I recently discovered this useful and informative forum. Thanks Atul for the wonderful guidance you have been giving to all of us.
I am a BE(Comp Sc) from a reputed Engg dollege in India working for a big MNC, having exactly 1 yr of Work Ex as of date, the major portion of which has been spent overseas. I am interested in taking GMAT anytime within 6 months from now since I m currently abroad, staying alone with ample free time and resources and little disturbance. Moreover, due to some personal reasons, I wont be able to devote much time in preparation etc. when I return to India after 8 months .
My problem is the validity of the GMAT score. I will have very less(say 16 months) work ex at the time of my GMAT. So I cant apply immediately after that. Though I have read that the GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, I have heard from some quarters that many schools require a GMAT score which is not more than 1 or 2 yrs old. How far is it true? I am not very particular about schools as long as they are good. Will I have options if I apply to colleges within 2 yrs of taking GMAT or most of the good options close for me by then?
The GMAT is valid for 5 years and no college will refuse to accept it within this time period. Trouble with scores is that historically the score at a particular percentile level has been going up and this can work to your disadvantage if you delay your application to later years.
Most schools do indicate however, that if you have taken the GMAT multiple times, they will consider the more recent score. I am yet to hear of any one complain about the GMAT score's acceptance if it is within the 5 year validity period.
It would be interesting to hear names of such schools. I personally know a few students who were almost hitting the time limit while applying to top ranked B Schools and didn't have any problems making it through.
Hope this answers your query. Wish you all the very best in your academic persuits.
Thanks Atul,
That was valuable information. Now I will definitely be able to get rid of some of my inhibitions on the issue.
Could you give me some basic idea about the preparation. I have a Kaplan's GMAT book, then the Official Guide For GMAT Review by ETS and of course the Powerprep. Is there any order which I should follow?
Your advice will be of great help.
I would advise you to begin with the Official guide and take the online tests that come with it, to start with. Obviously, it is the closest you can get to the actual tests. I would also recommend Kaplan highly for logical/critical reasoning and the quantitative section. The old Barons books are good for sentence correction. Any additional practice material that you can get your hands on, are always useful.
The GMAT is a lot about practice and getting your timing right. The tests are repititive, so clearly, it is hardly a test of your IQ.
Thanks Atul,
That was valuable information. Now I will definitely be able to get rid of some of my inhibitions on the issue.
Could you give me some basic idea about the preparation. I have a Kaplan's GMAT book, then the Official Guide For GMAT Review by ETS and of course the Powerprep. Is there any order which I should follow?
Your advice will be of great help.
Thanks & Regards,
Akshay
Hi Akshay,
You have mentioned some materials for the preparation of GMAT. At present am bit confused either to join a institute for GMAT coaching or to do by myself. You have mentioned three materials(Kaplan's GMAT book, then the Official Guide For GMAT Review by ETS and the Powerprep). So s tat possible to Prepare ourselves for Gmat With these books, so there is no need to join any institutes?
Just as tuition classes are not necessary to clear or excel at school/college exams, coaching classes are not necessary for the GMAT.
There are a few reasons why coaching classes get used:
1) Lack of preparatory material or constant changes in the preparatory material for the exam
2) Complexity of the content
3) Convenience/time-constraints of the student and the discipline provided by coaching classes
4) Learning needs of the individual himself/herself
For the GMAT, it is points 3 and 4 that should drive you to take to classes for your preparation. Check out some of the sample tests available for free online and you will be able to get a feel of your needs. Decide whether you need to take classes after that. Alternatively, if you have a busy work life, by all means use classes to give you that discipline.
Just as tuition classes are not necessary to clear or excel at school/college exams, coaching classes are not necessary for the GMAT.
There are a few reasons why coaching classes get used:
1) Lack of preparatory material or constant changes in the preparatory material for the exam
2) Complexity of the content
3) Convenience/time-constraints of the student and the discipline provided by coaching classes
4) Learning needs of the individual himself/herself
For the GMAT, it is points 3 and 4 that should drive you to take to classes for your preparation. Check out some of the sample tests available for free online and you will be able to get a feel of your needs. Decide whether you need to take classes after that. Alternatively, if you have a busy work life, by all means use classes to give you that discipline.
Hope this helps.
Atul Monga
Thanks a lot for ur valuable info Atul....
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