casperGasper

Man, thats some awesome improvement. Now tell the adcomm how you did it, in your own words, and be confident to get admits from the best schools. Congrats and best of luck.

You will do it GREMAT! Keep working and you will hit the 700+ mark. I understand that you plan to attend HBS, Wharton, etc and a 700+ would give you a greater chance. Wish you good luck. Let me know if I can be of help.

I am still planning for Fall 07. Yes, I have an MS too. Taking a risk app'ing for R2 for some good schools.

Got my official score report via email - AWA 5.5. Happy about the score. Good luck to you all and thanks for all the good wishes.

Congrats gagan, thats awesome score! Incredible Quant. I understand how difficult it is to crack 51 in Math. Have a great party now..

Thank you for the wonderful insight, GMATBong.

gagan.. like your enthu. Yes, I do have dream schools. They were different b4 I took my GMAT though! I have to tell you that the list of dream school changes according to the score. I sincerely wish to get into b-schools in bay area (UC-Berkeley, in specific) Hope for the best.. BTW, scoretop JJs are gaining popularity. Check them out!

Epony, I cannot disagree with you completely. I cannot agree with you completely either. I have attached a screen-shot of the GMATPrep test analysis on verbal section. My findings are less empirical, but more experimental. I strongly believe that timing of incorrect answers is crucial as depicted by scaled-scores in the screen-shot. I would say you are already strong by getting all RCs and all CRs correct. Do 1000SC (at least 400) to build the confidence in SC. Perhaps you can do the same by visiting TM and solving 10-15 SCs per day. Maintain flash cards. You would feel comfortable soon. All the best. BTW, use POE (only POE) in SC.

Would you please shed some light on my profile? TIA.

