The Strategy

"There's no gene for fate"
- Vincent Freeman, Gattaca

I have several friends who plan to take or retake the GMAT in the coming months. Keen to help, I always offer to answer questions about my experiences and, in may cases, I refer them to this blog. In addition to "what was your score," the most common questions I field usually involve my study strategy. While I used this blog to document my personal GMAT quest, I see the need to document a review of my methods and tactics, including the books and tools I used.

I should note that the following strategy originally came to me by way of a fellow test taker who was gracious enough to share his story, his books, and his clear-headed advice. His methods seem to work: they earned him a 730 and helped me score a 720.

Aside from a few reference websites, I used three GMAT books in the following order: Cracking the GMAT, 2007 Edition by the Princeton Review, GMAT 800, 2006-2007, by Kaplan, and The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th Edition by GMAC. Why did I choose to use books rather than pay for online classes or one-on-one tutelage? Frankly, I wasn't willing to pay someone to teach me what I could find in a book store. In my experience, classes or online seminars are an excellent way to keep yourself honest and motivated, but if you're willing to stick to a study schedule and dedicate enough time to the cause, you'll probably save a lot of money. Business school applications, not to mention the cost of attending, are expensive enough- don't drop the extra grand or two unless you feel you have no other choice. On to the books ...

Princeton Review's Cracking the GMAT, was a solid, if simple, way to re-introduce myself to good study habits and sounds test-taking methods. While most of the sample questions are less challenging than actual GMAT questions, this book primed me for harder questions in the next two books. Cracking the GMAT 's strength lies in three categories: demystifying background information, "getting into the head" of a test writer, and providing easy techniques to whittle away questions.

The background information (how the test came about, why schools use it, who writes it, etc) gave me a historical baseline to understand the context in which I was taking the test. While this isn't necessarily important for every test taker, understanding how this madness came into being reminded me that the test 1.) is just a quantifiable baseline for schools to measure students against the mean, 2.) was written by human beings and is therefore fallible, debatable, and ultimately beatable, and 3.) does not measure heart, guts, integrity, or intelligence. In other words, God did not create this test to tell the world how smart you are- people created it to tell business schools how well you score on a standardized test.

As such, Princeton Review also does a good job explaining the human element behind the test questions. As a former test question writer for Educational Testing Service (ETS), I fully concur with their assessment of the test writing process. By examining the ways a test writer builds questions from stems, answers, and distractors, I was able to find key themes and ideas that helped me several times during the exam.

Of course, Princeton Review is well known for it's "cracking" techniques- tools and tricks that help a test taker quickly and efficiently find the right answer or reduce several answers to the most likely few. Their GMAT techniques are no exception. I followed their instructions through every section and completed every sample question they provided. Overall, I found that this book was a good introduction to the test and a great foundation from which to tackle harder questions.

Kaplan's GMAT 800, provided a much more difficult set of questions. While it does suggest techniques, some of which proved valuable on the test, it's central strength lies in the pure quantity of "difficult" questions. As the test adapts to a test taker by making the questions harder or easier depending on whether you got the prior question right or wrong (more on that later), it is very important to get used to seeing several hard questions in succession. By doing so, you train yourself to "play in the top tier" of the test, and your score should reflect your hard work.

Again, just as I did with the Princeton Review's book, I worked through 800 cover-to-cover and did every question at least once.

This might also be a good time to mention two logistical tricks that seemed to help me use these books most effectively:

• I never actually wrote in the books themselves. Instead, I recorded my answers on a separate sheet of paper that I kept for reference later. This allowed me to return to questions without seeing faint pencil marks that might have lead me to the correct answer.
• Keeping track of my answers also allowed me to re-try questions and focus on the ones that I missed consistently. Chances are, if you miss a question even after reviewing the answer, you've found a key blind spot. Working on specific questions that gave me the most trouble helped sharpen my study habits and focus my efforts.

The final book I used- The Official Guide- was probably the key element that pushed me beyond 700. While the first two books built a good foundation and got me used to doing difficult problems, the Official Guide provided copious practice questions, enough to fill night after night of study. These questions were also the highest quality in terms of matching the "look and feel" of questions on the actual test. While the other books do an admirable job mimicking GMAT questions, you can instantly tell that the Official Guide's questions are the real deal. With literally hundreds of practice questions for each section, I simply pounded through each group using the same patterns I'd established while studying the two preceding books. By the time I had chipped through every section and found my trouble areas, I was ready to take the official practice tests.

