Gmat Preparation for MBA and Business School Everything you need to find out about MBA and GMAT.
SC’s Question no – 691, 692
September 30, 2008 — Prachi Pareekh
691). The aristocratic values expressed in the writings of Marguerite Yourcenar place her within the French classical tradition, as does her passionate interest in history, particularly Roman history.(A) as does(B) so do(C) as do(D) so is the case with(E) similarly, does692). The attorney turned down the law firm’s offer of a position because she suspected that it was meant merely to fill an
SC’s Question number – 693, 694
September 19, 2008 — Prachi Pareekh
693). The Audubon Society and other conservation groups, concerned over what they have perceived to be the serious threatening of the environment as posed by the policies of the government, are preparing for a major political effort.(A) have perceived to be the serious threatening of the environment as(B) perceived as the serious threat to the environment as(C) perceive being the serious threat
Average GRE Quantitative score for Admission to Engineering Programs
September 11, 2008 — SamHere is the avergae GRE Quantitaive Score for Admission to Engineering colleges in Various Universities
Rank | Average GRE Quant Score | University |
| 1 | 800 | CALTECH |
| 2 | 783 | Princeton |
| 3 | 781 | U of Wisconsin Madison |
| 4 | 780 | Stanford |
| 5 | 779 | Northwestern |
| 6 | 777 | MIT |
| 7 | 775 | Cornell |
| 7 | 775 | Columbia |
| 7 | 775 | Harvard |
| 10 | 774 | U of IL-Urbana Champaign |
| 11 | 773 | UC-Santa Barbara |
| 12 | 772 | UC-Berkeley |
| 12 | 772 | Yale |
| 14 | 770 | U of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
| 15 | 769 | University of Rochester |
| 16 | 768 | UC-Los Angeles |
| 16 | 768 | Johns Hopkins University |
| 16 | 768 | Rice University |
| 16 | 768 | Washington U in St. Louis |
| 20 | 767 | GATECH |
| 20 | 767 | Duke University |
| 20 | 767 | Lehigh University |
| 23 | 766 | U of Minnesota-Twin Cities |
| 23 | 766 | Dartmouth College |
| 25 | 765 | Carnegie Mellon |
| 25 | 765 | UC -San Diego |
| 27 | 763 | Boston University |
| 27 | 763 | Arizona State University |
| 27 | 763 | University of Notre Dame |
| 30 | 762 | Ohio State University |
| 31 | 760 | U of Ma - Amherst |
| 31 | 760 | University at Buffalo |
| 33 | 759 | University of Texas-Austin |
| 33 | 759 | University of Pennsylvania |
| 33 | 759 | Iowa State University |
| 33 | 759 | SUNY-Stony Brook |
| 37 | 758 | U of MD - College Park |
| 37 | 758 | University of Florida |
| 37 | 758 | UC -Irvine |
| 37 | 758 | Drexel University |
| 41 | 757 | U of Colorado-Boulder |
| 42 | 756 | Texas A&M - College Station |
| 42 | 756 | North Carolina State U |
| 44 | 754 | Vanderbilt |
| 45 | 753 | U of Southern California |
| 46 | 752 | PA State University |
| 46 | 752 | Rensselaer |
| 48 | 751 | Purdue -West Lafayette |
| 49 | 749 | VTECH |
| 49 | 749 | UC - Davis |
| 49 | 749 | University of Virginia |
| 52 | 748 | University of Delaware |
| 53 | 743 | University of Utah |
| 54 | 742 | Michigan State University |
| 55 | 736 | University of Washington |
| 56 | 732 | Case Western Reserve U |
| 57 | 731 | University of Pittsburgh |
| 58 | 719 | University of Arizona |
Average and Median GMAT scores for Top B Schools
September 11, 2008 — SamHere is the average and median GMAT scores for some of the top business schools which will help you to prepare accordingly.
