MBA
Its my second quarter at Santa Clara University. I never believed that I would enjoy myself so much not only at college, but the entire journey really. Its interesting to look back and see how it all started.
Some of my friends had asked me what it takes to start off with the MBA degree. And I thought it would be nice to document this on the blog. Not only for folks who find this useful, but also a reminder to myself - the journey I undertook sometime back.
Dates/Deadlines:
This process also makes you know your time lines which are very important for MBA application. For me I could not even apply toBerkeley Berkeley
Some helpful websites here:
GMAT Test informaiton / booking slots:
GMAT prep:
1. Get your hands on the Official GMAT test guides:
2. There is a free software on the site for giving students an idea how the actual test is like. You should download this :
3. Take a practice test. The practice test is the one in the Official Guide for GMAT Review book. Check your answers and see where you are on the matrix. I didn't get a great score on the practice test. So there is nothing to fear, i doubt that many people really do well on it. So not to panic.
4. Next take a look at your weak areas and strong areas. Identify the specific sections which are important for you to practice on thoroughly.
5. Take a look at the sample/suggested study plan( on the www.gmatclub.com website) . I used this and it was very helpful. Again the key is to stick to the plan and start practicing.
6. If you can, invest in these few books for your study:
6. Take the sample tests in a timed mode well before the exams. Again this is a very important point. Cannot stress its importance! Take and re-take the sample exams to strengthen your confidence. Its very important to do this timed, because the test can easily be passed at this point in time (after studying for so many months) without the time pressure. But the timing is what puts the ultimate pressure. And doing it well in advance of your actual test date will only give you more confidence.
7. Take the exam!
8. Start with your essays asap. Every school has a set of questions for the essays. You need to think a lot and put down your thoughts on paper. I highly recommend you to write them on your own. You can always get it proof read from your friends and family. But they must be in your own language. The schools now-a-days get your actual essays from the GMAT exam ( there is an essay section in the GMAT exam apart from verbal and quants )and compare it with the essay that you have written during application. That way they know for sure that its the same person writing and not done by someone else. So be aware of that.
9. Keep all your deadlines. Post / Courier / submit all your documents and applications well in advance of your deadlines. You need not wait for the GMAT test scores to come in. Just send out all the required school certifications and documents required so that there is no trouble meeting your deadline.
Its my second quarter at Santa Clara University. I never believed that I would enjoy myself so much not only at college, but the entire journey really. Its interesting to look back and see how it all started.
Some of my friends had asked me what it takes to start off with the MBA degree. And I thought it would be nice to document this on the blog. Not only for folks who find this useful, but also a reminder to myself - the journey I undertook sometime back.
The GMAT experience:-
Dates/Deadlines:
First and foremost I think one should set a target date. I can not emphasize the importance of this step. Planning for taking the GMAT, submitting the application after writing the essays and waiting for the results is a very long drawn process and requires not only patience but also perseverance.
This process also makes you know your time lines which are very important for MBA application. For me I could not even apply to
Some helpful websites here:
Rankings websites:
GMAT Test informaiton / booking slots:
Official site: http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT
GMAT prep:
Taking the GMAT is of course the very big first step. Its scary and overwhelming too, but trust me its not unbeatable. Its a test of perseverance and practice more than anything. Having said that, its also important to be very well prepared for the test. Thankfully, there is plenty of information to help get real good scores on the test. Here is what I would recommend:
1. Get your hands on the Official GMAT test guides:
The editions change once in a while, so take the latest one always. I recommend buying all the GMAT official guids:
a) The Official Guide for GMAT Review
b) The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review
c) The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review.
2. There is a free software on the site for giving students an idea how the actual test is like. You should download this :
3. Take a practice test. The practice test is the one in the Official Guide for GMAT Review book. Check your answers and see where you are on the matrix. I didn't get a great score on the practice test. So there is nothing to fear, i doubt that many people really do well on it. So not to panic.
4. Next take a look at your weak areas and strong areas. Identify the specific sections which are important for you to practice on thoroughly.
5. Take a look at the sample/suggested study plan( on the www.gmatclub.com website) . I used this and it was very helpful. Again the key is to stick to the plan and start practicing.
6. If you can, invest in these few books for your study:
a) The Pinceton Review - GMAT : http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-GMAT-2007-Graduate-Test/dp/0375765530/sr=8-1/qid=1166478341/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5451113-2620831?ie=UTF8&s=books
b) GMAT 800 - Kaplan : http://www.amazon.com/Kaplan-GMAT-800-2006-2007-Gmat/dp/074327931X/sr=1-1/qid=1166478394/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5451113-2620831?ie=UTF8&s=books
c) Kaplan GMAT: http://www.amazon.com/Kaplan-GMAT-2007-Premier-Program/dp/1419541846/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/002-5451113-2620831
These are good guides to start studying. The study plan gives a detail outline of how one could approach the subject. The most useful resource for me was this forum:
I HIGHLY recommend being active on it. Its free to register and you can ask any / all questions during your study time and there are really good folks who manage the entire website. They also give very good suggestions for essays and admissions as well. I think you will find yourself visiting this website almost everyday to get your doubts cleared and helping others on the way. Its a really good site.
6. Take the sample tests in a timed mode well before the exams. Again this is a very important point. Cannot stress its importance! Take and re-take the sample exams to strengthen your confidence. Its very important to do this timed, because the test can easily be passed at this point in time (after studying for so many months) without the time pressure. But the timing is what puts the ultimate pressure. And doing it well in advance of your actual test date will only give you more confidence.
7. Take the exam!
If you are targeting a full time MBA program, you will be targeting 720+ for really good schools. But to check the exact scores for various schools, you should look at the schools website. You will also find more insights into required scores by asking on forums.
8. Start with your essays asap. Every school has a set of questions for the essays. You need to think a lot and put down your thoughts on paper. I highly recommend you to write them on your own. You can always get it proof read from your friends and family. But they must be in your own language. The schools now-a-days get your actual essays from the GMAT exam ( there is an essay section in the GMAT exam apart from verbal and quants )and compare it with the essay that you have written during application. That way they know for sure that its the same person writing and not done by someone else. So be aware of that.
9. Keep all your deadlines. Post / Courier / submit all your documents and applications well in advance of your deadlines. You need not wait for the GMAT test scores to come in. Just send out all the required school certifications and documents required so that there is no trouble meeting your deadline.