While I spent a little time discussing my method of taking practice tests in other posts, I think it's worth revisiting the subject. First, I used two computer-based test: the CD version provided with the Princeton Review's Cracking the GMAT and GMAC's official practice tests found on http://www.mba.com/.

I've heard varying reports about how well the Princeton Review tests track to your actual score. Some say that these tests score too high, some say they score too low. In my experience, they scored a little low for how I felt like I did, but that's simply my perception. I would recommend using these to prepare for the pace and feel of the test, and to do more questions, but not to gauge your score. Take them any time after you've finished reviewing the Princeton Review's guide, but don't waste them; you should treat every test you take like the real thing in order to get the most out of the experience.

The GMAC's practice tests, on the other hand, felt like they mirrored the real test very closely. I used these tests as my final checkpoints and took them only after completing all of the guides. I took the first perhaps a week before my actual test, and the second a few days before. In both cases, I cleared my entire morning schedule and acted as though the test was live. I woke up at the same time I would on test day, ate breakfast, and sat down to take the test without distraction.

I found two key differences between my approach to the first and second tests, and they both seemed to have a big impact on my final score. First, I didn't "warm up" on a few difficult questions before taking the first test. That slowed my progress and compromised my ability to quickly, correctly answer those critical first questions. Before the second test, however, I worked 4 or 5 difficult Official Guide problems. I immediately noticed a difference- my brain didn't feel quite as shocked by the initial questions and my process was more smooth, calm, and crisp.

Second, I discovered that my pace in the first test was completely inefficient. I tried to spread my time across every problem, only to discover that I hadn't taken my time on the first 10 - 15 questions. While I got more correct overall on the first test, I got a higher score on the second by taking as much time as I needed on the first 15 questions. Because the test is adaptive, it weighs initial questions more heavily than later questions. In my experience, your score will be far better if you get the first 10 questions correct and guess on the last 10, than if you evenly distribute your time trying to give ever quesiton equal time across the entire test. In other words, double (even triple) check the first dozen questions and don't freak out if you have to guess on the last handful in each section, at that point, guessing won't change your score very much.

It might also be helpful to note the amount of time i devoted to studying. I spent between two and three hours studying each weeknight and between eight and ten hours studying each weekend for approximately three months. I also made flash cards that I flipped through during the day and worked blocks of questions over free lunch hours. In addition, I took two days off before the test to focus entirely on resting and studying. If you have the luxury, I highly suggest taking time away from work to study and defuse before the big day.

Of course, there is no silver bullet for scoring well on the GMAT. The above strategy worked for me, but others have found success spending less time, paying tutors, studying in groups, or simply cramming and taking the test as soon as possible. I am not a naturally gifted test taker and felt like I needed a long lead time to sufficiently train myself in the arts of GMAT testing. No matter the method that works for you, know that you can overcome this test through simple, honest hard work. Some gifted students naturally have the tools and instincts to do well without studying- I do not. Instead, I used consistent effort to supplement my lack of natural ability. I'm very happy with the results and, with my score in hand, I'm ready to face my next quest: Drapier vs. Business School Applications. I sincerely hope you find the same success!

Good luck!

Essay Results

I realized that I never updated you on my essay score.

Not more than two weeks after taking the test, I received my "official" results. This unassuming white envelope contained the same scores as my "unofficial" results and added my essay score: 5.5.

So, out of 6 possible points, a computer and a human being gave me an average score of 5 1/2 . According to every reputable test prep course, the essays matter very little. From what I gather, GMAC instituded an essay segment to gather a certified writing sample from everyone, including non-native speakers that might be otherwise inclined to buy or plagerize thier application essays. Still, it's nice to know that I won't have to explain why, as an English major, I bombed the one area that I should've hurtled cleanly.

The Score

I woke up at 2:30 am on the morning of my test. Restless, labyrinthine dream startled me awake. From what I remember, I was lost in dark woods and the only way to escape was to answer unanswerable equations shouted at me by angry voices.

Needless to say, the test was on my mind.

I was able to drift back into a light snooze, only to wake up at 5:00, well before my 6 am alarm. Immediately alert, I climbed into a steamy shower to shake off the ill, chilly feeling that always accompanies my stomach churning nerves. After a long, hot soak, I toweled off, ran some deodorant over my underarms, threw on a comfortable hoodie and two-day old jeans, and sat on the couch to work the 10 warmup questions I'd prepared the day before. By the time I finished, Sam was up and making me toast. As is always the case when I'm nervous early in the morning, each bite was laborious and unpleasant. I finally gave up after half of a piece- just enough to keep me from passing out before lunch.