School | GMATAverage | GMAT Median |
| Wharton | 714 | 716 |
| Stanford | 711 | 710 |
| Duke | 707 | 710 |
| Harvard | 707 | 710 |
| INSEAD | 707 | |
| Columbia | 706 | 710 |
| UCLA | 705 | 710 |
| Dartmouth | 704 | |
| UC - Berkeley | 701 | 700 |
| Kellogg | 700 | 700 |
| Stern | 700 | 700 |
| Sloan | 697 | 700 |
| Yale | 696 | 700 |
| Chicago | 695 | 710 |
| Michigan | 692 | 690 |
| Carnegie Mellon | 691 | 690 |
| Southern California | 685 | 690 |
| Emory | 680 | 680 |
| Darden | 680 | 690 |
| IMD | 680 | 670 |
| London Business School | 680 | 680 |
| Washington | 677 | 680 |
| Queen’s | 675 | 680 |
| Cornell | 673 | 680 |
| Texas | 670 | 680 |
| Purdue | 667 | 670 |
| Georgetown | 662 | 660 |
| Notre Dame | 657 | 660 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | 652 | 660 |
| Maryland | 651 | 650 |
| Washington University | 649 | 650 |
| Indiana | 644 | 640 |
| Babson | 630 | 630 |
| Vanderbilt | 622 | 620 |
All about GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment(AWA)
September 11, 2008 — Sam
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is the neglected part of the GMAT. No one (test-takers or business schools) considers it as important as the rest of the test, and it’s scored separately from the Quantitative and Verbal parts of the exam.
It’s true: there’s no reason to spend nearly as much time preparing for the AWA as you do for the rest of the test. It’s a mistake to forget about it entirely, though:
A small amount of effort can translate into a big difference in score.
The schools you apply too can see your actual essays.
What is the AWA?
The AWA consists of two 30-minute essay questions, the Analysis of Issue and the Analysis of Argument. The first gives you a general topic, and you are asked to write an essay arguing for one side or the other. The second gives you a prompt not unlike the passage in a Critical Reasoning question and asks you to–big surprise!–analyze the argument.
How is the AWA scored?
Your essays are scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Each essay is initially graded by a human and a computer. If they disagree by more than a point, another human comes along, separates the brawling human and computer graders, and settles the dispute. The GMAC reports that the human and the computer differ in a relatively small number of cases, so it’s not something to lie awake worrying about.
Why Do B-Schools Get to See My Essay?
Part of the reason the AWA is included on the GMAT is because some applicants might try to cheat. Plagiarized or ghost-written essays are a problem at every level of admissions, so if the person evaluating your application essays can also see how you wrote during the GMAT, they might notice if there’s a big difference.
They don’t expect your GMAT essays to be perfect–they know you only have half an hour for each one.
How Can I Prepare?
Write a practice essay or two, for starters. In the back of The GMAT Official Guide, there is a list of all possible essay prompts. (Yes, the actual prompts used on the test.) It would be a waste of time to write, or even outline, essays for each of them, but it is worth your time to scan through them, making sure you understand each one.
Focus on quality over quantity: a perfect 250-word essay is better (both for the AWA grader and for admissions officers) than a rough 400-word version. Allow yourself plenty of time (at least five minutes) at the end of the half-hour in order to carefully proofread your essay for grammar and punctuation. The little things aren’t going to affect your score much, but if you know how to use a comma, you might as well let the AWA grader know that.
Most all, don’t try to accomplish too much. The object of the AWA is to determine whether you can write a coherent sentence and an organized paragraph or two. Organize your thoughts before you start to write, and keep things simple. Don’t stress yourself out: you’ve got two and a half hours of testing left after you finish your second essay!
It’s true: there’s no reason to spend nearly as much time preparing for the AWA as you do for the rest of the test. It’s a mistake to forget about it entirely, though:
A small amount of effort can translate into a big difference in score.
The schools you apply too can see your actual essays.
