Part Time MBA

[mobaig]

Hi,
I am an Engineer living in Silicon Valley, CA. I am originally from Chicago. I have been working for the past 6 years and have a background in Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing. I have a masters degree in Industrial Engineering. I am at the stage in life, that I feel in order to diversify my skills and step up to the next level, I need to get an MBA.
The problem is the GMAT. As someone who regularly works 11 to 12 hrs every day, I find it really hard to find time to study. This has reflected on my scores. I have already written the GMAT twice. I scored 500 the first time and 570 the second. I am confused about whether I need to write it again, but feel that its necessary for the schools that I am targetting.
My dream schools are Kellogg, Booth, Berkeley and UCLA.
Would be good to connect with others who are in the same boat as me and maybe hear some advice. Thanks.

[money9111]

You'll definitely need to increase your GMAT score for those schools. Also, I'm not sure of your exact situation, but many people applying to business school work those hours and find time to study, so it's definitely doable depending on the circumstance. Additionally, since you're targeting PT programs, you will be working and going to school at the same time and that will definitely get hectic. Consider this GMAT studying experience to be a trial period.

Hi,
I am an Engineer living in Silicon Valley, CA. I am originally from Chicago. I have been working for the past 6 years and have a background in Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing. I have a masters degree in Industrial Engineering. I am at the stage in life, that I feel in order to diversify my skills and step up to the next level, I need to get an MBA.
The problem is the GMAT. As someone who regularly works 11 to 12 hrs every day, I find it really hard to find time to study. This has reflected on my scores. I have already written the GMAT twice. I scored 500 the first time and 570 the second. I am confused about whether I need to write it again, but feel that its necessary for the schools that I am targetting.
My dream schools are Kellogg, Booth, Berkeley and UCLA.
Would be good to connect with others who are in the same boat as me and maybe hear some advice. Thanks.

[WouldBeCrazy]

Practice is one part of GMAT but most important aspect is
a. Your fundamental knowledge
b. Your intelligence and smartness.

GMAT require focus and dedication. What do you think of a full time manager, with an infant at home?

It is easily possible to have 3 hours everyday (9PM-midnight) and 10+ hours during weekends. You just need that kind of drive and determination.... and your family should support you!!

You need to identify the right book, thats the most crucial part. If you study B grade books you score average score, as simple as that.

Before starting your study, spend some time in researching. That will save you much time later. Reading the questionable book is a major mistake.

[mobaig]

Thanks for the reply. I am definitely retaking the GMAT. Its true that my previous attempts were perhaps not well prepared. I am hoping third time's a charm. I have chalked a 3 month study plan with atleast 2 hrs every day and about 5 hrs each on Saturday and Sunday. Does this sound about right? I am using OG and Knewton for practice and concept.

[money9111]

study habits are different for different people. you'll be able to adjust though... just start studying and then if you need more time... then studying longer. don't lock yourself in to a certain number of hours. i told myself "i'm going to do X number of problems."