nsulham

If you're having difficulty with SC then you should definitely consider the Manhattan GMAT Prep SC book. Like you, I was weak in SC initially. After reading through the MGMAT SC book a few times, I was hitting about 99% of SC questions. As an added bonus, if you buy the MGMAT SC book (new not used) then you will gain access to the 6 MGMAT online CATs for one year. Good luck :)

Hi ronyricky, I'll do my best to answer your questions; however, my answers might seem a bit ambiguous because the number of questions that you answer correctly is only one factor in determining your score. 1st question: "How many questions can one answer incorrectly and still score a 51 in Quant, assuming at least the first 5 are answered correctly?" The answer depends. I scored 51 in Q on two of my practice tests, once on MGMAT CAT and once on GMAT Prep. I answered 5 incorrectly on the MGMAT exam and 3 incorrectly on the GMAT Prep exam. I should also mention that I scored a 50 on MGMAT CAT a couple times and one time I only answered 5 in correctly. The scoring is tricky and I'm unsure of the specifics. I think that in order to score 51 you cannot answer more than 5 incorrectly and you cannot answer questions incorrectly in succession. 2nd question: "Can one score a 700 by answering 25 Q's correctly in Verbal?" Again, the answer depends. In order to score 700 you need to do relatively well on both the Quant and the Verbal sections of the test. The following link might be useful: http://www.www.urch.com/forums/gmat/11002-680-690-700-scores-how-does-gmat-calculate.html I would worry more about the raw scores that you are achieving on the Quant and Verbal sections of the test rather than the number of questions that you are answering correctly/incorrectly. The difficulty of the questions is more important than the number of correct questions.

Manhattan SC is not the same as the 1000 SC document. Manhattan SC is a prep guide for the GMAT. The book teaches concepts. If you buy the MGMAT SC book, you will gain access to the MGMAT Online CATS for 1 year. I would recommend that you buy the book new from Amazon.com and have it shipped overnight if you need it ASAP. Don't bother buying a used version of the book if you want CAT access because it is likely that the pevious owner already activated the tests; therefore, you would not be able to access them. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. :)

Hi Josh, First, your attitute isn't going to help you regardless of the path you choose for your future. You have to persevere -- don't give up because money is tight. Pressing on during a time of financial hardship will make you a stronger person as well as a stronger applicant. Schools will be impressed by your story. If you are truly interested in becoming a physician then you should absolutely not give up due to finances. There are plenty of ways for a person in your situation to earn a subsidized medical education (assuming you are capable and motivated.) Nearly all schools offer tuition reimbursement programs for graduates who practice in an underserved area for a short time after graduation. Additionally, the government has programs in place. Do some research and you will find that there are ways. Regarding GMAT/GRE: You will need to take these standardized tests and have scores sent to schools. Not every school requires both the GMAT and GRE for PhD in Economics programs (though many do.) GMAT/GRE waivers are available. Again, do some research and you'll discover how. The same goes for application fees; you can get the fee waived. Regarding test-prep materials: There are some free prep materials floating around. You can find some useful stuff on this forum. There are certain items that you're going to want to get that aren't available for free though. You should definately invest in the Official Guide for GMAT Prep-- I doubt that you will find it for free. Consider your life and what you want to accomplish. Regardless of the path you choose, you need to be motivated and have clear goals. Good luck :)

Consider Manhattan GMAT Prep if the courses are offered in your area. MGMAT emphasizes teaching concepts rather than tricks which will be very useful for a person that is several years out of undergrad. I'm not sure what the price is in comparison to Kaplan/Princeton, but I think you'll get a lot more out of MGMAT. You might want to consider studying on your own for a month or so prior to making a decision regarding classes. Initially, prepping for the GMAT can seem overwhelming; however, the concepts that are tested on the GMAT are relatively elementary. After a month of self-study you might realize that you don't need a class. Additionally, read through this forum and see what other people did in order to prep. After a short time you'll discover what works best for you. Good luck :)

Congrats!! Very nice score and well balanced. Good luck with your apps :)

