GMAT - A Test of Nerves - II

And here is my GMAT Test experience....

Date: 16-Aug-07
Venue: Pearson VUE center, Bangalore

Had relaxed completely the previous day. So, got up early in the morning at 7. Reached the center at 8:20 for my 9 am slot. The center was very nice and calm. Helped me soothe my nerves a lot. After some formalities, started with the test at around 8:45.

The test after the selection of schools started with AWA. Wrote decent essays. Both of them, used all the 30 minutes in each. One thing, I feel everybody should keep in mind is that after the first 20 min, we should ensure that we complete the intro, conclusion and basic structure of the essay. More points can be added later, if time permits. After AWA took the break, had a couple of chocolates I had taken and got back.

Then started with maths. And I started very very cautiously. I was very slow, although the questions were pretty easy. By the time I reached the 20th question i had just a little over a minute per question. However, I speeded up after that. Still, I had to make a calculated guess in the final question. After the maths section, I had a very honest feeling that I had screwed up the section because of my cautiousness.
On hindsight, its important to always finish sections before the alloted time when we practice during mock tests. Because, during the actual test, you are bound to be a little more cautious leading to shortage of time.

Took the break again. This time had a juice. Felt a lot better after the seemingly debacle in math. Got back at answering the verbal section. Now, here is a bit of trouble. After writing two essays, and doing maths, the mind gets a little tired. Its easy to lose concentration. I faced this problem around the 6-7th question. Waked myself up and tried concentrating hard. Thats the key. The verbal section is more of a reasoning section. So, concentrate hard during the final few minutes of the test. Also, try and practice a couple of full tests along with AWA before writing the GMAT. It will help you maintain the concentration levels throughout the 4 hour period.
After the test got over, I realized that I had a lot of concentration lapses during the verbal section and hence, I must have screwed this one too. Filled up the background information questions, and clicked on report score apprehensively.

Saw 770! Was quite an unbelievable sight especially after the feeling I had after completing the test. Instinctively punched my fist in the air and then raised it to call the invigilator. The invigilator smiled and took a print of score report. Got out of the center, made some wild exclamation and got busy on the phone.

I got a 51 in maths, but I still feel I made more than a mistake in the section. Guess, you can still get a 51 after making >1 mistake. However, verbal was the real surprise. I had never scored a 44 in any of the mocks. So, that was great. It seems the scoring algorithm of the GMAT is lenient
Also, the calm atmosphere at the center keeps your concentration levels high. This also helps you boost your score.

After the test, I felt GMAT is a lot easier than its seemed at the start. If you practice diligently for 4-6 weeks and work on your weak areas, you can get a good score. Also, balance out the time very efficiently during the test. That is important. Your mock practice can go haywire because of the pressure you are under during the test.

But, the test is overall a lot more chill than the CAT. Two breaks ensure that the stress levels do not grow above a point. And the earplugs they provide are very very good to maintain the concentration levels required to crack it!

With this, I wish all the future aspirants, All the Best! Believe me, it is not really tough. Enjoy the whole process.