I was curious if anybody has taken the GMAT (or will be taking this summer) and applying to full-time programs this fall. If so, what kind of schools are you targeting? M7? Top 20?
Any insight from past GMAT takers that have scored >700 on preparation? I’ve only just started studying for the GMAT and am curious if I should spend a lot of the first few weeks relearning fractions, exponents, etc. before taking my first practice CAT, or just jump right into a CAT to see where I’m starting. I’m aiming for >700 - ideally in the 720-730 range.
You’re correct (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3_lVSrPB6w) if you’re asking if 740 is a greater number (and higher score) than 730. But I just mentioned a target score - I wouldn’t be angry if I scored an 800.
I scored a measly 700 a few years ago, so I’m a lowly gent with meaningless advice. But it’s less about being able to do fractions than it is about being able to solve various word problems. None of the math is complex, so brushing up won’t hurt, but to score above 700, you will need to learn shortcuts in order to finish on time. There are plenty of good practice tests available, so I don’t think it’s like the CFA in that you probably won’t run out of decent tests and you could take one now.
I took an official practice test cold before studying at all and I believe I scored 600. I expected a score in the 730-740 range because in the weeks leading up to the test, that’s how I was scoring. But the real thing was either harder or just more intimidating and I choked.
I think Manhattan is the way to go for study material.
I applied last fall and am matriculating in August.
Initially I had targetted 4 schools in the top 20 that I was interested in. As I went through the application process I realized that I ultimately only wanted to go to one particular school and never finished the other 3 apps. This probably isn’t the greatest strategy if you’re dead set on going back to school, but I was ok with staying in my job had I not been accepted (luckily I was). My main takeaway is that published rankings are a nice starting point, but as you go through the application process you’ll need to picture yourself at the program and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
As for the GMAT - I ended up scoring right around my target, but was surprised by my score breakdown. In practice exams I was consistently scoring in the 95+ %ile for the Quant section and less so for the Verbal. I ended up scoring very high on verbal and only around 85 %ile Quant. Maybe it was due to studying more on my weak spots, and your experience may vary, but don’t get overconfident on Quant if you’re scoring well. As for actual exam strategy, in Sentence Correction isolate the differences in the choices and only evaluate based on that as opposed to reading each fragment each time. For Data Sufficiency, just get a lot of practice in - it’s one of those things where you never practice it in school, so you need a lot of reps to be comfortable.
I’m using MGMAT and Advanced Quant guide along with the OG. Like all three levels of the CFA, I’m always nervous to take the first practice test because I don’t want to destroy my confidence, but you’ve reiterated what others have told me and that’s to take a CAT in the beginning. Thanks.
I got a 710 using Manhattan GMAT. The first time I took it I used Kaplan and got a 630. That was almost four years ago though and my study habits materially changed since I started the CFA program. I just submitted my application to my number one choice. I think I’m operating on a freakishly early time table.
Good for you - congrats! I’d be happy with a 710. I just need to see a 7 in the hundreds place. I couldn’t bring myself to study for the GMAT along with L3 and I wanted a break to watch the World Cup. I’m also getting married in October. So, I’m aiming for Round 2 apps but may try to get into Round 1 at my top choice before the wedding.
That’s awesome. As you prepare for the GMAT just keep thinking about what you find most important about yourself. The essays are just as demanding. They require a lot of investment in time to reflection and drafting a compelling and unique story.
My advice is: treat the author of Princeton Review (or other books) like your god. Obsess about every single sentence they write, and then do as many practice questions as you can. It is possible to “solve” this test, and I’m pretty sure these guys who write the GMAT books know the solution. I read four books from cover to cover, and absorbed the authors’ power like a tribe from New Guinea that feasts on the flesh of their fallen enemies.
The essays are really important along with the score - make sure you do lots of research into your schools and match yourself to those traits. I think the schools are heavy on ‘fit’ and probability of success. In some ways while writing your essay, you should be telling them what YOU offer to the school, and not what the school would do for you. Ultimately they want alumni that are strong in their fields, piggy back on your success and have you in the database to help future students. Plus every big deal you close or bio media does on you, they will get mentioned.
Two great resources are GMAT club (great for app strategy) and Poet’s and Quants (great for school research). The data you draw from these will have their own swerve, so just filter and adjust to get the real picture.
@numi - thanks for that thread, the discussion there was helpful
@mk17 - i’m pretty confident in my extra-currics and story. the issue i’ll have is figuring out how to make my whole profile flow seamlessly. your advice about mentioning what I bring to the table is useful and something i’ve read in several other places. i’ve been to the poets and quants site a few times out of curiosity but i think i’ll look into the school research you say they provide. i’ve been using GMAT club and Beat the GMAT.
I know you’ve used the two sites but just to give you other ideas about what to look into; read the history of the school, any artickes on P&Q will give you an idea of what their school emphasizes/favours and the evolution of the school itself, who are the main players, what they’ve done recently - these things are good facts to know when you go into an interview. Adcoms will like that you are thorough and take small facts to the next level by saying you’d love to contribute by doing x and y. Enthusiasm is pretty key, in my experience, again, that depends on your angle.
Also look into past year’s school admission threads, you can gleam a lot out of those regarding how they interview and what kind of profiles they like, sometimes people write their interview experience as well - this is pretty crucial in preparing for known knowns, known unknowns and hopefully eliminates the unknown unknowns. I know Gmat club helped me immensely in my interview process, figuring out the probability of certain questions and helped me focus on what I needed to convey in that 1h slot. There was only one question that caught me unaware but I was on such a positive and confident streak that I was able to work an answer. Every little bit counts.