TOEFL Preparation

If you are taking the TOEFL exam after the GMAT, it is a cake walk. Still, the format is different from GMAT thus it does need some training and practice.
My TOEFL Score: 114/120

Preview:
This test is required for all international students trying to get admission in a US school. I took the TOEFL iBT (internet based test) but there is an option to take the paper based test in areas where iBT is not available.

Structure:

1. Reading - 3 to 4 passeges
2. Listening - 6 to 9 passages
3. Speaking - 6 questions
4. Writing - 2 questions

Preparation:

1. The Official Guide TOEFL iBT book is the winner all hands down. I think going through this book in its entirety is enough to get through the exam with flying colors.
2. I strongly advise practicing the speaking section by speaking out loud and recording your voice. Later listen to your answer and repeat until perfect. For the speaking practice, I used a trial version of 'Audacity' software.
3. Remember that unlike the GMAT exam, during the TOEFL test there will be a lot of noise as other test takers might be in the speaking section before or after you. I kept my headphones on throughout the test to help in some noise cancelling.

All the Best !!

GMAT Preparation

One of my friends is planning to take the GMAT and he asked me to walk him through my preparation. I decided to put it down in here in case it proves useful to anyone else.
My GMAT Score: 720

Preview:
This part of the blog just covers the preparation for GMAT. I will talk about TOEFL, application and interview in individual blogs. Also, the current GMAT pattern, as of June 2012, has an additional part known as 'Integrated Reasoning'. Still, the main exam out of 800 points remains the same. Details explained below.

Structure:
The OLD pattern:

Part 1) Analytical writing assessment

1. Analysis of an argument  - 30 mins
2. Analysis of an issue         - 30 mins

Part 2) Quantitative Section - 37 questions - 75 mins

1. Problem Solving
2. Data Sufficiency

Part 3) Verbal Section - 41 quesitions - 75 mins

1. Critical Reasoning
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Sentence Correction

The NEW pattern is exactly the same except Part 1:
Analytical writing assessment

     a) Analysis of an argument  - 30 mins
     b) Integrated Reasoning - 12 questions - 30 mins

Grading:
The Part 1 is graded on a 6.0 scale. A score of 6 is not uncommon.
Part 2 and Part 3 are each graded on a scale of 50 and the marks are granted from a total of 800.

Scoring:
You may already know all this so just a few pointers.

• Based on the answer of your question the next question will be tougher or easier but it is always a waste of time trying to gauge yourself based on this. Still, I remember thinking the same during my exam so, I guess, human nature cannot change. Just try not to obsess over it.
• Unlike some sites or blogs say, the initial questions are not more crucial than others. Every question matters.
• Time yourself. It pays off to spend more time on initial questions as your brain takes some time to come to the calculative mode. Still, don't worry if you get a question wrong as not completing the section has a greater penalty.

My Preparation:

1. Finalize your course material : I started by looking out for materials that cover the entire syllabus and finalized 'Veritas Prep' and 'Kaplan'. Veritas material consists of numerous booklets focusing on every type of question and Kaplan is one book that has a vast set of questions with explanations.
2. Identify your weakness : After completion of the course once or n number of times, when you feel comfortable, take a demo test. By now you will have a good idea about the area/s you are weak in. In my case I was really weak in Sentence Correction. thus I bought the Sentence Correction book from Manhattan GMAT.
3. Take as many tests as possible : Once gone through the entire syllabus start a marathon of test taking. The initial tests could be very disheartening, don't worry about it. Sometimes I was not able to complete the test in the allotted time and even when I did manage to complete it the scores were bad. Just remember to be true to the test and yourself only then you can improve. I used the following resources for my tests:

• We get two free GMAT Prep tests from mba.com. Remember its quant section is less difficult than the actual test. Also, the essays (or one essay for the new format) will not be graded.
• I bought 6 tests from 800score.com. These tests cannot be retaken as once exhausted you will see the same questions, maybe in a different sequence but they are worth the money.
• I also bought some Manhattan GMAT tests. The quant section of these testes is tougher than the actual test. It helps to register on this site and there is a challenge for the week where you get to solve a math problem and get points to get the answer right. By accumulating those points you could use them to buy books etc from the site.
• Registering to Beat the GMAT also helps and they send one math problem every day, thus helps your mind to wake up every morning :)
• When taking tests, take it in its entirety with similar breaks as in the final exam. This helps your body and brain to adjust to the long sitting and working hours.
• Make sure you do take the breaks and if possible do some stretching, eat some sugar rich snacks and sip an energy drink during that time. Sounds like you are running a marathon. It is one :) There is a rumor that the breaks will be shorter starting July 17th 2012, but not sure how true that is so will leave that for you to find out.
• You should have taken so many tests before the final exam that you should hardly spend any time reading the instructions.

The last book I bought was the Official GMAT Prep book. The problems in this book are in increasing complexity but are much easier to solve, specially after your preparation. Thus I will advise you to start from the last problem. Also keep any two practice tests untouched for the final shot. Take those tests at least a week before the final exam. Irrespective of the result, if you feel you are ready then you are ready. Do not take any new tests and do not change your way of approaching a problem in the last week.

Two days prior to your exam stop studying. I re-emphasize do not plan any study. You could just go through the formulas or solve a problem for fun but don't study or read too much. As it is your brain will not be able to sit quite and not follow the same rigorous routine you must have put yourself through. Listening to music helped me.

Finally, throughout the preparation be true to yourself. All the Best !!

