GMAT: my journey from 610 to 710

On 23rd December 2013, I attempted the GMAT exam for the first time, after a little more than a week of preparation (which consisted of learning the question types and trying a few questions), the result was a pitiful 610 (Q47, V28, IR3). I was so heartbroken but I submitted a few applications.

In February, after the dings came rolling in, I attempted the exam again, totally focusing my two-week prep on the verbal. I took two practice tests within that period and got 680 in each of them, my GMAT score however was 650 (Q45, V32, IR3). Submitted my Booth application in round 3 with that result, sadly, I got dinged after the interview.

So I re-strategized for the new application season and decided to give the GMAT one last try. This time, I planned six weeks of study (I know it will be different for other people, but I get bored very fast especially while studying the same thing), just enough time for me to focus on one “subject” without getting bored. I used the following study materials:

 

I don did it

And I’m done with GMAT.

 

And so went the week

I’m writing this with a new-found appreciation for the gift of sight.

You remember I was supposed to take my GMAT yesterday, well, that didn’t happen. Here’s what happened instead:

 

Admission events – Wharton

Wharton came to Lagos!!! I was going through my admissions log (a cute notebook I use to keep track of all things related to MBA admissions) when I realized I hadn’t shared my experience from the session.

I was really impressed by the event, there were roughly 10-15 applicants, 7 alumni and the director of admissions. It was less of a lecture/ sales pitch and more of a question-and-answer session. With the exception of 1 or 2 fellows with really annoying questions better suited for google than alums and admissions personnel, I would say the questions were really enlightening. Here’s what I added to my long list of Wharton-related admission advice.

 

My GMAT journey … so far

I planned to write my GMAT next week, I’m almost there with my studies and with a few more days (read: weekend) I would have been ready to tackle the exam one final time.However,  one out-of-state wedding, one 3-day workshop and average verbal scores have put an end to that plan. I have to study a lot more particularly reading comprehension (which is not going so well due to my inability to focus on long paragraphs).

For other people studying for GMAT, here’s my advice (mostly things that I think are working for me right now):