By 8:00 she was ready and we were walking out the door. It took us 25 minutes to get to the testing center and, as I'd planned the route the day before, I arrived at the front door without a problem. Sam kissed me, said she'd be back in 3 hours, and gave me a good-luck squeeze.

The testing center was bustling with more people than I'd expected. Out of the 10 people in the room, it appeared that only 4 of us were taking the GMAT (you could tell because they were all reading GMAT specific instructions and non-disclosure agreements.) One white-faced guy about my age wore an Iowa Baseball sweater and, upon seeing the Oxford University insignia on my hoodie, turned from egg shell white to almost translucent. I hadn't even thought that my hoodie- a gift from Sam after visiting Oxford- would give people the impression that they were about to take a test next to an Oxford grad. Poor guy- I, of course, did not go to Oxford.

After a few minutes the receptionist called me to the front, examined my ID, asked me to sign my signature on an electronic pad, scanned my finger print, and took a picture of me. She then told me to choose a locker on the other side of the room and lock everything up but my ID. Funny enough, I suddenly became very superstitious about which locker number I chose. Seven was taken- lucky seven, I guess. Thirteen was not, of course. "Ah, seventeen" I thought, "my birthday." Man, pressure make you do strange things.

So, with my watch, cell phone, wallet and water bottle stowed, I sat and waited to be called for the second time. It wasn't long before I was standing at the door to the testing room, swiping my fingerprint, and presenting my ID. The test proctor also asked me to turn out my pockets, including my hood. Pat-down done, she handed me my tablet, a pen, and a package of ear plugs and led me through a door and to me seat.

I stuffed the earplugs in and started clicking the "Next" button. I'd already read all the instructions via the practice software. The essay section started soon after and before I knew what I was doing, I was pounding away at my keyboard. After what felt like 10 minutes, I'd finished two 30 minute essays and was taking my first break.

After a visit to the bathroom, a swig of water, a quick walk around the hallway, and the same "ID, fingerprint, pocket check" routine, I was back at my seat. The math section was next and it passed more or less and I expected. Obviously, you don't know how you're doing as you proceed, but I felt as though the questions were as hard as they'd been when I did well on my practice tests. Without reading too much into the difficulty of each question, I answered the first 10 carefully, the middle 15 with some haste, and basically guessed on the last five or six. If this had been my first time taking the exam, I would've been freaking out about guessing on so many questions. However, I know that the latter 3rd of the test doesn't have a dramatic effect on your score.

Done with the Quantitative, I gratefully took advantage of another 5 minute break. However, knowing that I was about to take my strongest section, I was quick to reclaim my seat. Unlike the math section, I was able to pace through the verbal section without a problem. I finished the section with a few minutes to spare. In fact, it was all I could do not to guess on the last few questions as I began to feel an almost irresistible desire to see my score.

As soon as my time expired, the program shifted to a demographic questionnaire. I'd already filled it out ahead of time, so I simply clicked through each screen until I arrived at what has to be one of the biggest mind-fucks in the history of standardized testing: a screen that essentially says, "Do you want to see your score now? If so, click "Yes." If not, click "No." Clicking yes means that your score will be permanently recorded. Clicking no will erase your answers and eradicate your test."

I'd paid $250, taken two days off of work, purchased $50 worth of books, and studied for countless hours all for this moment. There was simply no way in hell I was going to flush my score. Careful to select, "Yes" I brushed the "Next" button and waited as a little hourglass decided my fate.

About 20 seconds later, I saw one number: 720.

After a few minutes of silent elation, I read the rest of the report:

Scaled_______Score_______Percentile
Quantitative____45__________78
Verbal________44__________97
Total________720__________96

I wont receive my essay scores for a few weeks, but I have a feeling that I did well enough.

So, here ends my GMAT quest and, as a result, Drapier vs. GMAT. I was able to climb my mountain and, in so doing, I did something that I will be proud of for the rest of my life. But, more than anything else, my GMAT journey was about reigniting my imagination. Yes, I wanted to give myself options- to enable dreams and substantiate my place among the best business school candidates in the world. But I didn't start studying six months ago to supplement a graduate school application. Rather, I set out to find inspiration- and, honestly, I have.

