Princeton Review: Cracking the GMAT

Meet Joe Bloggs, the MBA applicant of average intelligence who tries to finish the GMAT in as little time as possible that he can't help but fall for the traps the GMAT makers have laid in store for him.

The Princeton Review narrates the mistakes Joe Bloggs usually makes, and gives readers an idea of how to avoid those traps.There are tips laid out throughout the book, notably POE (process of elimination), plugging in and AD-BCE (for data sufficiency questions) for the math portion.

The book makes an easy read, and gives you a pretty good overview of the topics of the exam. It's not as detailed or thorough as you might wish, however, and high scorers on GMAT practice tests would definitely need more practice books, drills and exams to achieve that 700+ score come GMAT day. This is a book that I would recommend test-takers to read before delving into the nitty-gritty of test preparations, and could probably serve as a stand-in for the Kaplan Premiere if you don't have it.

Note: I haven't tried out the online tests or the CD yet so I'll probably update this later on once I've done so.

The Economist MBA Circle

I wonder if it's too late to register for this event.
I just learned about this from an email of MIT Sloan. Apparently, there will be admissions officers present online for this virtual MBA fair.

Special invitation to The Economist MBA Circle

Well, I guess it's still worth checking out.

OG Result: Boo!

I got the result on my Opportunity Grant application. I had an inkling that I wasn't going to to get approved for it the moment I saw the email in my inbox, and I was right. Fortunately, I can still make another shot -- but maybe I'll make it when I'm in the middle of the app process.

I'm due to take the TOEFL in the last Saturday of March, and the GMAT in June. I was so glad that MIS.Net released their June schedule; I don't think I could study enough by May given my unpredictable work schedule. In fact, I was already considering to take the exam in Cebu instead. For future test-takers, I do think it helps to check the test schedules again and again, just in case future dates open up. It's helpful to schedule an exam at least two months before to secure a slot. I don't think the demand is that high for Filipino test-takers though. GMAT exams are only scheduled Mondays-Fridays, so those who have jobs definitely need to take a leave.

I am currently in the middle of a panic attack with regards to my school choices -- there's just so many to choose from that my shortlist is getting longer! I have revised my school criteria and came up with something more specific. Hopefully, this time, I can come up with a better shortlist. Besides, there's nothing wrong with applying on Round 2 if everything goes wrong with Round 1.