-
KristenH88
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 8:35 pm
- Thanked: 1 times
Hellooo.. out there
I wanted to drop some golden nuggets for those out there who were like me, just looking for some encouragement, double thinking your school selections or if you should even apply that year. Don't give up! Some people with a 730+ will Not get into the top schools that those below a 650 will. Believe me. So keep your head up. They can buy private tutoring, but they cannot purchase your story. You have value beyond the score.
So, The Skinny?
My biggest GMAT blunder was not realizing that it is just as much about How you take the exam, as it is about Content knowledge.
: Whaa..
Yes!
How to take the Exam
Be comfortable!!
That's with the content, especially your problem areas (drill them; it will instill confidence), the ACTUAL EXAM-so take CATS until those 3.5 hrs seem like 20 min; and don't take CATS to learn material-they should be benchmarks, having your timing strategy down COLD; know what you're going to do before you even hit that table. What do I mean? Throwaways, When to speed up and slow down. Don't let anything catch you off guard. If there is a subject you don't know, be comfortable throwing that question away!! BUT take your time with the next one, the last thing you want is a STRING of wrongs (a no no). For more help on strategy, Stacey Koprince articles (MGMAT) help and especially gmatclub blogs [a DEFINITE KEEPER].
Calm Down..
You must you musttt relax. Again Stacey's articles help with this. I started meditating using what a MGMAT blog recommended "mindfulness meditation" proven to work; and I think it did for me too. I had much less anxiety than I did the first time and it taught me to focus on my tasks instead of my wandering mind. Next, be ok with a temporary setback. Have a plan B in case the GMAT doesn't work out and Actually be content with that. This is Not giving up, just taking a lot of pressure off that you may not know you're carrying. Tell yourself it is okay if you do not do well and know you'll retake or go for alternatives. Read scriptures, think happy thoughts, be kind to yourself. ESPECIALLY WHILE TAKING THE TEST; don't beat yourself up, that can only lead to a string of wrong answers. It's going to be ok, BREATHE in positivity, it is not your end, just a step in your next chapter.
Lastly, Myths
Here we go, there are tons of people saying do this, do that. And trust me, I read most all of them. The truth is, you need to find a strategy for you, all of the above are true, but here are some myths to WATCH OUT for.
1. Taking an expensive class will better your GMAT.
Um.. ok, it's about the work YOU place in too and the time you have to do it. There are tons of good materials out there, just get rolling. But remember, it's really about LEARNING how to take the GMAT, rather than a tutoring brand or content/content/content- because content is preparation; you won't see everything you study on that test; but you do need mental stamina to Conquer it.
2. First 10 Quant is just as equal as the rest
This is just my opinion (backed up by Many bloggers) that it DID matter. I don't care what anyone says. When I had higher accuracy on the first 10, it made a difference in point and percentage. Read gmatclub articles for more insight on this. Remember, have a strategy before you even hit the table.
So in all, I just wanted you to be encouraged, the GMAT is really just one factor of your stellar application. It is also an important one, but please know that anything is possible. I graduated with highest honors from h.s. and highest honors from a great University, and STILL scored in the low 500s my first time (just a few months ago). This test Clearly did not show who I am and what I can offer especially academically and I was so discouraged and depressed. I dusted myself off and said screw that, and read and read and read strategy vs. content. I decided to write down my log (which I didn't do before) to keep track of my most problematic Q/V and drilled them, then I wrote down a timing strategy to look up at the clock with:
This was just my timing strategy!
Quant Question: 0-35 next to Time: 75-5 in a T table (T) with one on each side. I checked the clock every now and then to keep up (NOT AFTER EACH QUESTION that's just wasting precious seconds
)
I also read WSJ articles to read faster. Bottom line, I did the above and have now scored 700+ in 6 mos from my last Official GMAT while working and tons of other life events, so you may be able to do beyond.
DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!! NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO IT!! YES YOU CAN! YOU CAN DO IT!
