GMAT- anyone here taken it?

[LilyWDW]

Just wondering if anyone here has taken the GMAT somewhat recently? I have made the decision to try and get my MBA and at a couple of schools they ask for the GMAT instead of a general GED. So, I am signing up to take it either the end of this month or the start of the next (many schools have a Nov. admissions deadline for spring).

So, I was curious, how was it? How difficult? What was the hardest section? Overall feelings about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

I did really well on it and didn't think it was that hard but I also did really well on the SAT's and always do well on standardized tests. It's kind of difficult to answer a question about how hard a test is, because that will be different for everyone. I thought the Quantitative section was the most difficult section.

 

[FireDancer]

I have never taken the actual test but will be going back for my MBA and have taken a bunch of practice tests. I didn't find it difficult really. The hardest part for me was the math but not because it was really hard but because I hadn't done it in so long. I don't make a habit of solving linear equations or factoring in my daily life so I had to go back over it.

I kind of enjoy taking the practice tests but I always loved school and tests, so I am weird.

 

[cc1013]

Hi!

I took the GMAT back in December of 2006 and actually just finished my MBA last week.

I spent about three months studying for the exam. It might have been overkill, but I was targeting a specific MBA program and wanted to do well on the exam. At first, I enrolled in a Kaplan class and unfortunately after one session, it was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with the instructor. I chose to continue with Kaplan's online course. Honestly, I did not find it very useful. For me, I found that some of the GMAT prep books really helped me study. The best book by far was 'The Official Guide for GMAT Review.' It has old exams in it and I felt that those exams were the most similar to the actual exam. I used the regular book that includes both the quant and verbal sections, but I understand that there are additional books that focus more on the individual sections. I found the verbal to be more difficult, but I'm a numbers person, so that was expected.

Overall, I found the Princeton Review and Kaplan practice exams were far easier than the actual test. Still, those books were helpful for preparation and tips.

Looking back, the admissions process and GMAT prep was more stressful than the actual MBA program itself!

Hope this helps!

 

[ntsammy5]

I took the GMAT in the mid 70s and it was easy. I have an MBA now. I doubt I could do well on it if I took it now.

 

[LilyWDW]

Thanks so far for the info! I have already been trying to go over some of the information that is in the Barron's guide and so far I am finding it really easy.

Which actually has me more worried

I usually test well (including a 30 on the ACT). I was mostly wondering if I was missing something honestly. The part I am most worried about is the Math section simply because it has been so long since I have had a math class. Is it really just basic algebra and geometry?

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

Thanks so far for the info! I have already been trying to go over some of the information that is in the Barron's guide and so far I am finding it really easy.

Which actually has me more worried

I usually test well (including a 30 on the ACT). I was mostly wondering if I was missing something honestly. The part I am most worried about is the Math section simply because it has been so long since I have had a math class. Is it really just basic algebra and geometry?

You should do fine based on this post. The qualitative section is algebra and geometry (I'm great with Algebra - actually ended up with an average over 100 in all the Algebra/Pre-Calculus classes I've taken but I'm not so great with Geometry...luckily, my particular test seemed to be more skewed towards Algebra.)

 

[cc1013]

Thanks so far for the info! I have already been trying to go over some of the information that is in the Barron's guide and so far I am finding it really easy.

Which actually has me more worried

I usually test well (including a 30 on the ACT). I was mostly wondering if I was missing something honestly. The part I am most worried about is the Math section simply because it has been so long since I have had a math class. Is it really just basic algebra and geometry?

I would suggest taking a practice exam similar to the real exam. That would include the computer simulation and timed questions. I think that really helps. I found the time issue to be the most challenging.

Also, there is a written portion, but from what I understand it is not emphasized. I have heard (but am not sure) that MBA programs can request a copy of your GMAT essays in order to compare them to the admissions essay. This is often done when the university suspects that the applicant did not personally write the admission essays. Normally the essay scores (on a scale of 1-6?) are available two weeks after you take the exam. The overall verbal and quant scores are available right after the exam is completed.

Good luck!