a first time attempt.
Hindsight is always 20/20 and I learnt valuable lessons from my test scores following the first attempt, such as:
1. Never give the exam after an extremely stressful, bad day at work, as I did in July 2008. Of course I was extremely saddened with my score dropping from 550 to 470, if nothing else I had expected it to stay the same. I panicked from the beginning, lost time in Quant, missed a few questions, could not tell whether I was doing well or bad - it was the worst testing experience to date. I also knew part of the reason for my poor performance was a stressful work environment and so I decided I needed to make a change in my life before another rewrite. I changed jobs and got busy with the routine; while exploring schools and deciding on my list of potential schools via fairs, events, alumni meets, school visits, etc.
2. If you're not ready, reschedule or better yet, don't schedule an exam until you know with an absolute certainty you will make it count: it was too late to reschedule the date in January 2011, so I wrote it anyway. Surprisingly my score increased by a few points and my Verbal score was higher than when I scored a 550! However I only had two choices: either I rewrite or I apply with the 550. I chose to rewrite because I wasn't ready to apply (another story for another post). I found this forum (by the grace of God), gathering reliable test prep resources, identifying my weaknesses, etc. I knew that Verbal was my strength despite the fluctuating scores, I had scored a 35 and believed I could work on increasing it. Since Quant was my weakness I decided to devote more time to understanding the basic concepts, tips, and tricks to answer the questions correctly and hope for an increase.
3. Don't try new test centers just because they are close to you: November 2011. I prepared for this test, fully intending to go out and 'Beat the GMAT' once and for all, inspired by the posts on this forum. I had a timeline for my applications and I was not going to let the GMAT mess with it. Selecting a different test center was a good and bad mistake: good, because it taught me (after) not to mess with a decent thing and bad, because it cost me the test. This test center was located in a 'college' of a few rooms on the second floor of a 4 storey building. Throughout the test you could hear phones ringing as well as conversations through the thin walls, people walking by, and staff heating stuff in the microwave and having personal conversations!!
Of course I complained to Pearson VUE and they offered me a rewrite at no extra cost. Although this threw a wrench in my plans I was eventually able to organize my timelines once again. All that was left to do was to Beat the GMAT, again. I scheduled the exam at 8 a.m. at the first test center where I began my GMAT journey. Throughout my preparation, I wrote the MGMAT CATs & GMATPrep tests in the morning, reviewed all my areas of weakness and would practice more after reviewing the concepts, completed the OG guides, etc. I also fought many mental battles to be 'ready' for this test as I did intended to close the book after this and go to Plan B, whatever that might be - it certainly would not include a GMAT because now I was sick of the hold it seemed to have on my future.
I found that my Quant score was increasing on the mocks, not to the point of inflation but enough to help me understand how I needed to attack each question just as a question; instead of thinking if the next would be easy, hard or where I was based on the computer algorithm. As long as I knew I was answering a question correctly based on my knowledge within the allotted time, I would win half the battle (it really does work).
On the exam day, even though I had slept terribly (rather, not at all) I was determined to approach this beast with calm, no matter what the outcome. I had a massive headache during the Verbal section but never did I feel I was doing as badly as the final score showed. My takeaways:
*I was surprised to receive a 42 in Quant: my highest yet, when I thought I was doing better in Verbal.
*Seeing only a 31 in Verbal really hurt; I hoped it would at least be a 34(worst case).
*I am happy that I scored 600 - my hard work really did pay off; at least I increased my Quant score, something that I truly had given up on. I also finally believed in myself, I wrote the test in a calm, focused manner throughout and I improved 130 points from a 470! That is a good accomplishment for me.
I am, however, extremely perplexed now because a 630 (target school) would have meant me just writing a 'I just Beat the GMAT smiley faces' post versus this post where I need a second opinion:
I do believe an application is considered in its entirety: my recommendations, essays & goals, work experience, GPA, extra-curriculars, & GMAT. I know that the GMAT is a tool to separate the 'yes'/'no' piles and that it is indicative of your ability to handle the academic rigour of an MBA (or so they say). However, despite the disappointments and successes of the GMAT, I have never doubted my ability to handle the academic rigour of school. And I never will. Period. I was working full-time when I graduated with a 75% for my Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Mgmt. I took 3 business courses at a time, sometimes with all 3 on the same day and my last semester GPA was a 3.6. I'm no scientist but I know I will have no issues doing even better this time.
But I do not know how the adcoms will view my scores - will they see my improvement and know of my capabilities? Or will they see the number 600 and toss my application aside ('come back when higher')? Of course I can write this exam again - but I honestly do not know if my score will improve (ideal), stay the same (worse) or God forbid, decrease (worst). Perhaps I am not a good test-taker when it comes to the GMAT, I don't know. I do know that I do well when the entire exam is in front of me (university exams, certifications, etc). And given the disappointments, the mental battles, the lack of confidence, the hours of preparation it took me to finally write this exam & improve, I am not rushing to book another date because right now, I am so done with the GMAT. I'm really ready to move on and shine through my applications and hope for the best.
There are no guarantees in life. I am not seeking one regarding my applications; but is the best course of action really another GMAT test? Especially given the probability Does the GMAT really control everything? What do you think? I'd really appreciate some feedback re the GMAT (ceteris paribus).
