Every 6-10 weeks someone asks me how I studied for the GMAT and any advice I have. Well, here’s my story!
Unfortunately, in college I was friends with a bunch of over achievers who thought it’d be a good idea to take the GMAT during senior year after they’d secured full time jobs. So, due to peer pressure and insecurity, I too signed up to take the test.
I took the ManhattanGMAT class which was ~7 weeks long. Each week consisted of 2 hours in a classroom, and 2 hours or so of homework. I’d say I did around 1/2 of the recommended homework each week. After taking the prep course, I immediately signed up for a date to take the actual exam which was about 2 weeks out. The date was during my finals week at NYU, but I wanted to take it before I headed out for a post-graduation trip to Asia with friends (the same ones who’d peer pressured me into taking this exam!!).
Before the prep course, I took a practice test and scored ~610 (my memory is slightly hazy, but it was in that ballpark). My goal was to get to a 700 by the time I took the test, and I was around a 680 by the time I finished the prep course.
The number one piece of advice for anyone taking this test is to create and use flashcards to internalize the information you need to answer the most difficult questions. This was a strategy I stole directly from my Dad who used it to become a doctor (much harder than getting into bschool – so it seemed battle tested).
With that in mind, I went through the 7-8 books that the test prep course had provided, and made a flashcard for any piece of info that I thought would help me answer questions. I made them for the types of triangles, grammar rules, and for the toughest types of questions (two trains going towards each other, the ones that require factorials, etc).
I had 200-300 flashcards, and would look at them when I had 5 mins on the subway, or while waiting for a friend. When I’d correctly answered a given card in three consecutive cycles (I put the card on the bottom of the deck after I’d tried to answer it), I discarded it.
The week before the test, I studied for 3-4 hours/day (mostly the flashcards plus some practice problems). The day before, I didn’t do anything but workout, eat some good food, and watch a movie. It’s important to rest your brain and de-stress! Now, I’d probably also do an extra long mediation session but I wasn’t into that back then.
I don’t remember exactly the slope of the curve, but there was a huge increase in my scores in the week before the test. I started off maybe at the 700 mark for a practice test, and then got a 720, and a 750 before my studying ended (don’t take too many practice tests. They are good to gauge where you’re at, but take a lot of time and aren’t very instructive in helping you improve). I’m pretty confident if I’d pushed the test back another week I could have continued to improve…but the commonly accepted rule says increasing your score above a 700 doesn’t help too much in getting you into school. Btw, I share these numbers only so you can see my progress from the original 610 to when I took the exam and what I did to get there – not to brag!!!
The day of the test of course I was a bit nervous. The worst part of the GMAT is that they ask you “do you want to accept this score” after you take the test. Basically, you can say “no” – and it’s like it never happened. But, if you “accept the score” it goes on your record. My advice: just accept the score unless you had a monumental meltdown for some reason. Because of the way the test works, you get harder questions if you answer questions correctly. So, if you’re getting hard questions, even if you can’t answer them, you’re doing well!
In the end, I scored a 740. I remember not being completely happy with the score when I got it, and the person working the front desk who’d given me the score basically said “I don’t get it – if I got that score, I’d be jumping up and down!”
My advice is to not put that much pressure on yourself. And, if you score above the range you need to get into your dream school, go celebrate! Luckily, I came to my senses about 10 mins after leaving the test center and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for a few days.
Good luck, don’t stress, and look forward to two of the best years of your life 🙂
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web page, because i
wish for enjoyment, for the reason that this this site conations genuinely good
funny information too.
I was more than happy to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for
ones time for this particularly fantastic read!!
I definitely loved every bit of it and i also have you saved
as a favorite to check out new information on your web site.
Hi there mates, its enormous article regarding educationand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the
same results.
Howdy I am so thrilled I found your weblog, I really found you
by mistake, while I was looking on Google for something
else, Regardless I am here now and would just
like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to
read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and
also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.
First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to
ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15
minutes are usually wasted simply just trying to
figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Many thanks!
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of
colors!
Great article. I’m going through a few of these
issues as well..
Because the admin of this site is working, no doubt very shortly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the guide in it or something.
I believe that you simply could do with a few p.c.
to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog.
A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous
blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Asking questions are really fastidious thing if you are not understanding anything completely, however this piece of writing provides nice understanding
yet.
Hiya very nice blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb ..
I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?
I’m satisfied to find a lot of useful information right here within the post, we need develop extra strategies on this
regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you’re
working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web
browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair
price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
I am really impressed with your writing abilities as neatly
as with the layout to your blog. Is that this a paid
subject matter or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the nice high quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one today..
Thanks to my father who told me on the topic of this website, this blog is genuinely awesome.
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness to your put up is simply excellent and that i could think you’re knowledgeable on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay updated with approaching post.
Thank you a million and please continue
the rewarding work.
Magnificent web site. Lots of useful information here.
I’m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thank you on your sweat!
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
It’s the little changes that will make the largest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent article. I will be dealing with many of these issues as well..
I believe this is one of the so much significant
information for me. And i’m glad reading your article.
But should observation on some common issues, The site taste is perfect,
the articles is truly great : D. Excellent activity, cheers
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.
I must say that you’ve done a awesome job with this.
Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox.
Excellent Blog!
If you are going for best contents like me, only pay a quick visit this website daily for
the reason that it gives quality contents, thanks
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was
once a enjoyment account it. Look complex to more delivered
agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell
you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something regarding this.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled
blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of
your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would appreciate
your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
What’s up Dear, are you truly visiting this web site on a regular
basis, if so afterward you will definitely take pleasant experience.
I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours as of late,
but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours.
It’s lovely price enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good
content material as you did, the web will probably be a lot more useful than ever before.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all
is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would
be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
If you are going for finest contents like myself, just visit this
site daily as it gives feature contents, thanks
Nice respond in return of this matter with
solid arguments and explaining all concerning that.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
You can certainly see your skills in the work you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you
who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
I read this post completely regarding the comparison of most up-to-date and preceding technologies, it’s remarkable
article.
Hello, after reading this remarkable article i am as well glad to
share my experience here with mates.
incredibly good examination. I hope you possibly can continue to do the trick so that you can arranged insight toward readers around the website.
Likewise visit my site to get each of the latest articles or blog posts about judi togel.
Thanks for finally writing about > How I Studied for the GMAT – Phil Strazzulla's Blog
< Loved it!
Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any
better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He continually kept preaching about this. I’ll send this article to him.
Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
whoah this blog is great i really like reading your posts.
Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of individuals are searching around for
this information, you can help them greatly.
Your style is really unique compared to other folks I’ve
read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
you’re in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is
incredible. It seems that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done
a wonderful job in this topic!
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a variety of websites for about a year and am
nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
Good response in return of this difficulty with
solid arguments and explaining all on the topic of that.
Greetings I am so thrilled I found your blog page, I really found
you by error, while I was searching on Google for something
else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
time to go through it all at the moment but I have saved
it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read much more, Please do keep up the great jo.
When some one searches for his necessary thing, thus he/she wishes to be available that in detail,
therefore that thing is maintained over here.
Great article.
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours lately, yet I by no
means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It’s pretty price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as
you did, the net shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears
at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during
lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here
and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick
your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
Anyways, great site!
I do trust all the ideas you have introduced to your post.
They’re very convincing and will definitely work.
Still, the posts are very brief for beginners.
May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time?
Thank you for the post.