GMAT Question

[lazarus]

I have to take the GMAT and I think it's going to be a crappy experience.... 4 hours in front of a PC, dry marker and scratch paper, and I suck at aptitude tests (not really a test of knowledge), and I have to pay $250 USD to boot. :(

Basically I was wondering how hard is it to get a score of 500. i.e what would I need to score on all the testing portions..

As I pointed out above, I really suck at aptitude tests, but decided to try and read/study some of the books.. (I can't sit down and study that crap). If I get lower than 400, I can't go to the worst school I applied to, but if I get 500+, then I can go to the school I applied to. I guess if I screw up on the test, it's 250 down the drain, and I will have to waste like $1500 on a prep course and test.

I was looking online, and are there any GMAT test centers in Niagara or Hamilton?
I was going to book an appointment online, but I want to go to the closest test center. I really don't want to drive 2 hours to some ghetto commercial complex north of T.O. :(

This is what their website showed as the closest:
Pearson Professional Centers-Williamsville (Buff) Test Center Information 42.7km Williamsville, NY, United States (this one is about right 63km, but in the USA).

Durham Business & Computer College Test Center Information 61.2km Pickering, ON, Canada (wrong distance.. more like 150km)

Pearson Professional Centres-Toronto, Canada Test Center Information 63.4km Toronto, ON, Canada (actually like 115km)

[george benjamin]

Hello,

Im going to give you some very sincere advice, and i hope you follow it. It's not BS or BUZZ talk. Im being real.

First, you areally have to change your attitude of fear towards the GMAT. I know exactly what you're talking about, and believe me, it's not going to help.

What i found about the GMAT is that it is something that needs to be learned on a long term basis. It's not something that you can cram for. It is a bunch of skills that need to be developed. Think of it as a relationship problem with a spouse/bf/gf. If you have problems between yourselves, and you wish to fix it, it's not something that you can read a book, and become perfect the next week. It's something that takes months to develop.

Why do i say that? Well, no matter how many questions you do, that will not help you actually on the GMAT. I know it sounds stupid, but that's not the way to prepare the best actually. The best way to prepare is to actually do GMAT CAT tests, timed tests that also measure your gmat score. Im not talking about practice tests on pencil and paper. Im talking about CAT GMAT tests. Everyone of the test prep companies out there (kaplan, oxford, princeton) which sells books, only has about 5 or 10 of these tests. Get them, do them.

500 is way too low. It is actually very low. You dont want to aim that much. Getting a 600 is very doable if you do about 15 GMAT practice tests.

You mentioned something at the beginning which is very important, and further highlights why doing more and more practice questions (instead of practice GMAT CAT tests) won't help you much. The real GMAT test is very stressfull and long, time management skills are really tested. That's the hardest thing about it in my opinion. So what do you need to do to counter act? Well, do the [ractice tests which simulates what the real test will be like.

Please not: GMAT CAT practice tests. NOT just practice tests. Kaplan has a book that comes with a CD and they tell you there are so many practice tests on it. Well, those are not GMAT tests, but only seperate tests covering each section. Kaplan also has the practice GMAT CAT tests which you need to get, which is what you need.

[lazarus]

Hmm, I have the kaplan test, maybe I'll do the tests. As you suggest.

[george benjamin]

Hmm, I have the kaplan test, maybe I'll do the tests. As you suggest.

The real gmat cat kaplan tests are not the ones on the cd. They are online.

[lazarus]

man, this will be hard.. how do they expect you to do math questions w/out a calculator..

[george benjamin]

Everyone is strong at one of the areas and weak in the other.

Either you are good at the Reading stuff, or that math stuff.

You really dont need a calculator for the math section.

[fly]

man, this will be hard.. how do they expect you to do math questions w/out a calculator..

It's simple math questions.. grade 12 at best. You can do everything on a piece of paper.

Seriously, like George said, if you have this attitude going in then it's not worth doing because going through the MBA will be at least 10x as tough.

[lazarus]

yeah, I know. I'm just pissed at how much I forgot..

I forget how to do long division, factoring, exponent laws, and can't remember half the formulas for basic crap. :(

Guess I'll have to pull out my old math books are look over the review portions. Like George said, it's going to take me more than a week to review this stuff.

[fly]

yeah, I know. I'm just pissed at how much I forgot..

I forget how to do long division, factoring, exponent laws, and can't remember half the formulas for basic crap. :(

Guess I'll have to pull out my old math books are look over the review portions. Like George said, it's going to take me more than a week to review this stuff.

I know how you feel... I studied for the GMAT for 4 months because of that very reason -- haven't done grade 12 math in a LONG time.. That said, don't pull out any old math books.. Go get yourself a decent GMAT study guide. Yes, it'll cost you another $100 or so but it's better to spend the extra money to get an acceptable grade than to waste $250. In the grand scheme of things (cost of MBA), $100 is peanuts.