Now, on to the next quest ... Drapier vs. MBA?

Emerson vs. GMAT

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Testing Center Visit

Because I don't want any surprises tomorrow morning, I made the 20 minute drive to the testing center today. I'm glad I did. Not only do I know which streets to take and which to avoid, but I was also able to familiarize myself the the center's layout.

It's smaller and cozier than I expected. No more than 14 terminals sit in the testing room. The folks at the front desk were friendly and perfectly happy to answer my questions. Upon my request, they showed me the center's "scratch paper." It's actually a laminated, 4-page, legal-sized, yellow spiral notepad. They provide you with a few pens and as many as 4 notepads at a time.

They also double-checked to make sure that my appointment was schedules as expected. It was, thank God. The testing center is pretty picky about identification (for obvious reasons) so we also made sure that the name they had- my full name- matched my driver's licence. They also noted that I would do well to leave as many of my personal things at home or in my car as possible. No keys, cell phones, wallets, or watches are allowed in the testing room. They'll give me a locker if necessary and, from what I gather, the only things I can take into the room are my ID, my locker key, my clothes, and my brain. They even provide their own ear plugs lest some unscrupulous test taker decide to sneak in a fake one-way ear receiver.

The trip was definitely worth an hour on the day before the test.

Practice Tests

An update on my practice tests:

Last weekend I took one of the official GMAT practice tests. I scored 670.

Yesterday I took the second and final official practice test. I scored 740.

The difference between the two? Aside from a week's worth of study, I was noticeably calmer the second time around. The first time I took the test, I sat right down and took it cold. The second time, I chewed on a few difficult review questions right before I started. Also, during my latest test I missed fewer questions out of each section's first 10, which I attribute to taking my time and double checking my first few answers. Actually, I missed more overall questions on the second test. Hell, because my pace was slower up front, I ran out of time and ended up guessed on the last 5 quantitative questions. I still scored well beyond my 700 target, which lends credence to the theory that getting the first questions correct is far more important that nailing the later questions.

Ultimately, I feel calmer now. I completely believe that I can make it to the top of this mountain. In 24 hours, we'll know if I'm right.

Another interesting note: I have received higher math scores than verbal scores on every single practice test I've taken- a surprising feat considering I have a degree in English and I have answered as many as 36 out of 41 verbal questions correctly.

So, how much does a test mean anyway?

Granted, grad school and undergrad are markedly different, but I think these observations are worth contemplating on the eve of my test ...

Point of No Return

I take the GMAT in 3 days. To prepare, I've taken the next two days off. I plan to take at least two practice tests, review my incorrect answers, briefly practice writing the essays, and generally trying to reinforce what I've already learned.

This is it- the final leg of a long journey. I'm sure I'll post at least once more before Saturday morning.

By the way, in case you're keeping score at home, I got a 670 on an official GMAT practice test.

Time Off

You might be curious about the three month gap in my GMAT posts.

First, as you know, I haven't given up. I'll be taking the test in less than a month.

So, while I haven't been posting about my experience as much as I originally hoped, I have been studying. My motivational bursts, however, have come less frequently than I planned. That's probably because Sam returned from London just as my momentum peaked (I was studying about 3 hours per night) and because I had no deadline pushing me to stay on track. It's taken me time to acclimate to the former and screw up my courage to address the latter.

Also, it turns out that posting about the nuts and bolts of the test is less interesting and valuable than simply pounding away at practice questions and posting when I want to remember something about my experience.

Speaking of which, I've finally taken one of the Princeton Review practice tests. Granted, the conditions aren't quit the same and the questions aren't GMAC approved, but I'll take the results for what they're worth: 690.

Ok, now I really have to cross the river ...

A client of mine used to say that if you've got a job to do, throw your hat across the river.

Sometimes that's true, and in the case of a nasty test that you can easily put off, it's particularly true. So, after a few months off, I've decided to reenergize my GMAT quest by putting my money where my blog is.

On Saturday, November 4th at 9:00 am, I'm going to take the GMAT at the Pearsons Professional Center in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The non-refundable fee I'll pay for this lovely winter morning? Two Benjamin Franklins and their pal Ulysses S Grant.

That means I have 30 days, 12 hours, and 16 minutes to prepare myself, lest I lose the equivalent of a ticket to Vegas and a cold keg of Shiner Bock.

Welcome to crunch time.