I'm going to kill the GMAT... at least, tthat is the idea. How hard can it be? I mean, i have over 2,000 banana points on WSO...
My current score is c. 620 GMATs, but I'm aiming for 700+ GMATs on test day. I've just registered for the 1st week of December. I've never blogged (is that the right word?) before, but will post updates here...
So, What do you guys think? Do I stand a chance? Would you bet against me?
My game plan:
- Cram sessions of GMAT maths.
- Watch the Manhattan GMAT videos to know how to answer GMAT-style
- Do all the questions in the Official Guide. Quant & Verbal
- Do practice exams: report scores on WSO
- Kill the GMAT
I have about 6 weeks of study time from now until the exam (have some traveling planned in the interim and want to read Infinite Jest). So this should be doable.
What do you guys think? Yay or nay? Let me know.
Any problems with my approach? Do you have a better one? Should i be working on the Trachtenberg System or short-cut maths instead? Maybe Khan Academy?
Don't sprain a finger whilst traipsing through IJ's footnotes- that will reduce your GMAT efficiency markedly.
What's the O/U?
Manhattan live session videos aren't much helpful for people targetting 700+ . OG problems are easy and if are in the flow you can solve all OG quant problems in 1 sitting.
Just practice quant problems and revise their solutions you'll eventually develop a sixth sense for them. 700+ is more dependent on how well do handle the verbal section.
Relinquis in round 2. Will post a dramatically improved score, but will learn enough from the experience to top 700 on the next go-round.
Check me.
I'll preface my post by admitting that I don't know squat about the GMAT. However, I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say that it's like the SAT for grown-ups (although apparently they both still have geometry?). If that's the case, then it's not a matter of difficulty but rather just understanding the format and style of the exam questions and answers, practicing till you puke so that you can navigate through the test without thinking too much because it has become second nature, and mastering time management. In other words it's like a game. Also, if Brady's posts on GMAT prep are legitimate (which they probably are), then you should add the Powerscore Critical Reasoning Bible and the GMAT Math book from GMAT Hacks to your arsenal.
Given your current score and 6 weeks of study time I'm going to bet 1 banana that you'll get between 700-730 on your first try. Verbal score will be higher than math.
By current score of 620, you mean by doing the test once or a practice test? Independently of both answers, how much work did you put in to reach a 620? How do you consider yourself in both math and verbal? Average, below or above?
I'm really interested to follow your blog for the following reasons: - I plan to work approximately the same amount of time than you with a target score of 700+ - I will buy the Manhattan GMAT too ( guided self-study GMAT prep or the prep plus, don't know yet) - Determine what score you'll get with your method!
Thanks and keep us updated!
Will definitely be following, and best of luck. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
good luck. keep posting
700 is super easy to get. From your posts you seem to be pretty intelligent. I'd say you've got this in the bag. Far less astute people have pulled a 700+.
I'm surprised at everyone saying 700+ is definitely in the bag with a meer 620 first practice test. I actually got a 620 too on my first practice test without any studying to see where I was at and still havent started preparing or anything for the GMAT (no rush). However, I expected in no way I was going to get a 700+ unless I kicked ass on studying. Maybe I'm underestimating my abilities and overestimating the test... will follow this blog to see what happens!
6 weeks starting now! good luck!
psst... get a 750 so I can get lots of inspiration and follow in your footsteps
inb4 "700+ is easy," oh wait...
90% of people don't score above a 700. Fact.
OP: 1 hr per point should get you there. Just put your life on hold and grind it out.
Good luck! I am interested in this. Please keep posting.
I got 1760 on SAT without any studying on my own. I was like, "Man, that's a good score on my first try. Fuck that. I am not going to take SAT again".
I did not regret it because I got accepted into the college that have a good computer science program. After the freshman year, I changed my major...I regret it now...
Anyway, keep practicing!
O/U is set at 725.
Reading Infinite Jest by itself may take you more than six weeks...
Its 1 hour per point IMO. Started at 640 (lowest of first 2 practice exams). Finished at 760.
How's your verbal section? That makes much more of a difference on the total score than the math. I did a little over 80th percentile on the math but did well on the verbal and got a 750 overall.
My study plan was go through all the MGMAT guides, do all the OG practice problems in conjunction with the MGMAT guides, and do every practice test possible. You should buy at least one of the MGMAT books so you can access their practice tests online, which are very helpful.
Is 620 what you got on a practice test before any studying?
Either way you have plenty of time. I recommend the following:
Good luck! I don't know where you're applying, but London Business MBA's median gmat is only 700, so you should be good there if you break 690+. (From my understanding you're based in europe and have great work experience).
Good luck man. I'm taking this thing on Thanksgiving Weekend (wow that sounds so depressing) and am cranking hard. Just got the MGMAT guides and will be picking up the official guide. Even though I only need around a 650 for the programs I'm currently targeting (masters in accounting), I am hoping for a 720+ because I will be getting an MBA down the road and want it from a top university (non-target napoleon complex I think they call it).
Let's use this thread to help motivate all us people taking it in a month (I'm sure there's more than just OP, me and a couple others in this thread)
Rel, even though you are smart I'll bet against you because WSO is a horrible distraction filled with useful and useless information.
I say 680 for the test 1st try and 720 2nd try :-)
PROVE ME WRONG.
"If you keep practicing, you will get the hang of it, and then, you will get better and better at it if you did - if you do it! Thumbs up everybody for rock n' roll!" - Biker Boy
You got this. Just listen to this kid, he is wise beyond his years.
Good luck bro! Keep posting!
Good luck! It sounds possible, although I would devote more time.
lol what a noob. i got 720 on 2 days of studying.
The study guide you should be using is called man up and use your brain properly.
The Over/Under is set at: 725 GMATs for my December test.
Thanks for the replies guys. I've raised the target in order to keep things interesting, given your optimism and confidence in my abilities.
Some quick comments: - I'll keep you guys posted on my GMAT progress/plan (update post early next week). - My current score of 620 GMATs (a few months ago) is with about a week or so of serious cramming. Didn't finish quant on test. Strong verbal. - I'll try to put a dent in Infinite Jest as well. I'll use it as a reward for studying.
Good luck to everyone taking the test.
Looking forward to it relinquis. Provide us updates often!
I'll take above/at 700 but under 725.
Give lots of mock GMATs. The Manhattan ones are particularly good. I got 760 by doing just that.
It's definitely possible. I went from 640 to 760 in 8 weeks.
My advice is to focus hard on the fundamentals for at least 2-3 weeks. Don't just start doing practice problems all day. Really try to learn the theory behind the stuff you have trouble with. And use an error log every time you practice...it really makes huge difference.
right there with you man, taking it first week in december. Round 2 for this guy
I haven't forgotten about posting an update. Will do so in the next couple of days.
good luck...has anyone ever gotten 800?
Bump for updates! Hows the practice going? Any recent practice test scores? Original was 620 and shooting for 700+
How's the progress? Take the test yet?
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