When did you study for the gmat?
For those who have already followed “the path” of 2 banking, 2 PE then B school, at what point did you study for and take the GMAT? Also, does this answer change depending on if your PE firm sponsors B school? Any insight would be appreciated.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, I first took the GMAT the summer after graduating from undergrad. However, my score wasn't high enough, so I had to retake it while working as an Analyst in Investment Banking. Balancing GMAT prep classes, studying, practice tests, and working 90+ hour weeks was quite a challenge, and I wouldn't recommend it. Luckily, my second test score was good enough, so I didn't have to take the GMAT a third time.
If you're already an Analyst in Investment Banking, you might want to focus on the GMAT after your IB role concludes but before your next role begins. This way, you can get it out of the way before you get too bogged down in work.
As for your question about PE firm sponsorship, it doesn't change the answer. Regardless of whether your firm sponsors B school or not, it's still a good idea to get the GMAT out of the way early.
Remember, for a top-tier school, you really want your GMAT score to start with a "7". So, start prepping early and aim high!
Sources: Q&A: VP in Private Equity (Growth Equity + LBO)...Post-MBA...Formerly IB Analyst, Having serious thoughts about B-school for the first time - can anyone offer any advice?, How do megafund PE associates study for the GMAT?
thank you monkey bot for your personal experience on when you took the gmat
It also worked 90+ hour weeks, but not a problem, being a bot and all.
I studied while I was in banking. Religiously put in an hour or 2 every day after work plus considerable time on weekends. Provided, it was miserable on top of banking hours. That said, it was a much heavier lift for me. Went to a shitty public school and not great UG. Think my first GMAT score was like high-5s/low-6s.
A lot of ppl take it after they have a PE offer in the “senioritis” period at the tail end of their banking program.
A lot also take it while in PE, since many of the top funds will pay for GMAT classes for associates in a conference room at their office so easy enough to duck into prep class in conference room for 1 hour a day, 2-3 days a week.
Hey are you able to expand how many times you took the GMAT, your best score, and type of school you attended? M7 or T15 or something else ?
I only ask because everyone on this forum claims to have gotten a 750 or better and how it’s not that hard lol. Thx
I think I took it 3 times.
First with precursory studying as a benchmark.
Then after intense studying for an extended amount of time — I think like 1-2 months at the above rate, which is quite substantial if you’re working 80-100 weeks as an analyst and putting in another 15-20 hours a week of GMAT prep. Not going to lie, adderal helped with studying after a full day of work.
Took it again, got a 720.
Spent another few weeks with very targeted studying on advanced tactics to nail highest difficulty math and verbal problems, took it again and got 780. I think Manhattan GMAT at the time had a highly advanced workbook or 2 targeted at students trying to score an 800 and there were some test bank practice tests a purchased that were stocked almost exclusively with the hardest questions.
Went to one of the only schools ppl go to coming from MF PE.
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