What is the AWA?
The AWA consists of two 30-minute essay questions, the Analysis of Issue and the Analysis of Argument. The first gives you a general topic, and you are asked to write an essay arguing for one side or the other. The second gives you a prompt not unlike the passage in a Critical Reasoning question and asks you to–big surprise!–analyze the argument.
How is the AWA scored?
Your essays are scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Each essay is initially graded by a human and a computer. If they disagree by more than a point, another human comes along, separates the brawling human and computer graders, and settles the dispute. The GMAC reports that the human and the computer differ in a relatively small number of cases, so it’s not something to lie awake worrying about.
Why Do B-Schools Get to See My Essay?
Part of the reason the AWA is included on the GMAT is because some applicants might try to cheat. Plagiarized or ghost-written essays are a problem at every level of admissions, so if the person evaluating your application essays can also see how you wrote during the GMAT, they might notice if there’s a big difference.
They don’t expect your GMAT essays to be perfect–they know you only have half an hour for each one.
How Can I Prepare?
Write a practice essay or two, for starters. In the back of The GMAT Official Guide, there is a list of all possible essay prompts. (Yes, the actual prompts used on the test.) It would be a waste of time to write, or even outline, essays for each of them, but it is worth your time to scan through them, making sure you understand each one.
Focus on quality over quantity: a perfect 250-word essay is better (both for the AWA grader and for admissions officers) than a rough 400-word version. Allow yourself plenty of time (at least five minutes) at the end of the half-hour in order to carefully proofread your essay for grammar and punctuation. The little things aren’t going to affect your score much, but if you know how to use a comma, you might as well let the AWA grader know that.
Most all, don’t try to accomplish too much. The object of the AWA is to determine whether you can write a coherent sentence and an organized paragraph or two. Organize your thoughts before you start to write, and keep things simple. Don’t stress yourself out: you’ve got two and a half hours of testing left after you finish your second essay!
What kinds of questions are asked in the GMAT?
September 11, 2008 — Sam
GMAT has the following types of questions:
I. Verbal
- Sentence Correction questions test grammar and expression
- Critical Thinking questions typically test logical thinking
- Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to read critically
II. Quantitative
- Problem Solving questions test your quantitative reasoning ability
- Data Sufficiency questions test your quantitative reasoning ability using an unusual set of directions
III. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is the essay component. It consists of two 30 minute writing exercises:
- One "prompt" or topic asks you to analyze an issue.
- A second "prompt" or topic asks you to analyze an argument
I. Verbal
- Sentence Correction questions test grammar and expression
- Critical Thinking questions typically test logical thinking
- Reading Comprehension questions test your ability to read critically
II. Quantitative
- Problem Solving questions test your quantitative reasoning ability
- Data Sufficiency questions test your quantitative reasoning ability using an unusual set of directions
III. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is the essay component. It consists of two 30 minute writing exercises:
- One "prompt" or topic asks you to analyze an issue.
- A second "prompt" or topic asks you to analyze an argument
GMAT: Strategies for CAT
September 11, 2008 — Sam
Strategies for GMAT CAT
CAT stands for Computer Adaptive Test. It differs from a traditional test in how it works and how it determines score. Therefor Plan the test-taking strategy with this thing in mind.
In CAT
-- The computer shows you only one question at a time and does not allow you to see the
next question until you've responded to the one at hand. You can't go back to change an answer once you've responded and gone onto the next question. So, Double-check your answers before moving on. If a question is taking a long time to complete, cut your losses. Eliminate answer choices you know are wrong, guess one of the remaining choices and move on. Don't get bogged down.
-- There is a penalty for unanswered questions: any questions at the end of a section that you do not reach will hurt your score. So, Make sure you answer every question on the test. If you have any questions left as time runs out, guess the answer to these questions rather than leave them unanswered. Getting them wrong will hurt your score less than not answering them at all.
