My MBA Journey -Part 3 (GMAT strategy)

Having bitten by the desi “Billi”, I moved on to tame the phoren “Billi”: GMAT (I wonder what is so sacrosanct about the usage of “AT” in every MBA exam such as XAT, CAT, NMAT, GMAT…..)

Before I move on, I would like to clear some of the myths doing the rounds among MBA aspirants regarding GMAT.

Myth 1: GMAT is an entirely different exam from CAT
AA: GMAT and CAT test patterns do differ but the preparation done for CAT is always useful for GMAT and vice-versa.

Myth 2: GMAT English is tougher than CAT's
AA: English section in GMAT is tough but Verbal Ability section in CAT is the real BAAP.

Myth 3: In general GMAT is a very tough exam and scoring 700+ is one hell of a task.
AA: GMAT is very easy vis-à-vis CAT .If you could score 99+ in CAT, you could definitely score 750+ in GMAT but not the other way round.

GMAT is a timed test based on Computer Adaptive Test technology (For more information visit http://www.mba.com/mba/thegmat/teststructureandoverview). For this very reason, approach taken to crack the test is different from CAT’s approach. However, GMAT is a very student friendly exam unlike CAT. Best thing about GMAT is that the test format is fixed hence you could work out on a strategy easily .Upfront knowledge of number of questions , type of questions , allotted time etc. makes this exam considerable easy to score high.

In addition to the 3 tools (mentioned in my earlier post) to tame the CAT, one more thing is needed for GMAT and indeed a very important one: STAMINA to sit in front of the computer screen for 4 hrs .Being an IT chap really helped me here as I was already accustomed to sitting in front of the computer screen for hours (that is a different matter that I just used to keep on sitting and doing nothing).

With the prestigious tag of CAT taker :) behind me, I started my GMAT preparation after a good long break (as though I was going on a battle) in 2008. My preparation went for 2.5 months for around 6-7 hrs of study per week .90% of my preparation was devoted to English section as this was the section which tortured me like anything (Maths in GMAT is halua .All engineers just mug up the formulae and are good to go).

During these 2.5 months, I gave innumerable mock-tests with the scores varying from 570 to 760 .In the second last test that I took 5 days before the actual exam date; I scored 570 and as a consequence lost all my confidence and was nearly sure of adding another feather to my cap 5 days down the line.

I was so disappointed that I even thought of cancelling my appointment. But numerous posts on GMATclub (forum for GMAT preparation) suggested not going by the scores of just any online test, rather relying on the GMATprep (official mock-test from GMAT authorities) which is considered to be the most accurate indicator of one's performance. 4 days before the actual exam, I took GMAT Prep and scored 760 .Once again, my faith was restored, brain muscles got stronger, blood started flowing rapidly and once again I was back in confidence.

Finally, the D-day came and I waited nervously after the exam ended for the score (Yes, your score comes in GMAT as soon as you finish the exam). And finally I could return home peacefully with a paper in my hands with 750 printed on it.