Hi guys,
I just completed my GMAT on the 13th of May, 2013 and scored a solid 620 (Q-47, V-29) in the same.
Considering the programs that I wish to opt, I just required to cross that 600 mark and I am happy that I did indeed!![:)]( "Smile")
I would not crib about the score at all since I am quite aware of my intellect and the efforts that I had put in to achieve the same! (Although a higher score in Verbal could have led me into the 680 club probably)
The actual GMAT day experience was very fascinating.
I enjoyed the entire experience right from the moment I started travelling from my home towards the test center.
It was just like any other mock test that I gave prior to the actual test.
I had scheduled the exam at 1.30 pm in the afternoon (Don't know why I selected this time knowing it is the month of May and the scorching sun would dehydrate me!![:P]( "Razz")
)
I reached the exam center well in advance, almost at 11.45 am.
I had to wait outside for more than an hour since the administrator did not permit me into the test center until 1 pm.
Then, I entered the center and completed all the required formalities prior to the test.
I was amazed to learn that we are not even allowed to carry a bottle of water inside the actual test room.
Then, the administrator gave all the necessary instructions and I entered the test room.
First came a cozy Analytical Writing Assessment section. The argument was quite interesting and hence sailed through it comfortably.
Then came the tough Integrated Reasoning section. I had decided prior to the test that I would not strain myself too much onto it since the section is purposefully introduced in between the AWA and the Quantitative section to cause mental fatigue. The section was really bad for me, especially the Multi-source reasoning and the Two-part analysis. Somehow, I feel that I made quite a few so-called 'educated' guess(es) and moved on without thinking much about the outcome (which anyway we do not learn on the same day unlike the Quant and Verbal section)!![:)]( "Smile")
I did take the optional break because it was quite necessary to refresh the mind and activate the neurons in the brain which had been used a lot more than expected into the IR section. I roamed outside the test room, drank a glass full of water, splashed water on my face and did some meditation (which is indeed very effective) especially for competitive exams such as the GMAT.
Entered the test room and started with the Quantitative section without any anxiety (which was reduced by a calm mind as a result of the meditation)![8-)]( "Cool")
The questions in the quant section were really very interesting and the entire section was a joyous ride. I thought as if I was answering each of the question correctly (Although that wouldn't have been the case). I refrained my mind from thinking if the question at hand is easy or difficult than the previous question. I just answered each of the question innocently as was thrown on the computer screen (thus, living in the present moment!) Few word problems had to do more with verbal than quant. Thus, the journey was comfortable and I finished answering the 37th question when the screen showed that I had 45 seconds left!
Then, I took the second optional break (very necessary). I was really happy with the performance I had put in the Quant section.
Followed the same process as in Break-1 and started with the mighty Verbal section.
First came a simple SC question which I solved quite confidently. The RC passages were tough and it took me time to understand each of it. I guess my answers in the RC went wrong since I was always confused between two answer choices (and probably always the other one must have been the correct answer). Nevertheless, I enjoyed the subtle language of the GMAT in the CR and RC questions. Time never frightened me as I had made a time chart which always helped me to keep track of the question I should be on to complete the test in time. However, the verbal section was definitely more difficult and challenging than the quant section. The actual GMAT verbal was also quite difficult as compared to any of the mock tests I had given. Completed the Verbal section when the timer showed 1 minute remaining.
Filled in the background information and then came the page asking if I wished to generate the score report.
Undoubtedly, I selected the 'Generate Score Report' option and then came the score of my GMAT prowess - A 620!
I just felt as if I was giving a mock on any other day as I usually scored a 610 or 620 in the mocks.
Without any strong reaction, I collected the print out of the score report and left the test center and informed the score to my near and dear ones.
All were happy to hear the same. I had never expected a 700+ score since while preparation I had clearly understood the level of the GMAT exam as compared to my intellectual capability. Hence, had never kept any unrealistic goals and received a score which accurately identified my prowess.
I really felt that every passionate individual should appear for an exam like the GMAT which is designed to accurately guage a person's critical thinking and aptitude required to enter into a premium B-school. I really appreciate the efforts put in by the entire team of the GMAC which creates these amazing questions.
Last but not the least, I would like to inform each one of you reading this post that do appear for the GMAT with a positive frame of mind without any load of expectations. You are the one who honestly knows your capability and the GMAT score does accurately reflect the same. Hence, I personally do not consider or even recommend to reappear for the GMAT. If you feel that you are under-prepared, one should cancel the exam and reschedule it instead of appearing and then getting eventually demotivated.
Appear for the GMAT only once - Either you make it or break it!!!
Enjoy the expedition!
