Motivational Monday-It's all about preparation

How prepared are you to take the GMAT? Are you confident that the strategies you have learned and your knowledge will earn you the desired score?

If you are not sure yet...you might need a little more preparation. Happy Monday everyone. I am off to study, and work.

Caught up in Work

I have not been blogging lately, and to my detriment I also have not been studying. A major project came up at work that took up most of my time. It is done now and I should be able to go back to uninterrupted studying this Monday. I don't know how working people squeeze study time in. I'd appreciate the tips.

Motivational Monday-(WWJBD)What would Joe Bloggs Do?

Some of us need a little nudge to get going on Mondays (ie Me!) So in order to stay focused and motivated I have decided Monday's will be motivational day. Sayings, quotes, thoughts, etc. that will inspire me to keep going on this GMAT journey I've embarked.

Princeton Review first introduced me to Joe Bloggs, the average GMAT tester who scores in the average range.

I took a GMAT diagnostic test and found out I am Joe Bloggs! Above average in verbal but not so much in quant :(

I shouldn't be surprised, I knew quant was going to be my weak spot. What was surprising though was finding out I scored better on data sufficiency than in Problem Solving...(weird, but I'll take it.) So I have decided to go back to basics. Like Mark Zuckerberg says...do the easier stuff first, or in this case the medium level questions...once those come naturally, breaking down the tough ones should not be so hard.

Looking back my mistakes were careless. I didn't think about all possibilities and instead made assumptions about a problem. For instance I came across a problem yesterday about the probability about being picked for secretary or treasurer but before that a president had to be picked. I completely ignored to take into account the odds of not being picked for president and focused only on secretary and treasurer because that is what the problem asked for...see-careless!

That being said I think I can work on it. I just have to get used to thinking about the whole picture. So what would Joe Bloggs do? Probably quit cause its hard, or look for the easiest response which means I have to keep going and leave Joe Bloggs behind.

Study Day 4-Angles, Angles Angles

I finished the review on permutations, combinations and probability yesterday and after I gave my brain a chance to breathe it actually did not seem so daunting. I am well on my way to geometry now. From what I can tell geometry is a very small portion of the test but I am going to have to memorize the formulas needed to solve certain geometry problems because Alas-I didn't bother to do so in high school. Back then I figured I would never ever use geometry again.

I'm almost done with the Math Portion of the Princeton review.  I do feel like I have a better understanding of the concepts but I don't feel ready to tackle the toughest problems yet. I think I still need more (lots more) practice. This Sunday I plan on taking my first practice test to see where I'm at and I have also signed up for Beat The GMAT's 60-Day GMAT Study Guide! 60 days of emails with specific GMAT prep activities. I just feel like it will give me a little structure and keep me on the correct path. Today was day 0 which was just an introduction of whats to come but tomorrow I get my first official email-exciting!!

Study Day 3-Probability, Permutations and Combinations-->Lack of Concentration

ARRGGG!!! I am having the worst time concentrating on this. What do you do when you just can't focus? Go for a walk? clear your head? Or should I switch gears and give math a break and work on some verbal? I guess I'll take a break. Get some mental sanity. I'll be back to update later.

-----------------------------------------LATER-----------------------------------------------------------
Okay, mini melt down over. I took a breather and cleared my head. I didn't go back to permutations instead I  reviewed what I had read so far. Repeated the drill exercises and actually understood why the correct answer was correct--so that is progress right there. Don't you just hate it when you read a math problem and  you have no idea how to begin solving it and then to make matters worse you learn how to solve it and you think, "well, that wasn't complicated at all!" That's kind of what was going on today.

I have a good two hours before I go to bed and I figure I might as well read up on where I left off. After all, I am feeling motivated from being able to understand the problems I reviewed so I'll sail on that. Back to the Books I go. 

Study Day 2-Princeton Review Arithmetic and Algebra

I finally finished the arithmetic section of the Princeton review. I am now starting to review the algebra portion of the book.The concepts are coming back to me but data sufficiency is still giving me a little bit of a hard time. Still Princeton Review does a good job of breaking them down I think. Their flow chart for tackling data sufficiency was particularly handy, at least for me. As a computer science engineer flowcharts became like a second language to me.

So basically the way to work them is:

I'm a very visual person, so being able to see path to take when facing data sufficiency questions helps. I stop worrying about all the answer choices and focus on the ones that it could be. I still have a long way to go with data sufficiency but I think practice will be the key.

I feel like I am moving at such a slow pace. I love reading, and I can usually read a good book in one sitting, but this book. It is around 300 pages and I just reached the 100s yesterday. In high school and in college I had a completely different mindset when it came to studying. I relied on my natural smarts, what I listened to in class and a cram session. That is all it took and I made really good grades so in studying for this test I have to fight the urge to skim through the chapters and jump to the exercises. I am reading, taking notes, doing the exercises, checking them and if there is a mistake I don't move on until I understand why I made the mistake and how to arrive at the correct answer. I hope to take a practice test by the end of this week to see where I'm at .

