Background info - I'm a native English speaker although I've never been too good at grammar. I've also always had trouble with Math. I graduated about 4 years ago with a Business degree (High GPA) and have never done well on standardized tests...
How I prepared: I took the Kaplan Review Course a few years back and did not feel ready for the test then and thus postponed it until now (this was a big mistake).
Within the last few months I've spent some time studying for the GMAT by using the Official Guides (Orange & Green) and doing most problems but without really keeping track of what I was getting wrong and more importantly why.
Kaplan CATs – I took about six of these tests during the Kaplan Course and don't remember exactly what the scores were, but they ranged from 500 to 600.
GMAT Prep 1 - 540
GAMT Prep 2 - 430
I thought that the score of my second GMAT Prep was some kind of fluke and figured that I just needed to take the test once to see where I placed and unfortunately the second GMAT Prep was pretty accurate...
As you can imagine I'm devastated, but I'm D-ETERMINED to not let the GMAT beat me and have devised the following plan and ask that you please help out this poor soul and give me any tips, advice, feedback, comments you may have.
I’ve always dreamed of going to B-School and think that I have all the other pieces to get in and the only thing that really stands in my way is the GMAT…
Timing: I'm giving myself until the end of June to prepare (4.5 months) - My work schedule can be crazy sometimes so I'm hoping that this will provide some cushion when things at work get hectic.
Schedule: I'm making a schedule and will try my absolute best to stick to it; I'm trying to be realistic so I'm thinking I can study for 2 hours a day / 3 times during the week and 4 - 6 hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Getting back to the basics - I'm going to order the Kaplan Math Review and Manhattan SC book to practice on two areas where I'm the weakest. And I'm going to get help when I need it this time when I don't understand concepts or struggle with formulas...
Practice smarter and under timed conditions - I'm going to start doing problems under timed conditions so I can build speed and accuracy, but I'm planning to do this after I've reviewed basic Math and feel more comfortable with the basics. Also, I'm going to use a spreadsheet to track my answers as well as what mistakes I'm making and I'm not going to directly jump to solutions, but try to work out the ones I get wrong...
Flashcards - I'm going to make flashcards over the next few months to help me keep track of what I'm doing wrong and to help me remember equations and other important things.
More Computer Tests - Since I've taken the GMAT Prep exams already I will need to get some other full length tests to practice with, could anyone provide any suggestions on what is the second best indicator next to GMAT Prep... Plus, I'm planning to retake both GMAT Preps in May / June as I will surely not remember the questions by then and since I scored so poorly on both of those tests that it should be okay to do so.... Any negatives with doing this?
I'm planning on applying for Fall 2009 and like everyone else dream of a 700+ score and still hope to achieve this.... even though I would be very happy with something in the high 600s. I've never been good at standardized tests, but WILL NOT use that as an excuse and so I'm asking for your help to make my dreams come true!
My sincere thanks....
D Terman
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