I am available for further questions, if any.
Cheers,
Pratik Kulkarni![]()
I just completed my GMAT on the 13th of May, 2013 and scored a solid 620 (Q-47, V-29) in the same.
Considering the programs that I wish to opt, I just required to cross that 600 mark and I am happy that I did indeed!
I would not crib about the score at all since I am quite aware of my intellect and the efforts that I had put in to achieve the same! (Although a higher score in Verbal could have led me into the 680 club probably)
The actual GMAT day experience was very fascinating.
I enjoyed the entire experience right from the moment I started travelling from my home towards the test center.
It was just like any other mock test that I gave prior to the actual test.
I had scheduled the exam at 1.30 pm in the afternoon (Don't know why I selected this time knowing it is the month of May and the scorching sun would dehydrate me!
)I reached the exam center well in advance, almost at 11.45 am.
I had to wait outside for more than an hour since the administrator did not permit me into the test center until 1 pm.
Then, I entered the center and completed all the required formalities prior to the test.
I was amazed to learn that we are not even allowed to carry a bottle of water inside the actual test room.
Then, the administrator gave all the necessary instructions and I entered the test room.
First came a cozy Analytical Writing Assessment section. The argument was quite interesting and hence sailed through it comfortably.
Then came the tough Integrated Reasoning section. I had decided prior to the test that I would not strain myself too much onto it since the section is purposefully introduced in between the AWA and the Quantitative section to cause mental fatigue. The section was really bad for me, especially the Multi-source reasoning and the Two-part analysis. Somehow, I feel that I made quite a few so-called 'educated' guess(es) and moved on without thinking much about the outcome (which anyway we do not learn on the same day unlike the Quant and Verbal section)!
I did take the optional break because it was quite necessary to refresh the mind and activate the neurons in the brain which had been used a lot more than expected into the IR section. I roamed outside the test room, drank a glass full of water, splashed water on my face and did some meditation (which is indeed very effective) especially for competitive exams such as the GMAT.
Entered the test room and started with the Quantitative section without any anxiety (which was reduced by a calm mind as a result of the meditation)
The questions in the quant section were really very interesting and the entire section was a joyous ride. I thought as if I was answering each of the question correctly (Although that wouldn't have been the case). I refrained my mind from thinking if the question at hand is easy or difficult than the previous question. I just answered each of the question innocently as was thrown on the computer screen (thus, living in the present moment!) Few word problems had to do more with verbal than quant. Thus, the journey was comfortable and I finished answering the 37th question when the screen showed that I had 45 seconds left!
Then, I took the second optional break (very necessary). I was really happy with the performance I had put in the Quant section.
Followed the same process as in Break-1 and started with the mighty Verbal section.
First came a simple SC question which I solved quite confidently. The RC passages were tough and it took me time to understand each of it. I guess my answers in the RC went wrong since I was always confused between two answer choices (and probably always the other one must have been the correct answer). Nevertheless, I enjoyed the subtle language of the GMAT in the CR and RC questions. Time never frightened me as I had made a time chart which always helped me to keep track of the question I should be on to complete the test in time. However, the verbal section was definitely more difficult and challenging than the quant section. The actual GMAT verbal was also quite difficult as compared to any of the mock tests I had given. Completed the Verbal section when the timer showed 1 minute remaining.
Filled in the background information and then came the page asking if I wished to generate the score report.
Undoubtedly, I selected the 'Generate Score Report' option and then came the score of my GMAT prowess - A 620!
I just felt as if I was giving a mock on any other day as I usually scored a 610 or 620 in the mocks.
Without any strong reaction, I collected the print out of the score report and left the test center and informed the score to my near and dear ones.
All were happy to hear the same. I had never expected a 700+ score since while preparation I had clearly understood the level of the GMAT exam as compared to my intellectual capability. Hence, had never kept any unrealistic goals and received a score which accurately identified my prowess.
I really felt that every passionate individual should appear for an exam like the GMAT which is designed to accurately guage a person's critical thinking and aptitude required to enter into a premium B-school. I really appreciate the efforts put in by the entire team of the GMAC which creates these amazing questions.
Last but not the least, I would like to inform each one of you reading this post that do appear for the GMAT with a positive frame of mind without any load of expectations. You are the one who honestly knows your capability and the GMAT score does accurately reflect the same. Hence, I personally do not consider or even recommend to reappear for the GMAT. If you feel that you are under-prepared, one should cancel the exam and reschedule it instead of appearing and then getting eventually demotivated.
Appear for the GMAT only once - Either you make it or break it!!!
Enjoy the expedition!
I am available for further questions, if any.
Cheers,
Pratik Kulkarni