[lazarus]

Did you guys take GMAT prep courses or just study on your own?

[lazarus]

How does the analytical writing work? I got a 5.5 does that add to my overall score?

nm, I guess it adds absolutely nothing.

[george benjamin]

How does the analytical writing work? I got a 5.5 does that add to my overall score?

nm, I guess it adds absolutely nothing.

Hello,

Your analytical writing is not calculated in your GMAT score. Its not very important.

You already did the GMAT?

[lazarus]

Hello,

Your analytical writing is not calculated in your GMAT score. Its not very important.

You already did the GMAT?

Yes, and I flopped it.. Obviously. I guess now I am going to try and find an accredited MBA programme where a GMAT score isn't required, or take a year off and maybe take a GMAT course next summer so that I am guaranteed to get 600+. Money well wasted I suppose.

[george benjamin]

Yes, and I flopped it.. Obviously. I guess now I am going to try and find an accredited MBA programme where a GMAT score isn't required, or take a year off and maybe take a GMAT course next summer so that I am guaranteed to get 600+. Money well wasted I suppose.

But you just started studying a couple of weeks ago or something.

GMAT is not something you can cram for. Also, you still have tonnes of times left before deadlines for MBA applications.

[lazarus]

But you just started studying a couple of weeks ago or something.

GMAT is not something you can cram for. Also, you still have tonnes of times left before deadlines for MBA applications.

Yep, I know. I already had a GMAT test date and decided to go cause the money was non refundable. I suppose I basically knew I was going to get ass ****ed after what people told me here..

I guess I just had to wallow in my self pity for a little. :)

[Takami]

How does the analytical writing work? I got a 5.5 does that add to my overall score?

nm, I guess it adds absolutely nothing.

Hi there,

5.5 on AWA is a decent mark considering that 6 is the max that you can get in the 2 essay sections.

I myself did not have THAT much trouble getting a good score (mid 600), but I can imagine how it can be difficult for many people. I struggled a lot with the reading portion and ended up with only 70 percentile, but the math portion helped me regain some lost grounds.

I suggest you visit www.beatthegmat.com and read some of the help/study guides which are posted on their forums. You'll have to register though. I wouldn't think too much of their posted questions though because some of the regulars on those forums aims for high 700's.

a 600+ score and a few years of good quality work experience will get you into most business schools in Canada.

Good Luck.

[J_babe]

Takami,
great advice and thanks for the wesbite, it's really useful. :)

[lazarus]

Something Interesting just happened today. I was accepted at the University of Sydney for the MBA programme I picked. I guess they don't have GMAT requirements (woohoo). Anyways, as it turns out, it will be cheaper, and looks like more fun.

I have 1 question though. (Maybe someone can help)

I applied for their Masters of International Business, but I also applied for their Masters of International Business and Law.

International Business is 1.5yrs
http://fmweb01.ucc.usyd.edu.au/pgcourses/FMPro?-db=msr%5fugpg.fp5&-format=%2fpgcourses%2fdetails.html&-lay=www&-sortfield=a%5fcoursenameformal&-sortorder=descend&za%5fa%5fWebSearch=business&zc%5fShowOnWeb=Yes&a%5fCourseLevel=PG&-recid=32899&-token.1=Local&-token.9=business&-find=

While Intl' Bus & Law is only 1yr

http://fmweb01.ucc.usyd.edu.au/pgcourses/FMPro?-db=msr%5fugpg.fp5&-format=%2fpgcourses%2fdetails.html&-lay=www&-sortfield=a%5fcoursenameformal&-sortorder=descend&za%5fa%5fWebSearch=business&zc%5fShowOnWeb=Yes&a%5fCourseLevel=PG&-recid=33173&-token.1=Local&-token.9=business&-find=

To be honest, the 1 year appeals more to me since it is more case study and research based. The 1.5yr seems to have more economics and accounting (which I don't feel I really require). I am mainly doing this MBA (or is it just MA), so that I could eventually get some international experience (what better than studying abroad), and eventually get a job w/ the federal Government.

Once I am done, I was going to apply to Foreign Affairs Canada for a Trade Commissioner since my College and Uni Diploma are mainly in the Technology field.

Would having a 1yr MBA vs a 1.5yr MBA even make a difference i.e limit my job oppertunities?

[Tomato_1]

How long should one study for the GMAT?

I've been studying for about 4 months about an hour day. I'm getting a bit afraid that I'm plateauing. Is this normal? And I find that the lack of time is killing me. Without time I usually smoke the math and the CR aspect but now with time I'm only getting like 60% correct at best.