I wanted to drop some golden nuggets for those out there who were like me, just looking for some encouragement, double thinking your school selections or if you should even apply that year. Don't give up! Some people with a 730+ will Not get into the top schools that those below a 650 will. Believe me. So keep your head up. They can buy private tutoring, but they cannot purchase your story. You have value beyond the score.
So, The Skinny?
My biggest GMAT blunder was not realizing that it is just as much about How you take the exam, as it is about Content knowledge.
: Whaa.. Yes!
How to take the Exam
Be comfortable!!
That's with the content, especially your problem areas (drill them; it will instill confidence), the ACTUAL EXAM-so take CATS until those 3.5 hrs seem like 20 min; and don't take CATS to learn material-they should be benchmarks, having your timing strategy down COLD; know what you're going to do before you even hit that table. What do I mean? Throwaways, When to speed up and slow down. Don't let anything catch you off guard. If there is a subject you don't know, be comfortable throwing that question away!! BUT take your time with the next one, the last thing you want is a STRING of wrongs (a no no). For more help on strategy, Stacey Koprince articles (MGMAT) help and especially gmatclub blogs [a DEFINITE KEEPER].
Calm Down..
You must you musttt relax. Again Stacey's articles help with this. I started meditating using what a MGMAT blog recommended "mindfulness meditation" proven to work; and I think it did for me too. I had much less anxiety than I did the first time and it taught me to focus on my tasks instead of my wandering mind. Next, be ok with a temporary setback. Have a plan B in case the GMAT doesn't work out and Actually be content with that. This is Not giving up, just taking a lot of pressure off that you may not know you're carrying. Tell yourself it is okay if you do not do well and know you'll retake or go for alternatives. Read scriptures, think happy thoughts, be kind to yourself. ESPECIALLY WHILE TAKING THE TEST; don't beat yourself up, that can only lead to a string of wrong answers. It's going to be ok, BREATHE in positivity, it is not your end, just a step in your next chapter.
Lastly, Myths
Here we go, there are tons of people saying do this, do that. And trust me, I read most all of them. The truth is, you need to find a strategy for you, all of the above are true, but here are some myths to WATCH OUT for.
1. Taking an expensive class will better your GMAT.
Um.. ok, it's about the work YOU place in too and the time you have to do it. There are tons of good materials out there, just get rolling. But remember, it's really about LEARNING how to take the GMAT, rather than a tutoring brand or content/content/content- because content is preparation; you won't see everything you study on that test; but you do need mental stamina to Conquer it.
2. First 10 Quant is just as equal as the rest
This is just my opinion (backed up by Many bloggers) that it DID matter. I don't care what anyone says. When I had higher accuracy on the first 10, it made a difference in point and percentage. Read gmatclub articles for more insight on this. Remember, have a strategy before you even hit the table.
So in all, I just wanted you to be encouraged, the GMAT is really just one factor of your stellar application. It is also an important one, but please know that anything is possible. I graduated with highest honors from h.s. and highest honors from a great University, and STILL scored in the low 500s my first time (just a few months ago). This test Clearly did not show who I am and what I can offer especially academically and I was so discouraged and depressed. I dusted myself off and said screw that, and read and read and read strategy vs. content. I decided to write down my log (which I didn't do before) to keep track of my most problematic Q/V and drilled them, then I wrote down a timing strategy to look up at the clock with:
This was just my timing strategy!
Quant Question: 0-35 next to Time: 75-5 in a T table (T) with one on each side. I checked the clock every now and then to keep up (NOT AFTER EACH QUESTION that's just wasting precious seconds
)I also read WSJ articles to read faster. Bottom line, I did the above and have now scored 700+ in 6 mos from my last Official GMAT while working and tons of other life events, so you may be able to do beyond.
DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!! NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO IT!! YES YOU CAN! YOU CAN DO IT!
Last edited by KristenH88 on Mon Feb 02, 2015 2:07 pm, edited 4 times in total.
