Saturday, March 22, 2008

A Humbling Experience

I took a practice GMAT from Manhattan GMAT.  I used the real timing guidelines and tried to minimize distractions.  After it was all said and done, the score popped up: 580 (39Q/31V).  Wow.  I knew I had a lot of work to do, but I had no idea it was going to be this bad!  I had hoped to start in the 650 range, and work on my weaknesses to get to my 700 goal.  Now, I'm not so sure where to begin!  Luckily, Manhattan GMAT provides decent analysis, telling you exactly which question types and areas you got wrong.  I guess I'll take those suggestions and go back and improve my performance.  Time wasn't an issue; I finished all sections with plenty of time to spare.  Then again, maybe that is my problem.  Maybe I'm going to fast - it's a problem I've had in many areas before.

For verbal, it looks like sentence correction is my biggest weakness, with CR and RC being about equal.  For the quant section, I need help in about every area.  I've already purchased the Manhattan GMAT (wow, I'm starting to sound like a spokesman!) area-specific books, so I'll go back through them and study harder.

Hopefully I'll be able to put in a few hours each day and take another test next Saturday.  I should show some improvement in all areas.

In other news, I heard back from the AdCom at USC-Marshall, and they stated the last day to participate in the Ambassador program would be April 9th.  Needless to say, this moves up my trip plans!  Now I'm not sure I'll be able to make it.  It'll cost $500+ just to fly and stay there a night or two.  Any advice?
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4 comments:

kpmg said...

all the best Omne

I had a bit of the same situation as you are having with the GMAT. Going fast. I found that if I forced myself to slowdown and pay more attention, my scores were better. On the plus side, people like you and me will never worry about timing that much! :)

I don't know about the Ambasaddor program, but I've attended a few presentations and never felt satisfied attending them. Maybe you can ask on the GMATClub.com?

March 23, 2008 at 5:43 AM
mbabound said...

I also started in the 500s when I first started studying for the GMAT. I eventually hit the 700 goal. Keep plugging away and you'll hit your goal too.

March 23, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Mo Zhou said...

Welcome to the blog world. :) I started at 580, and got 760 on D-day. So... no worries. Just focus on your studying.

March 23, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Justin Berthelot said...

Thanks for all the kind wishes everyone! I'm trying not go get too discouraged. I keep telling myself that when I do hit the 700 goal, it'll be more rewarding

March 23, 2008 at 12:44 PM

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