2nd Attempt - 730

[beat_the_gmat_member]

Hi. Thank you all. Its been a pleasure to be a part of this community.

I gave my GMAT one month back in Sep. Scored pathetic 660. (M50, V28)
This was lower than my scores on practice tests. Both total and verbal scores.
I decided to try again. Got decent score this time. 730 (M51,V37)

Lessons Learnt :
Complete entire section. I was pressed for time on verbal - in first attempt. I was not able to attempt last 1 question. And Questions 35 to 40 were mostly guesses. ## Time management is very important
(Although I feel, verbal in first exam was a bit tougher than second)

Do not take morning appointment. I had 8am appointment. I am usually an early riser. But on exam day, I did not get enough sleep - I was feeling tired in verbal section.

Stress is your number 1 enemy. Do not read books, notes for last 1-2 days. You will not increase your score by streching yourself in last few days. Its important to continue with normal routine - watch movies, go for a walk. It's important to give this exam with no or minimum stress.


I am trying for top 10 universities. Everything looks good, except my age. I am 34.
Wish me a good luck!

[tngearhart]

Your age could be an advantage in the application process. Most schools are looking to build a diverse student body, so it can be good if you're outside the normal age demographic. The idea being that you'll bring a different point of view to the group.

At least that's what I'm hoping. I'm 31.

[amitdgr]

Congratulations beat_the_gmat

Can you tell us how you found the real GMAT questions compared to GMATPrep and OG ???

Thanks


And yes ... your age could be your plus point

[amitdgr]

Congratulations beat_the_gmat

Can you tell us how you found the real GMAT questions compared to GMATPrep and OG ???

Thanks


And yes ... your age could be your plus point

[beat_the_gmat_member]

Quant was harder than GMATPrep and OG. But was simpler that MGMAT Tests.

I think, SC, RC questions were tough in my first attempt. They were relatively easy second time. ...same level as GMATPrep, OG, MGMAT

[VP_Jim]

I agree - I just took the GMAT again last week and have definitely noticed the quant getting tougher at the 90th% and above levels. People who want to break 49 in math need to study beyond the OG. However, for everyone else, OG is accurate.

Congrats on the improvement and the great score!

[lulusMBA]

Hi Jim -

You said in your last reply to this thread that people wanting to break the 50 barrier need to study beyond the OG. What would you suggest beyond the OG? Just more of the GMAT prep books from the top publishers? (Kaplan, Princeton review, etc?)

[c_numb]

congratulations - awesome score !

[VP_Jim]

Yes, a prep guide from one of the top publishers should be good to supplement the quant, assuming you are shooting for 90th percentile and above. Again, for all others, the material in the OG is all you need.