[coolspot]

Would having a 1yr MBA vs a 1.5yr MBA even make a difference i.e limit my job oppertunities?


The programs you mentioned (international business) ARE NOT MBA programs. So you're not taking an MBA.

University of Sydney doesn't offer MBAs AFAIK... The University of New South Wales does however.

[lazarus]

The programs you mentioned (international business) is not an MBA program. So you're not taking an MBA.

University of Sydney doesn't offer MBAs AFAIK... The University of New South Wales does however.

Do employers typically care about MBA vs a MA or MS?

[coolspot]

Do employers typically care about MBA vs a MA or MS?

Yes - they're different degrees.

Although a post-graduate degree is better than none, what degree does make some difference.

Masters of International Business is similar to an MBA ... but has a different focus. You maybe able to pass it off as a pseudo-MBA program.

It really depends on your own goals and what you're planning to do with the degree.

Personally - I would go for an MBA if possible (people recognize it right away), otherwise you could settle for a Masters of International Business.

[lazarus]

I did a bit more research, called a few employer and Foreign Affairs. Apparently the Federal Gov doesn't really care what type of degree you have since most of the Foreign Affairs hiring is done through the recruitment process.

I think I just got some real good advice comparing a MA vs MBA too.
My Uncle (who did his MBA) told me I should just get a regular MA in Business since I don't have any work experience and because I am only 24.

Having the MA will get me into the door, let me advance further than a BA, and if I ever need an MBA, I could just apply for the Executive level ones later on down the road, or do a PhD on the companies dime (if I work in the public sector).

In his opinion MBA's are starting to become a watered down degree because of MBA programs from TRU, Brock or other Uni's who don't need work experience. (I dunno if that's true, but just his opinion)

[maniacshopper]

If you don't know the difference maybe you should be doing a masters degree until you can properly do research. Ouch:lol:

google mba, you'll be able to find a list of the top MBA's in the US and the world.

MBA's are not cheap.

I's say at least 650 is possible if you study hard. GMAT score isn't everything. Some schools have essays why do you want to go to.....
Some schools look at your extra curricular, what do you do beside work in fnance.

I prefer a one year program over a 1.5yr. Much easier on the family and work life. Take a one year off is understandable. 18months is probably harder for employer to swallow.

[george benjamin]

How long should one study for the GMAT?

I've been studying for about 4 months about an hour day. I'm getting a bit afraid that I'm plateauing. Is this normal? And I find that the lack of time is killing me. Without time I usually smoke the math and the CR aspect but now with time I'm only getting like 60% correct at best.

Hello,

You need to do more practice tests.

Get the premium Kaplan book, which comes with like 6 tests.

Get on of the Princeton books which comes with like 4 tests.

GMAT is more about time management than actual content knowledge.

[coolspot]

Having the MA will get me into the door, let me advance further than a BA, and if I ever need an MBA, I could just apply for the Executive level ones later on down the road, or do a PhD on the companies dime (if I work in the public sector).

In his opinion MBA's are starting to become a watered down degree because of MBA programs from TRU, Brock or other Uni's who don't need work experience. (I dunno if that's true, but just his opinion)

An MBA really shows it worth when it is combined with a good resume (experience) and school. Just having an MBA like any other degree won't get you very far for very long.

If you want to get your foot in the door, do you even need a masters degree? Maybe you should get a job first, then take a distance education masters at Athabasca? I think a lot of government and military do their studies through Athabasca.

Ever consider getting a Masters of Public Administration? MPA is more suited for the public sector than an MBA.

[scifi]

I have to take the GMAT and I think it's going to be a crappy experience.... 4 hours in front of a PC, dry marker and scratch paper, and I suck at aptitude tests (not really a test of knowledge), and I have to pay $250 USD to boot. :(

Basically I was wondering how hard is it to get a score of 500. i.e what would I need to score on all the testing portions..

As I pointed out above, I really suck at aptitude tests, but decided to try and read/study some of the books.. (I can't sit down and study that crap). If I get lower than 400, I can't go to the worst school I applied to, but if I get 500+, then I can go to the school I applied to. I guess if I screw up on the test, it's 250 down the drain, and I will have to waste like $1500 on a prep course and test.



There are many ways to prepare for GMAT. Ofcorse you can go to a classroom course and spend thousands or you can join one of the GMAT Forum (http://www.scorechase.com) and prepare for FREE. Most GMAT Forums also provide very affordable practice and tutorial services and you can save a lot of time and keep yourself in the game online.

You can try for ScoreChase gold seekers service which is a good way to practice for GMAT or ScoreChase Private tutoring if you need private attention.

GMAT Study can be really affordable if you look at the right places.

Hope this helps!