CAT stands for Computer Adaptive Test. It differs from a traditional test in how it works and how it determines score. Therefor Plan the test-taking strategy with this thing in mind.
In CAT
-- The computer shows you only one question at a time and does not allow you to see the
next question until you've responded to the one at hand. You can't go back to change an answer once you've responded and gone onto the next question. So, Double-check your answers before moving on. If a question is taking a long time to complete, cut your losses. Eliminate answer choices you know are wrong, guess one of the remaining choices and move on. Don't get bogged down.
-- There is a penalty for unanswered questions: any questions at the end of a section that you do not reach will hurt your score. So, Make sure you answer every question on the test. If you have any questions left as time runs out, guess the answer to these questions rather than leave them unanswered. Getting them wrong will hurt your score less than not answering them at all.
Tips and Strategies for GRE Sentence Completion Questions
September 10, 2008 — Sam
1) Always work with the easier blank first. Often, you can eliminate one or two answer choices simply because the "easy" word in the pair doesn't fit.
2) If you can't predict an answer, quickly plug the five answer choices into the sentence. Many times, you can eliminate a few choices that don't "sound correct" in context.
3) Identify the crucial clues in the sentence. These sentences are never vague; each will include adjectives or descriptive terms that indicate the meaning of the missing word.
4) Look for what is directly implied or stated by the sentence. Each presents a complete thought and the missing words support that thought.
5.) Look for structural words that will help you find the right answer:
a) If the second part of the sentence supports or elaborates on the first part, it will invariably include words like: and, similarly, in addition, since, also, thus, because, likewise, consequently
b) If the second part of the sentece deviates or contradicts the first part, it will inevitably include words like: but, despite, yet, however, unless, rather, although, while, nevertheless
In statements with two blanks, these structural words help to determine whether the two words are synonyms or antonyms. Use the relationship between the two words ro help select the correct answer choice.
6) Don't be intimidated by odd or unusal words. The sentence completion questions aren't designed to test vocabulary, yet they will often contain somewhat difficult words. Rely on the content of the sentence to determine their meaning. In nearly all problems, the definition of the word is given or strongly implied in the sentence. In sentences with two blanks, you will usually know the meaning of at least one of the two words in each answer choice. This is usually enough to help you accept or reject the answer choice.
7) If a sentence is long, meandering or otherwise complex, paraphrase it to get the gist. Consider the author's tone or attitude. Then, search the answer choices for the correct words.
8) Always read your choice back into the original sentence to verify that it makes sense.
9) Quickly eliminate choices that are not grammatically correct.
10) Always check all five answer choices. Sometimes more than one choice will theoretically "fit" the sentence, but one fits better than the others. Your job is to identify the BEST choice.
2) If you can't predict an answer, quickly plug the five answer choices into the sentence. Many times, you can eliminate a few choices that don't "sound correct" in context.
3) Identify the crucial clues in the sentence. These sentences are never vague; each will include adjectives or descriptive terms that indicate the meaning of the missing word.
4) Look for what is directly implied or stated by the sentence. Each presents a complete thought and the missing words support that thought.
5.) Look for structural words that will help you find the right answer:
a) If the second part of the sentence supports or elaborates on the first part, it will invariably include words like: and, similarly, in addition, since, also, thus, because, likewise, consequently
b) If the second part of the sentece deviates or contradicts the first part, it will inevitably include words like: but, despite, yet, however, unless, rather, although, while, nevertheless
In statements with two blanks, these structural words help to determine whether the two words are synonyms or antonyms. Use the relationship between the two words ro help select the correct answer choice.
6) Don't be intimidated by odd or unusal words. The sentence completion questions aren't designed to test vocabulary, yet they will often contain somewhat difficult words. Rely on the content of the sentence to determine their meaning. In nearly all problems, the definition of the word is given or strongly implied in the sentence. In sentences with two blanks, you will usually know the meaning of at least one of the two words in each answer choice. This is usually enough to help you accept or reject the answer choice.