Sorry for the delay in posting my debrief. Firstly, thanks to all the TM-ians. Great people and great posts. Thanks to all for the wonderful guidance. GMAT score – 720 (Q50 95%, V37 83%) Overall 96% I am - Indian and male with IT/Accounting background - 29 years young - working for a software development company in USA (>5 years) Preparation: Started in May. Spent about 2 hours a day reading/working OG11 and 1000SC. Did not bother to take prep exam at that time, as I knew I would not do my best. Spent the first two months (May and June) on OG11 and 1000SC. As soon as I felt comfortable and that I had enough preparation, I took GMATPrep1 in the first week of July. Cocky about my abilities. I underestimated the GMAT force and landed a 610 score. I understood that my math skills were on-par with GMAT quant requirements. Thus, I concentrated mainly on verbal. Time-management was my problem area (on both sections). I asked one of my buddies how he managed time on the sections. He suggested me not to spend more than stipulated time ( After few weeks, I decided to take a PowerPrep1 test (I did not want to use second chance at GMATPrep). My score was 680, but no where close to 750 (my target score). At least I was happy that I made an improvement of 70 points. A week later, the score on PowerPrep2 was 660 – 20 points less than previous score. I was not only discouraged but also exhausted. I did not know what other materials to use when GMAT sets came to my rescue. I started working on one set a day. Working on sets has increased my strength and confidence tremendously. With the added confidence and courage I took GMATPrep2 sometime in mid-August and scored 750. A week later, scored 740 in GMATPrep1 (re-install) (inflated score). Three days before the test, I took the GMATPrep2 (re-install) and scored 680. It took me at least 100 CR questions to regain my confidence levels in the last 3 days before exams (I lost 2 back to back CR questions on Verbal on the last exam). I spent about 5 hours on weekends (5 hours on Sat and 5 hours on Sun) to take exams and analyze the results. G-Day: Scheduled for 9.00 in the morning (Mornings work for me). Went to bed early (around 10.00) night before, woke up around 6.00 in the morning. Did not want to strain my body much and thus skipped the jog/work-out for the day. Worked on few math problems, SCs, and CRs to allow my brain release important/relevant hormones. Had some hot-spicy food (breakfast I mean) to allow my brain release important hormones. AWA – ok. Did not have much trouble analyzing the argument. Had mental block analyzing the issue. But, ok. Had a banana and a cup of Yogurt. Quant: Strong quant skills allowed me to cruise through the section smoothly. I reminded myself that I cannot spend time excessively on a given question. Finished the section with 5 minutes on hand. (but relaxed for 4 minutes (just to make sure I remain strong for verbal), confirmed the answer for the last question with 1 minute remaining). Had a banana and a yogurt. Verbal: Started with 2 SCs and then 2 CRs. Was in total control until I reached 33rd question (12 minutes remaining). Lost concentration around 37 question. Guessed last 3 questions (39,40, and 41 – biggest mistake; might have brought my score to the least possible). Preparation guides: 1) OG11 – only to get a feel of GMAT. Does not present you with the toughest questions/problems, so do not rely overly on OG11. 2) GMAT sets (only verbal) – there are 31 sets. You should be able to work on one set per day. However, reviewing the test takes some too. So you have to manage the time accordingly. 3) Math problems on TM/ScoreTop site – there are numerous problems posted on TM and scoretop all the time. Solve them, understand the logic and keep the notes for the solution. 4) Spidey’s notes, Shail’s notes, 1000SC, 1000CR Random pointers: 1) Unlike GMATPrep, other prep-exams cannot and do not estimate your “real” score - so use the GMATPrep exams wisely (you got 2 shots only). For the same reason, I DID NOT feel confident about the gains taking Kaplan, CrackGMAT or PR or other tests. I never took a Kaplan or PR or other test. 2) Difference between a 750 and 700 score may be 2 wrong questions in verbal and 2 wrong questions in Quant. Thus, when you score 750 on GMATPrep because you knew 2 questions on Verbal section, understand that the score (750) is not the “real” representation of your score – it is an inflated score. Such (inflated) scores made me complacent during my practice sessions, the complacency that caused severe disappointment later on the G-day. 3) Remember that performing well on the first few questions (may be first 15 questions) is really important. However, it does not mean that the last set (>25) are not important – wrong answers to these questions will have similar impact on your score as do any other wrong answers in the first set (25) in my prep tests. 4) Practice timing, practice timing and practice timing. If you are a non-native English speaker, you have to put stringent regulations on your timing. During your practice tests, try to complete the verbal section at least 2 minutes before the stipulated time. 5) GMAT sets are the second most important preparation tools. They closely simulate real test. Practice them on a regular basis. 6) RC questions carry more points (educated guess only!). So, pay more attention to RC. 7) Refrain from drinking lot of water on the G-day (and during the exam). Take solids (banana, etc) and semi-solids (yogurt, etc) 8) Understand that you have to select the schools/programs before the exam and before you know the score (NOT after the exam). 9) Etch this in your brain that GMAT penalizes heavily for back to back mistakes (damage due to (4 mistakes back to back )> damage due to (3 mistakes back to back )> damage due to (2 mistakes back to back )) 10) Never get exhausted, never relax and never giveup. Concentrate, work, and conquer. After the exam, I feel that: 1) I should have started taking prep-exams much earlier (exams and only exams tell your state-of-preparation; you can go on and on reading and working through problems/questions, but never realizing how much time you spent jollying) 2) I should have realized that my GMATPrep scores were inflated (slightly though), rather than developing complacency 3) I should have had couple of buddies who prepared for the exam (CRs need explanation; although RCs need the same, one could easily be adept at finding the answers after practicing 18-20 RCs) 4) I should have put more emphasis on time-management 5) I should have practiced to control mistakes (I know I would commit 6 mistakes at the minimum; but how I spread the mistakes in the set of 41/37 is important; “back to back” versus “spread across”) Let me know if I can answer your specific questions.

