MBA on the Horizon

It's been a little while...but a big thank you to the blogging community for all of the feedback on Quant resources. The MGMAT guides got a resounding endorsement, so I have ordered one and plan to order more as I move along.

It feels different this time (if you're new to my blog, I'm taking the GMAT for the second time; the first time was March 2009). One interesting thing that I have discovered is that last time, I didn't spend enough time on the fundamentals. I had a Kaplan and PR book, as well as the OG, and I did go through the Quant review portions of those books. However, there were small things that held me up because I didn't remember every little rule from high school math.

This time, one of my resources is the PR 1,012 Practice Questions book. It's broken down into sections (Arithmetic, Algebra, Stats, Geometry) and further broken down into smaller topics (Exponents, Probability, Roots etc). Each section has a summary of the topic, as well as practice problems for that topic.

Last time, I did a LOT of practice problems, but they were random and never focused on one skill at once. I am finding that practicing a chunk on the same topic moves me along in a tangible way.

Furthermore, I have a tutor who helps me break past many of those little barriers that are tough to do on my own. Now when I don't understand a concept, he explains it to me instead of me spending countless hours reading message boards online, trying to figure it out.

I haven't taken a CAT yet, so I can't yet tell how quickly I'm progressing from a score perspective. I know that I need to work on harder and harder problems so I get my overall level of competency up, but for now I'm encouraged that I don't feel like this is going to be a repeat of last time.

Some days, I (gasp) enjoy studying. When I'm moving along, understanding things, and I feel like I'm making progress, I actually like what I'm doing. Other days, like today, are more of a struggle. Getting through this GMAT process is a lesson in itself. It's tough to balance work and studying...I'm so used to putting work first, and it's difficult to allow any of it to slip in order to study. I keep looking for a way to put my whole self into work and studying simultaneously, and I continue to be frustrated...and maybe that's because it's not possible, there aren't enough hours in a day or enough of me to go around. Throw in trying to work out, see my friends, family and boyfriend, and some days it truly seems like I'm not doing anything well.

The first solution that comes to mind is to throw my best self - time, focus and intentions - into studying, realizing that work will always be there, this is a relatively short time period, and that what is truly important is my future, dreams and goals. It kills me not to put 110% into work in order to work on something that may or may not help me accomplish my goals. One of the toughest parts of all of this is the lack of a sure thing. If I find myself staring at 5 rejections after all of this, it will be painful. I just need to remember that even staring at 5 rejections will be easier if I'm not thinking "what if"...what if I'd worked harder, studied longer, and put that first for just a little while.

Alright, pep talk over. Time to get back to studying. I feel like I've been preparing for school forever since I first took the GMAT in March of this year...although in the scheme of things, it's not that long. In a month I'll take the test, in a little over 2 months I'll apply, and in another 2-3 months after that I'll finally have an outcome! What a dream.

Posted in: GMAT on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at at 8:59 PM 4 comments Links to this post    

I'm officially back to GMAT studying. I was so sure that I was done, I almost gave all of my study materials away after the first time - I'm glad I didn't! Anyway, I'm trying to decide what materials I'm going to use this time around, and what better resource than fellow applicants who have been through it, too??

I've gone through the main OG, and will be working through the Quant OG this time around. I'm considering the Manhattan guides for Quant, the math focused book off the the GMAT Hacks blog/website, and the GMATClub website tests. My tutor is recommending the Princeton Review 1,012 question book - he says that's the best for the advanced quant that I'm looking for.

Any recommendations out there? I got 70th percentile quant last time and am aiming for 80th+ percentile, so I'm looking for a little more advanced practice and quant only. Let me know what worked for you!!

Posted in: GMAT on Sunday, October 04, 2009 at at 2:54 PM 7 comments Links to this post    

Last Wednesday, I attended a Wharton info session while I was on a business trip. As is my usual practice at Wharton activities, I only found even more things that I love about the school and became even more convinced that I want to go there. For example, one of the alumni spoke about his experiences with the Global Consulting Practicum. A small group of students consults with a company overseas on a project, partnering with other students in country, traveling there to meet with the company. You get hands on international consulting experience as a part of a class...wow.

Afterwards, I spoke with one of the admissions folks who was there. He was a nice guy; I even remember reading his blog when he was a student. Lately, I have been questioning my GMAT score, and specifically the quant side. I have a good overall score, but my verbal is pulling up a 70th percentile quant. I believe that I can convince the adcom of my quant abilities by my undergrad and professional work, but the guy I spoke with made a good point: I will be competing against people who aren't making up for anything in that department, and they have an advantage in that way.

I understand that it's a small part of a big picture application, which is why I didn't retake the test months ago. Then I considered the following: it's my absolute dream school that wants 80th percentile quant. A higher GMAT score wouldn't hurt at the other schools, either. I really think I can achieve that with a tutor and some different study materials. The GMAT is something that I can still control and influence. And hell, even if I can't achieve the 80th percentile goal, at least I won't look back and wonder what would have happened if I had just given it one more try.

The admissions person also, very emphatically, stressed that the chances in Round 1 and Round 2 are no different. I know the word on the street is that the superstars apply in Round 1 and it's the best shot, but I also think I should get over myself and listen to what the school is actually saying - the 80/80 thing matters, and the round thing doesn't.

So, here we go again. I'm meeting with a tutor on Saturday (I couldn't find any good classes for advanced quant only) and I'll be back to studying.

I also went to a MBA event tonight to see Cornell. I spoke with the admissions committee rep there, and learned some good info from her as well. I'm interested in their Park Fellowship, and she said that the rounds do matter with them, and also that they allow updates to applications (who knew??). So, I can apply in November and update them with my score later if it's worth it. She also mentioned that their benchmark is 65th percentile, so it's less critical with them, but considering the stakes are a full ride plus stipend and what sounds like a fantastic leadership/service program, I'll give myself the best shot I can.

Somehow, I've prolonged this process for myself and will be crazy and stressed for another three months. My poor boyfriend is incredibly supportive but I'm sure he's wishing he didn't have to deal with "GMAT/application process" me for even longer. But when I start getting down and stressed, I just remember that this is just a few months of hard work where I'm doing my best to achieve my dream. And this way, if I don't make it, at least I know I gave it everything I've got.

Posted in: GMAT on Thursday, October 01, 2009 at at 10:34 PM 3 comments Links to this post