Slow and steady wins the race; after all, the tortoise did beat the hare. I just have to remember that. Back to the books.

Study Day 1- Getting Familiar

I had my official study session yesterday. I started with Manhattan's GMAT Uncovered to familiarize myself with the test. It was a good read, mostly informational. Once I finished with GMAT Uncovered I began to read Princeton Reviews Cracking the GMAT 2012 Edition. I'm still working my way through it but I have been able to extract some strategy tips.

In the few practice questions I did prior to reading any material for some reason I always tried to solve at least partially the data sufficiency questions to try and arrive at an answer. I just could not wrap my head around this question format. Now, I can look at the question and begin eliminating some answers. It truly is amazing what your brain can do when you teach it to think a different way.

I'm sure I have quite a bit a to go. Have not even begun cracking the tough questions yet bu the building blocks are starting to fall into place. Now I am even more confident that I can beat this test. Well, off I go-I have quite a bit more reading to do.

Designing a GMAT Study Plan

It is real you guys! I’ve got my resources and I have a lot of ground to cover. It is a good thing I am giving myself three months because getting through all of this is going to take some time. This is what I will be working with:

·                OG 13^th Edition
·        OG Verbal 10^th Edition
·        SC Grail by Aristotle Prep
·        The Definitive RC Guide by Aristotle Prep
·        Manhattan GMAT Preparation Guides
·        Kaplan GMAT 2012 Strategies, Practice and Review
·        GMAT Uncovered by Manhattan GMAT
·        GMAT Math Bible

I also have

·                Sahil’s Grammar notes
·        Spidey Sentence Correction Notes
·        Beat the GMATS free flashcards

I am armed and ready to go. Now I just have to figure out how I am going to use all this information.

I've taken a cue from Vivian Kerr at Veritas Prep and worked out a GMAT study plan: This is what I plan to do:

Weeks 1-4: Get Familiar With the GMAT

I plan to familiarize myself with the test completely. On the 2nd week I will take a practice exam to see what my baseline is and be able to pinpoint a target score, although I know I want to break the 700+ mark. By the end of the month I will take another practice test this time to gain thorough understanding of what my strengths and weaknesses are.

Weeks 5-8: Attack Weaknesses, Reinforce Strengths

Also known as Progress Evaluation Month. With my Error Log I will track all my incorrect questions (which hopefully will not be that many). Rotating concepts on a weekly basis, choosing three big weaknesses to systematically address each week. During this month I need to come up with a solid strategy for tackling this test. After 2 more practice tests I hope to have addressed my weaknesses and come up with a good strategy.

Weeks 9-12: Getting closer to that Test Date!

Four weeks on the clock. Will kick up to one practice test a week in order to build stamina and figure out how to pace myself, after all I’ve read answering every questions is better than leaving it blank. I plan to make it a point to hit all question types and focus on the hardest questions I can find.

By the end of my three months I must be able to complete all sections in the time allotted. Study time begins today! Wohoo!!

I WILL Beat the GMAT!!

I'm going to do it. I am going to take the GMAT and beat it. For the past week I have been on the fence with regards to which test to take...GRE or GMAT? I know I can score better in the GRE and both programs that I am applying to accept it, but what business do I have in going for an MBA if I am too chicken to face the GMAT? None, exactly!

If I want an MBA, and I do, I'm just going to take the bull (read GMAT) by its horns (you know, cause it's evil) and do it. I have the time to prepare, now I just need the resources. I've begun by registering with Beat the GMAT, I've read through a couple of their forums, followed a few members, looked over their self study plans and read lots and lots of blogs.

I guess the next step is deciding which books I'm going to invest in. I've got my eyes on:

1. The Oficial Guide for GMAT review 13th edition-every source I've found claims this is a must have so I figure I might as well go for the latest one. 
2. Manhattan GMAT Verbal Set
3. GMAT Prep Software- It's free so why not. 

I have also downloaded some material. I found an e-book called the GMAT math bible that I was able to download. Eric's Beat the GMAT also has a great link for amazing flash cards. If you haven't gone by his blog I urge you to do so. Thanks Eric!

I am giving myself 3 months to prepare and the goal is to break the 700 mark. Anything below a 700 will be unacceptable. In the next few days I will develop my study plan and I'll use this blog to track my progress, vent, ask for help, etc. There are only 2 programs that I am interested in and it would be nice to get an admit from both of them.

GMAT, here I come.

What about Darden?

UVA has a strong brand and although their curriculum is not as flexible as Booth's it is still a pretty strong program.

What I really like about Darden is their strong alumni network, something that cannot be overvalued.

There seems to be a lot of emphasis on the case method at Darden-on the fence with this, but I can definitely see myself living in Charlottesville with my son and husband. I love how they have this ritual, First Coffee at 9:30 am, where the entire Darden community is invited for free tea, coffee and of course conversation. In a highly competitive MBA world it is nice to just kind of unwind and relax with your peers.