Hello GMATbong and TMs, Could you please advice what my options are for the profile given below? GMAT – 720 (Q50 95%, V37 83%) Overall 96% Demographics: - Indian, male, IT/Accounting background (Work for a IT company that develops accounting software for petroleum industry). - Age 29 - working for a software development company in USA (2001- present; very small company about 30 emp) Education: - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (4.0 GPA) from an accredited Indian University (Award of Honor) - Master’s degree in Computer Science (3.76 GPA) from accredited American University Work Exp: - 5+ years in IT/Accounting related fields. - worked at small companies and start-up companies mostly. (Employed at a small company with 30 employees right now). Extracurricular: - decent, but not stellar - Vice president of Mechanical Engineers’ association at the college level (India)– organizing various events, fund raising, marketing and advertising, etc - Help organize blood donation camps in town , participate/help-organize meals-on-the-wheels program in town, and few other similar community activities (USA) - Play games, sports and involve in athletics. Entrepreneur/related skills: - Conceived the idea, designed, developed, established and marketed a software application (a software company) (Company is a concerted effort between me and a group of friends; company is not generating enough revenue to make a living off of it; main reasons for the current state of the company are lack of network and limited networking abilities) - Drafted a business plan, met with few VCs, and discussed various options for funding. Did not materialize – lack of educational/professional background in business, and lack of network. - Company exists, but inactive Future goals: Resume the activities of my company, sell products, use profits to enhance R&D work, and increase sales and revenue. Why MBA: - develop network - get in touch (and closer) to the target audience - enhance necessary skills to run the business Target schools: - UC Berkeley – Haas school of business - UCLA – Anderson School of Business - CMU – Tepper school of Business - Kellog School of Business - Yale I am sure I can write excellent essays and get excellent recommendations. Queries: - What are my chances to get into an MBA program with specialization in “Entrepreneurship and innovation” at the schools mentioned above? - How different is "MBA in Entrepreneurship" from "MBA in consulting" (network creation, diversity are concerned)? - What other MBA programs can I target to achieve my future goals? - How important would be my age at these schools? - What is the level of competition from people from my own demographics (I understand I belong to a highly competitive demographic; but is the competition less-fierce in fields other than consulting/IB/Finance or is it just an illogical conclusion?) - Does my work experience with small companies act adversely in my application? (I specifically chose start-ups and small companies so I understand the various intricacies and operations that would give a hands-on experience and that would help me prepare for my future goal). - I am interested in an MBA in urban planning (or real estate) too. Can I make a case for this program given my educational qualifications and work-experiences are entirely different? Thanks much.

Took my test today, Sep 19, 2006 and scored 720 (Q - 50 and V - 37) Moderately happy about the score, but not disappointed. The test was similar to GMATPrep. The level of difficulty on both V and Q sections is similar to that on the corresponding sections of GMATPrep. Practice test scores were: 1) 610 - July 8, 2006 (GMATPrep -1; Q48, V27) 2) 680 - July 22, 2006 (PowerPrep - 1; Q48, V33) 3) 660 - July 29, 2006 (PowerPrep - 2; Q48, V31) 4) 750 - Aug 25, 2006 (GMATPrep - 2; Q50, V42) 5) 740 - Sep 09, 2006 (GMATPrep - 1, reinstall - few repeats; Q50, V40) 6) 680 - Sep 16, 2006 (GMATPrep - 2, reinstaill - many repeats - Still pathetic score; Q47, V35) 720 - Actual test Sep 19, 2006. I knew my weakness was verbal, and therefore concentrated on the verbal section for the most part of my preparation. But, those of you who are disappointed with the practice test scores (such as my first practice score), do not loose your heart. Be brave and work hard. Identify your weakness and spend 80% of your time to overcome it. Anyway, I have to do some travelling - will write more about my preparation and practice tests soon. Thanks all.

OA = B Thanks for the explanation, philosopher.

The chemical adenosine is released by brain cells when those cells are active. Adenosine then binds to more and more sites on cells in certain areas of the brain, as the total amount released gradually increases during wakefulness. During sleep, the number of sites to which adenosine is bound decreases. Some researchers have hypothesized that it is the cumulative binding of adenosine to a large number of sites that causes the onset of sleep. Which of the following, if true, provides the most support for the researchers’ hypothesis? A. Even after long periods of sleep when adenosine is at its lowest concentration in the brain, the number of brain cells bound with adenosine remains very large. B. Caffeine, which has the effect of making people remain wakeful, is known to interfere with the binding of adenosine to sites on brain cells. C. Besides binding to sites in the brain, adenosine is known to be involved in biochemical reactions throughout the body. D. Some areas of the brain that are relatively inactive nonetheless release some adenosine. E. Stress resulting from a dangerous situation can preserve wakefulness even when brain levels of bound adenosine are high. OA will follow. Plz explain.