My Duke Weekend For Women Experience

For some reason never posted this: Actual date: 11/6/11

Just returned from the Duke - Weekend for Women program and it was such a wonderful experience. Our schedule was a jam packed one for two days and three nights. The students, adcom and faculty had done an amazing job in managing the entire event. I definitely recommend all females to apply for it. Below are the highlights (in my opinion) though, it is difficult to capture the essence of the experience in words.

Welcome Dinner: well... the food was great.

Dean's Welcome: I will never forget the 30 min speech by the Dean Bill Boulding. He seemed like a very authentic person and it was so easy to relate to him. He talked about a time when his mother was studying and thus she would not be home when he returned home but the wonderful part was that when he looked back today, all he remembered were the times he spent with her. (again this is just the crux) He made me believe that my career is important and the sacrifices I make today will be understood by my near and dear ones and I should not feel guilty about not being able to do more for my family as long as I do my best.
Class Session 1 by Prof. Mary Fances: Now, here I saw such an engaging woman who was not only well aware of the subject but was also open to different mindsets and approaches. We were provided a hypothetical case study having version A (cancer cure) and version B (video game): both being sold for high prices and were asked to give our views on what we think of the price, company and government involvement. I will not go in details but the 1.5 hrs just flew by and I wanted more.
Class Session 2 by Prof. Debu Purohit: I had attended his class of Marketing and Innovation during my class visit so I already knew how engaging his classes are or can be. Still, he definitely surpassed my expectations. We discussed a study of Intel and the marketing techniques used by it. We could just discuss one of four questions but it was just amazing. I am out of words. It felt as if there is a treasure of knowledge out there and I just found the key.
Perceptions about Female Leadership by Ashleigh Rosette: Another power packed and mind blowing lecture for me as I have been dealing with the issue throughout my career. 

Networking with MBAA clubs: There was just too much to talk about and though you can get every information from the Fuqua website the personal touch is missing unless you attend this event.
Career Discussions with Alumnae and Students: Another wonderful opportunity to talk to people working in the field you are interested in and get first hand insight even before you are a part of the MBA group.
Closing Dinner with a speech from Former CEO of Wendy-Kerrii Anderson:  The takeaway from her spirited speech would be : "Why ride a bus when you can drive it."

So, to summarize:
Food was great, students were great, faculty was great, alums were great, guest speakers were great. Thus the entire experience resulted in 3 sleepless nights, but totally worth it.

Since I have joined the Ross School of Business - University of Michigan, in retrospect I should have attended their weekend for women too. The women who did attend have great things to say about it.

The Forte Foundation Event

For those unfamiliar with the Forte Foundation here is a brief background:
The Forte Foundation was formed in 2001 for women in business and has ties with many MBA institutes. It consists of women who have completed their MBAs, women who are pursuing and MBA and even MBA students.

I attended an event on 27th Sept 2011, a Tuesday. I drove 2.5hrs for a 3hr event just to increase my networking and have a feel of what it offers. I must say it was totally worth going. There were no surprises for me but the entire experience was exhilarating. It started with 1hr of open session with adcoms of various schools. I was starving so I wasted a good 20 mins in stuffing up only to realize later that the 40 mins were so not enough to cover all the schools I wanted to talk to. I managed to get in touch with just 4 out of, I guess, 20 schools. If you go please carry a snack bar.

Next we had alumnus from 3 different schools speak about their experiences and the hour allocated just flew by. I learnt that many females are going towards non-profit sector these days. I guess it does offer a great work-life balance for women but then I think that the female CEOs are doing good for society too, in their own way. For me volunteer work is a side activity not a job.

Well, the final hour was to talk about the MBA application process through and through. We had representatives from Harvard, Stern, Kellogg and Emory. They touched on topics such as GMAT/GPA, application essays, resumes, and recommendations. All useful, but again no surprises there.

At the end all I can say is that the event is definitely a go go event. If any of you get an opportunity to attend make sure you do. Moreover, it is free if you preregister online so nothing to lose. I have turned into a premium member of the foundation and hope to gain from it initially and maybe expand it in the future. Most schools also offer Forte Fellowships to admitted students. I know Harvard doesn't offer any monetary fellowships as it considers all its students excellent candidates capable of minting money from thin air. Another pointer: Fuqua offers a fee reduction if you attended the event and a waiver in case you are a member.

PS: I did forget to pick up the free pens they were offering. Make sure you get some, they might come in handy during campus visits.

bfn

Networking - only pain or some gain

I have heard everybody say that its all about 'networking' but I am still trying to understand how do I network efficiently? I assume its not just having small talk and exchanging business cards. Well, it is a learning process and I am trying my best though not sure if I am doing the right things.

For this very reason I went for the campus visit of Duke on 23rd Sept, 2011. I will post about it in detail in my later blogs. I drove 6hrs from Harrisburg all the way to Durham and am not sure of what I gained. I guess time will decide. I did meet a few wonderful people and I plan on staying in touch with them but again time will tell. Oh and I finally submitted my Duke application for the Early filing round, fingers crossed.

Today, I am going to attend a Forte Foundation Event Washington DC, lets see how that goes. It is a 2.5 hr drive for me and it has been raining since morning. At a time I even gave up on the event but I have finally pulled myself together and have decided to go for it. It is my first event so I have no idea what to expect. I will be leaving in another 20 mins. Will write about it soon.

PS: The parking at the hotel is 30$. Can't they provide prospective students free parking, we are already cutting a lot on expenses to save for school tuition. Wishful thinking !!