Darden, unlike other finance schools, allows students to explore different facets of business without being pegged to one single discipline. This is because their focus is on general management. All in all, with world class master teachers Darden has become my 2nd choice.

Booth-A quick look and why I love it

I'm not going to go into the technical stuff like rank, acceptance rate and median GMAT score because anybody can find that out. I really want to highlight a few things that really caught my interest about Booth.

One of the things that I like the best about Booth is its flexible curriculum. Students can create their own tailored educational path right from the start. I think this is a big plus. For me, personally, I do better at something when I really enjoy it-I mean who doesn't right? So the fact that you get to design your curriculum is great. Only one required course!

As I searched for blogs about Booth I came across one that mentioned the different teaching styles available at Booth. From case studies to lectures, you can find out about how professors prefer to teach a class before you sign up for it. Another big plus! Some schools have a specific teaching method already in place that isn't necessarily wrong but might not always work for all people.

Transparency, transparency, transparency. Booth seems to be really applicant friendly. They host live chats, participate with the candidate community. They make an effort to make sure the applicant really understands what it is they are looking for and are constantly releasing tips for applicants.

Much, much more but I don't want to make this post a boring one :)

GRE or GMAT

So, the GMAT...its an unavoidable topic when you are thinking about business school. The GMAT used to be the sole standard when it came to testing for admissions in MBA programs but now there is a new contender in the ring, the revised GRE test.

Now that I have decided where (Booth and Darden) and when (round 1) I am applying it is start to begin preparing for the application. Round 1 applications are due in October for both Booth and Darden so I have some time to get ready. First and foremost I have to get my tests out of the way.

As an international I must take the TOEFL. This one does not worry me at all. My English is very, very good. I don't want to toot my own horn, but it is almost native like...no accent at all. I can testify to this, I have been told many times, by many Americans. So TOEFL...I'll schedule that after the GMAT.

As for the other test, the big one. I find myself at a crossroad. Should I take the GRE? or should I take the GMAT? Both Darden and Booth accept the GRE but I have to wonder; does taking the GRE make you look like a chicken less serious candidate? I know I want an MBA, its not like I am undecided between other grad programs but I feel like I might score better on the GRE. Even my backup school accepts the GRE. I am giving myself plenty of time to prepare. I plan on taking 2-3 months of prepping and then go for the test. Now I have to decide which one. Has any one applied to a top program with the GRE and been accepted? Should I just bite the bullet and try to beat the GMAT?

Figuring Out Where to go

Once I knew I wanted an MBA I decided to begin by researching the different programs out there. I thought it was going to be pretty cut and dry. Find a program, see if you like it and apply. Boy was I wrong! I had no idea applying to business school was so competitive and so hard.

There are rounds to consider, essay questions that drive you crazy, program fit and passion (huh? passion for business school..ok), school ranking, and lets not forget the dreaded important GMAT.That test is insane, it seems like in order to be considered for a top program you have to be at the 700+ range, especially if you are an international student...but more on the GMAT later.

My research for a program began with school rankings. I wanted to know which schools had the best programs and why.There are a lot of schools out there, so I knew I had to narrow it down. Why not make a list? I asked myself the following questions:

1. Did I want a full time or part-time program? Executive MBA or Online?
2. Location, I knew I wanted to go abroad but where? US, Europe Canada? Could I see myself living there with my family for the duration of the program?
3. Did I want a program with a large or small class size?
4. What was the international community like at that program? What is the overall culture?
5. What sort of teaching method was in place? Would it work for how I learn best?
6. What are the entry requirements? Could I meet them?
7. What is it going to cost me?

After many, many hours of researching I have finally decided where I will be submitting my applications:

I have picked University of Chicago (Booth) and University of Virginia (Darden). I like them both for different reasons. Booth is my number one choice, Darden is a close second and as backup third I have picked a regular, non top ranked program but still very solid. 

Round 1-Here I come!

Getting Started

I've toyed with the idea of grad school ever since I graduated back in 2006. I considered going right after graduation but upon further reflection I realized I wasn't sure what type of grad school I wanted to go to and why. At the time it just felt like the logical thing to do, but I did't want a degree just for the sake of it so instead I entered the work force.

I am a computer science undergrad from Central America. I began working in the IT field as help-desk supervisor and made my way up to project manager. After a few years working in that sector I left the company to work as purchasing manager for a manufacturing company. It was a really challenging role because all of a sudden I found myself face to face with business concepts that were unfamiliar to me. It was during that role that the idea of grad school came back into my head.

The difference was, this time I was certain about the program. I wanted an MBA. The year was 2009 and I could have gone for it then, but I still wasn't ready. Fast forward to 2013. I'm ready and willing. Some say my chances are not very good for the programs I want but that just makes me want it more. So what if I am 31 years old and an International student? Does it mean I shouldn't go for it? Not in my book.

I'm going for this MBA, and I will be successful. I think THAT right there is half the battle won already and I have a feeling that the other half is going to be one heck of a ride.