7) If a sentence is long, meandering or otherwise complex, paraphrase it to get the gist. Consider the author's tone or attitude. Then, search the answer choices for the correct words.
8) Always read your choice back into the original sentence to verify that it makes sense.
9) Quickly eliminate choices that are not grammatically correct.
10) Always check all five answer choices. Sometimes more than one choice will theoretically "fit" the sentence, but one fits better than the others. Your job is to identify the BEST choice.
Sample Statement of Purpose after GRE, GMAT
September 10, 2008 — Sam
The Statement of Purpose is an essential document for submission in University Applications in the US. SoP is the only part of your application packet over which you have full control. A collection of 40 different Statement of Purpose (SOP) for your guidance.
Most people only take one or two attempts of GMAT, GRE or TOEFL, and these scores could be adversely affected by conditions on the test day. Download Here
Most people only take one or two attempts of GMAT, GRE or TOEFL, and these scores could be adversely affected by conditions on the test day. Download Here
GRE: Tips for Sentence Completion
September 10, 2008 — Sam
1. Look for key words and phrases in the sentence that tell you where the sentence is going. Is it continuing along one line of thought? If so, you’re looking for a word that supports that thought. Is it changing direction in midstream? If so, you’re looking for a word that sets up a contrast between the thoughts in the sentence.
Words signal blanks that go with the flow: and, also, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, so Words signal blanks that shift gears:but, yet, although, on the other hand, in contrast, however, nevertheless
2. To get your mental wheels turning and help you to “get into” the question, first think of your own words that complete the sentence at hand. Although you shouldn’t expect to find your words verbatim among the answer choices (most GRE Sentence Completion questions aren’t that easy), determining up front what sort of words you’re looking for will help you zero in on the best answer choice.
3. Don’t choose an answer to a dual-blank question just because one of the words is a perfect fit. As often as not, one word that fits perfectly is paired with another word that doesn’t fit well at all. This is the test-makers’ most common Sentence Completion ploy; don’t fall for it!
4. Check for usage and idiom problems if you’re having trouble homing in on the best answer. Sentence Completion questions cover not just overall sentence sense but also word usage and idiom (how ideas are expressed as phrases). So eliminate any answer choice that makes any part of the sentence confusing, awkward, or sound wrong to your ear.
5. In dual-blank questions, if you can eliminate just one of the words, the whole choice won’t work, so you can toss it out and go on.
Don’t confirm your response until you’ve considered each and every one of the five answer choices. Remember: The qualitative difference between the best and second-best answer choice can be subtle.
Words signal blanks that go with the flow: and, also, consequently, as a result, thus, hence, so Words signal blanks that shift gears:but, yet, although, on the other hand, in contrast, however, nevertheless
2. To get your mental wheels turning and help you to “get into” the question, first think of your own words that complete the sentence at hand. Although you shouldn’t expect to find your words verbatim among the answer choices (most GRE Sentence Completion questions aren’t that easy), determining up front what sort of words you’re looking for will help you zero in on the best answer choice.
3. Don’t choose an answer to a dual-blank question just because one of the words is a perfect fit. As often as not, one word that fits perfectly is paired with another word that doesn’t fit well at all. This is the test-makers’ most common Sentence Completion ploy; don’t fall for it!
4. Check for usage and idiom problems if you’re having trouble homing in on the best answer. Sentence Completion questions cover not just overall sentence sense but also word usage and idiom (how ideas are expressed as phrases). So eliminate any answer choice that makes any part of the sentence confusing, awkward, or sound wrong to your ear.
5. In dual-blank questions, if you can eliminate just one of the words, the whole choice won’t work, so you can toss it out and go on.
Don’t confirm your response until you’ve considered each and every one of the five answer choices. Remember: The qualitative difference between the best and second-best answer choice can be subtle.