Hi aham, The MGMAT CATs are indeed more difficult that the actual GMAT. They are especially difficult in the quant section in comparison to the real thing. The verbal content is decent on the MGMAT tests; however, your verbal score will quickly drop if you incorrectly answer RC ?s or incorrectly answer 3 or more ?s in a row on the tests (based on my experience.) Do not get discouraged with your performance of 660 if you are aiming for 700+ (which I assume you are.) My lowest MGMAT CAT score was 50 points lower than my official score. You still have 20 days so there is no reason to panic right now; panicking will only distract you and is likely to set you back. At this point, your best course of action might be to remedy your verbal deficiencies as best as possible. Analyze your practice test performance, review the questions that you got incorrect (as well as those that you got correct) and identify the type of questions that are giving you the most difficulty. If you are having trouble with SC, I would definately recommend the MGMAT SC book. If you are having trouble with CR, I would recommend the Kaplan 800 book (most recent version.) If you are having trouble with RC, practice (sorry I don't know a better way to approach.) Also, use this forum, it's an extremely valuable tool. I hope I've been helpful in some way. Best of luck :)

Congrats! Good luck with the next step :)

Way to go.... Congrats!! All the best with the next phase :)

Congrats! Great Score and Great Story. All the best with the next phase :)

Nicely done... Congrats!! Good luck with your apps

Very nice score, Congrats!! Good luck with the apps. Where are you considering applying to?

Thanks for the reply and the honest recommendation; I appreciate your input.

Answers: 1) Font? - download the GMATPrep software from www.mba.com. The GMATPrep tests look exactly the same as the real thing 2) Scratch paper/erabable board? - You get an erasable 5 page tablet of laminated grid paper (which you return after you complete the test) 3) Extra time added to rest? - NO. You do not get extra time if you finish the quan section early. I recommend that you take a look at the www.mba.com website and familiarize yourself with the test information that is provided.

Hi All, I am wondering if someone with knowledge can advise me regarding my timeframe for applying to B-School (GMATBong, you certainly seem to know your stuff, so a response from you would be greatly appreciated)... Ideally, I would like to apply for the 2008 entering class... My main concern is that I am only 24 and have limited full-time work experience (2 years.) The company that I work for is a large international clinical research company. My current title is "Research Associate;" however, I regularly perform duties above and beyond the job description of a research associate. I have been promoted within the company and continue to make progress up the organizational ladder. In addition to my typical research responsibilities, I have also been involved with new-hire orientation, given company-wide presentations and lead my research team through a successful client audit. I know that I have at least two (likely more) managers/supervisors who I can count on to write me SOLID recommendations. My target schools: *Columbia (my top choice - I am considering applying Early Decision) *MIT *Dartmouth *Cornell Some additional "credentials" *GMAT: 770 (Q:49, V:48, AWA:5.5) *GPA: 3.3 @ a top-tier private engineering school in MA (majored in Biomedical Enigneering) Sports/Organizations/Clubs: *Varsity Football (I played 2 years, but suffered 2 severe knee injuries that ended my playing career. I stayed involved by volunteering as an assistant strength/conditioning coach) *Fraternity (served as Social Chair, Steward and Interim VP and was a member of the social and pledge committees) *Biomedical Engineering Society *Pre-Health Society *Scuba Club Volunteer Activities: **This is a long list, but there is certainly some substance to the activities that I have been involved with Part-time/Summer Work: *Design Engineer (Co-op project with a small medical device company during my senior year of college. I received class credit rather than money, but it was definately worth the time and effort) *Function Waiter at a wedding hall (I worked as a waiter for 6 years, two during high school and four years while I was an undergrad) *Software Design Engineer (summer internship) *Private tutor (I tutored a high school student in math to prepare her for finals. This should be considered volunteer work, but her mother insisted on paying me) I firmly believe that I am mature enough for business school now and I would really like to complete school while I am still in a great position to do so. I have legitimate professional reasons for wanting to persue an MBA and I would really like to earn my degree before settling down and starting a family. I do have doubts regarding my experience though. So my question is: do you think I would be a strong applicant at my target schools or would I be better off waiting a couple years before applying? Any responses would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance :)