For all the help and encouragement I received from the web in my GMAT preparation, here is my contribution to the pool of knowledge and experience out there.
Firstly, my score: Quant: 50, Verbal 44, Overall 770, AWA 5.5. The high overall score meant that I secured a 99 %ile. A caveat - I've had all my schooling in English and I have an IT/Engineering background. So if something sounds too condescending, I do not intend it to be so.
Well, I gave my GMAT in June in Montreal, Canada. I had decided a year before that I wanted to give the GMAT. So I had ample time to mentally prepare myself for the exam. I believe this is a crucial aspect. In order to go beyond the usual 720, you need to set yourself up to imagine the ideal score. The more time you have to imagine it, the better it will be. This approach allows you to focus and gives you a target that you can then work towards in quantitative terms. I had set myself a target of 780/6.0.
I started my preparation in earnest in Feb 2008, thereby giving me 4 months of solid preparation time. Throughout the period, I had a dedicated time slot of 1.5 - 2.0 hours each day, irrespective of work pressure. Since I was staying alone at the time, I was able to completely disengage myself from all social activities. No partying, no socializing for 4 months. In short - I became a monk.
When I took the first diagnostic test on GMAT Prep in Feb, I got a 720 with zero preparation. When I investigated the breakdown, my Quant scores was 48 but Verbal was less than 40. So, I knew that the focus had to be on sharpening my verbal skills. I bought the usual material - OG and Kaplan. I also started preparing from the LSAT questions. Even though these questions are really really tough, they will make GMAT seem like cakewalk later. I think the Kaplan 800 series is also excellent, since they really make you understand the difference between a good score and a great one.
I didn't give any test other than GMAT Prep. Mainly because the Kaplan CD I had bought didn't work. I believe this was a mistake on my part and I encourage others to take as many tests as possible. However, I solved several SCs and Quant questions from my CAT material as well as LSAT CRs and RCs. Needless to say, all this was in addition to OG and Kaplan.
When I had done everything, I solved them again and again, until I didn't have to think in order to realize which answer was right - It came to me almost instinctively. I believe this played a crucial part in helping me beat the time on the actual test. For those suffering from sever verbal deficiency, I have only 1 suggestion - Read, Read and Read. In those 4 months, read anything and everything you can get your hands on. It will help you understand the correct grammar and identify the gaps in your abilities.
To prepare for the AWA, I started this blog :) and prepared answers for around 10-15 questions that are provided by GMAC. There's not much you can do about AWA and personally I doubt if it helps; TOEFL gives a much better picture anyway.
The second GMAT Prep test I took netted me 750, with verbal improving to 41. However, I realized that I had messed up my first 10 questions. Irrespective of what books say, if you answer the 1st 10 questions correctly, it does help - mainly because the questions towards the end become easier. That way, you are not faced with time pressure in the last few critical minutes.
On D-Day, I arrived almost 1.5 hrs early. Thankfully, they allowed me to take the test immediately. Carry an energry drink and some snacks for the breaks. You need to keep the sugar levels up for optimal performance. Take all the breaks. It helps you refocus. I had decided that I wanted to get rid of the AWA as quickly as possible. I believe that typing out essays fatigues the mind and I wanted to remain fresh. So instead of the usual 1 hr, I finished mine in 40 minutes and went into the break.
During the Quant and verbal sections, I paid closer attention to the 1st 10 questions and I was fairly confident that I'd gotten them right. Also, I felt the overall level was pretty close to what I had on the sample tests. No surprises. I was able to save considerable time on middle questions and finished each of the sections almost 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I would like to stress that do not put yourself under too much pressure for each question. Also, do not make it an ego issue. If you don't know the answer, it's unlikely that you will know it after staring at it for 5 minutes. Eliminate 2 choices, guess and move on.
Before clicking on the final submit button, I was expecting around 740. I was pleasantly surprised at the 770. The AWA I got was 5.5, a tad disappointing but I guess in proportion with the effort I had put in.
And remember, GMAT is not the be-all and end-all of the MBA application. Your employment, profile, academic acheivements and other interest play an equally important role. The GMAT will only serve to highlight your application from within the pile that is received by the Ad Com every year.
Well, that's about it, I guess. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
