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 🙂
Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the
great info you’ve got here on this post. I’ll
be returning to your web site for more soon.
Great article.
Awesome issues here. I’m very satisfied to peer your article.
Thank you a lot and I am having a look forward to
contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Greetings, There’s no doubt that your blog could be having browser compatibility problems.
When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some
overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Other than that, fantastic site!
I appreciate, result in I discovered just what I used
to be looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues.
It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
What i don’t realize is in truth how you are no longer really
much more well-favored than you may be now.
You’re very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably with regards
to this subject, produced me personally imagine it from so many various angles.
Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested unless it’s something to
accomplish with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs nice.
At all times care for it up!
When someone writes an post he/she maintains the thought of a user in his/her mind that
how a user can be aware of it. Thus that’s why this paragraph is great.
Thanks!
When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same
comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service?
Thanks a lot!
Thanks for some other informative blog. The place else may just I get that type of info written in such an ideal way?
I’ve a venture that I’m simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such information.
great put up, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of
this sector do not understand this. You should
continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base
already!
Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of
the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why
but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the
same results.
Hello, I want to subscribe for this website to take hottest
updates, therefore where can i do it please assist.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking
more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and in depth information you provide.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material.
Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m
including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
I was recommended this website through my cousin. I’m no longer
positive whether or not this post is written through him
as nobody else realize such specified about my difficulty.
You are amazing! Thanks!
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has
aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help
other users like its aided me. Great job.
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the great effort.
Hi I am so excited I found your site, I really found you by error, while I was
browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am
here now and would just like to say thank you for a tremendous 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 minute but I have book-marked it and also
added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to
read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Terrific article! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared around the internet.
Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning this
submit upper! Come on over and consult with my site
. Thank you =)
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to
see a nice blog like this one today.
Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they
plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a
signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
First of all I would like to say awesome blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you
don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and
clear your thoughts prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my thoughts
in getting my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying
to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
What’s up, I read your new stuff daily. Your humoristic style is witty,
keep doing what you’re doing!
I am curious to find out what blog system you have been working with?
I’m experiencing some small security problems
with my latest website and I would like to find something more safe.
Do you have any recommendations?
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this website,
as i want enjoyment, as this this website conations truly good funny information too.
I do consider all of the concepts you have introduced to your post.
They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Still, the posts are too quick for starters. Could you please extend them a bit from next time?
Thank you for the post.
I just like the helpful information you provide for your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here
frequently. I’m reasonably certain I will be informed many new stuff proper here!
Best of luck for the next!
What’s up Dear, are you in fact visiting this web page daily, if so afterward you will without doubt get fastidious knowledge.
Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it ;
) I am going to revisit yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve added you guys to
my blogroll.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without
a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I came across this in my search for something concerning this.
Good site you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality
writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this fantastic blog!
I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to
my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
Have you ever considered writing an ebook or guest
authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you
share some stories/information. I know my readers would
enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel
free to send me an e-mail.
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was once a enjoyment account it.
Look complicated to more brought agreeable from you!
However, how could we keep in touch?
If some one needs to be updated with newest technologies after that he must be go to see
this web site and be up to date all the time.
What’s up to all, it’s really a nice for me to visit this web site, it includes priceless Information.
For the reason that the admin of this web site is working, no uncertainty very shortly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few
of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its
a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article.
Thank you for supplying these details.
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but
it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to
a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Hello, everything is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s genuinely excellent, keep up writing.
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book
or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same
ideas you discuss and would love to have
you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value
your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied
that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay
us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m inspired!
Extremely helpful info specifically the ultimate part
🙂 I handle such information much. I used to be looking for this certain info for a very long time.
Thanks and best of luck.