Could it be… that I actually LIKE studying for the GMAT?
Well, “like” is a strong word, but it’s interesting to learn (and apply -correctly, I hope!-) all the rules that exist in GMAT-land.
I’m starting to see the tricks and trap answers that GMAT writers build in to the questions, and why I have to re-adjust my thinking from “normal-everyday-life” to “only-in-GMAT-world”.
I really should be spending more time studying every day (right now I top out at 2 hours a day), but at least I’m seeing some progress. Even though it’s slower than I would’ve liked, I just have to keep going.
It’s weird, because now studying has become a measure of how good my day goes… usually I figure I had a good day if I got off work by 6:30 or 7, CB and I had a nice conversation, I had some yummy food, AND I did well on my problem sets. If I got a lot of problems wrong or I didn’t have enough time to study, I would just feel blah the whole day.
Who here is studying for the GMAT (or LSAT, or MCAT, or GRE)? Stand up and be counted, because I want to recognize my compatriots in the standarized testing battle grounds!
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I’m not currently studying for the GRE, but I should be if I’m going to send my grad school application in November…
I used to consider taking the GRE so i can take my postgrad there in the US. I am from Manila and it just cost too much for me to take the test. I took a different path, I applied for the Chevening Scholarship instead. I got it. Next year, I am bound for the university of my choice in UK.
LSAT here. I’m enjoying studying for it too.
lol…weirdos!
Just kidding…I’m going to have to start studying for a test next month too. Not the GMAT, or anything like that, but one for certification at work.
I don’t even remember how to study!!! Its going to be interesting…
I am not studying for the GMAT yet, but plan to start within a year. You determination and self dicipline is amazing. You are truly an inspiration! Your blog really helps me stay on track with the goals I have set.
I hope I, too, can recognize these traps! I might be coming back to you for tips when I actually do start studying!
I just bought a GMAT review book (half.com is AWESOME) but haven’t cracked it yet. I signed up for a GMAT question of the day e-mail, which I’ve been doing for the last week or so, but it’s not that great – they don’t provide the answers; you just kind of compare to what other people say and hope the majority is right. But at least it’s giving me a sense of what to expect on the test!
I really need to buckle down and study.
Just getting started with the GRE – I am really impressed that you fit in 2 hours of studying a day!
This time last year I was in your shoes (GMAT). OG (original guide) is the Bible. If you can solve all the math problems in it..you are good to go! It was easier for me once I figured out there were ‘ways’ to calculate each question. Math is my strength but the verbal part..arghhh….Manhattan’s sentence Correction book is highly recommended.
I studied on my own and scored in 88th percentile (680), which was fine for my program but I could have tried harder esp on verbal. I would try to score 700 and above in the future to get into “elite” program.
I’ll take the GMAT again when I want go to for my MBA (currently doing masters in accounting).
Lastely…check out http://www.beatthegmat.com its a forum for MBA aspirants…really smart people out there that answered my questions and were very willing to help. Very helpful resources by past GMAT conquerors(lol). A lot of people on there score in the high 700s.
They have guides for math and verbal and even sample writings for the AWA section. I just read a couple of samples before my exam and scored a 5.5
I used flashcards that I went over at work during my breaks so i had GMAT in my head all the time. I wouldnt recommend studying for more than 3-4 months though…I dont think its really necessary. Goodluck with the studying! You GAT this!
I am studying for the BCPS
I took the GMAT a year ago, and I agree… all of the rituals and studying schedules became a fairly pleasant routine.
And it paid off, I was happy with my overall score. My breakdown between verbal and math was pretty off, so I’m hoping that won’t put too much of a dink in the MBA applications i’m working on now…
good luck!
Hey WH! I spent my whole summer studying for the MCAT last year, and I totally understand what you mean by the “actually not-minding sort-of enjoying” feeling, haha
It gave a routine to my days and I REALLY liked having a set goal to work towards. I guess post-grad life is funny like that, where set goals are nice….I also liked seeing myself improve over many weeks. It gave me hope that maybe I wasn’t a complete nitwit 
I’m studying for the GMAT. I don’t graduate until 2010 but I want to get a head start, since my math is abysmal….
I have yet to take a practice test but I am renting tons of GMAT books from the library, and after going through them hope to take a practice test.
Scary stuff, but hey, why not start early?