Staunch supporters of A say that the statement "This fact does not show that environmental regulations promote growth, however, since ______ " would be complete only when the blank is filled with a fact that relates to "those states with strictest env. regulations" (Casue-Reason). "A" does that to some extent. I see their point too. however, the cause and reason do not seem to jive well together. MO.

OA is A. After all the agreement/disagreement, OA is still A. The question is from GMATsets and the answers mentioned in the sets are often incorrect too. So, not sure whether the answer is correct!

OA is A. I feel "discovery may not only broden.... but also shows" is the correct form (the form present only in choice C). Unfortunately, C has other problems - I guess - for example "to be capabale to adapt.." - is this a correct idiom? I think it should be "capable of adapting.."

Biologists working in Spain say that their discovery of teeming life in a highly acidic river may not only broaden the search for life, or for evidence of past life, on other planets but also show that a number of forms of microscopic life can adapt to conditions that scientists have long thought hostile to all but the hardiest bacteria. A. show that a number of forms of microscopic life can adapt to conditions that scientists have long thought hostile to all but the hardiest bacteria B. may show that a number of forms of microscopic life is capable of adapting to conditions that scientists have long thought hostile to all bacteria but the hardiest ones C. shows a number of forms of microscopic life to be capable to adapt to conditions that scientists have long thought had been hostile to all but the hardiest bacteria D. showing that a number of forms of microscopic life is capable of adapting to conditions that scientists have long thought had been hostile to all but the hardiest bacteria E. showing that a number of forms of microscopic life can adapt to conditions that scientists have long thought hostile to all bacteria but the hardiest OA will follow. Explanations are welcome.

Now you are assuming that "job and training" lead to high economic growth. Are such assumptions valid/allowed? I do not see anything mentioned in the stem about job and training and high growth! The only incentive of choosing A is the phrase "those states" (which may directly relate to the states mentioned in the fact - even that is not close). On the other hand, C says that "states experiencing reduced growth are considering weaking Env.regulations". In other words, when less growth , less stricter Env. regulations. Had the fact been true (that strict regulations, more growth), the states with less growth would have resorted to stricter regulations - but they are doing the opposite. Does this statement not provide a support for the hypothesis and thus negate the fact? Does that not mean C is the correct answer? Comments.

OA = E. Source is GMATSets. Philospher57, could you explain how and when a "comma" plays an important role? For me the question is testing on the comma-usage; for example the usage "including A, B and C" is different from the usage "including reminders to do A, B, and C". (I remember reading about this issue somewhere but can not recollect.) Can someone explain how different is the statement "A, B and C" from "A, B, and C" - and whether there is any difference et al?

The principal feature of the redesigned checks is a series of printed instructions that the company hopes will help merchants confirm a check’s authenticity, which includes reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view the watermark while holding the check to the light. A. which includes reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view B. which include reminders for watching the endorsement, to compare signatures and view C. by including reminders for watching the endorsement, comparing signatures, and viewing D. including reminders to watch the endorsement, comparing signatures and viewing E. including reminders to watch the endorsement, compare signatures, and view OA will follow.

Which of the following, if true, provides evidence that most logically completes the argument below? According to a widely held economic hypothesis, imposing strict environmental regulations reduces economic growth. This hypothesis is undermined by the fact that the states with the strictest environmental regulations also have the highest economic growth. This fact does not show that environmental regulations promote growth, however, since ______. A. those states with the strictest environmental regulations invest the most in education and job training B. even those states that have only moderately strict environmental regulations have higher growth than those with the least-strict regulations C. many states that are experiencing reduced economic growth are considering weakening their environmental regulations D. after introducing stricter environmental regulations, many states experienced increased economic growth E. even those states with very weak environmental regulations have experienced at least some growth OA will follow. Plz explain your answer.

OA = C. As most of you pointed, the plan wud succeed when an unemployed accpets a job for low income (and get the supplement from the government) and then turn around and accept a new employment at a higher wage/salary (bcoz the person is already employed and tend to get high-paying job!). Thanks all.

GMATsets

OA = D. As most of you correctly pointed out, the comparison is between individuals. Thank you all.