GMAT Question

[Takami]

How does the analytical writing work? I got a 5.5 does that add to my overall score?

nm, I guess it adds absolutely nothing.

Hi there,

5.5 on AWA is a decent mark considering that 6 is the max that you can get in the 2 essay sections.

I myself did not have THAT much trouble getting a good score (mid 600), but I can imagine how it can be difficult for many people. I struggled a lot with the reading portion and ended up with only 70 percentile, but the math portion helped me regain some lost grounds.

I suggest you visit www.beatthegmat.com and read some of the help/study guides which are posted on their forums. You'll have to register though. I wouldn't think too much of their posted questions though because some of the regulars on those forums aims for high 700's.

a 600+ score and a few years of good quality work experience will get you into most business schools in Canada.

Good Luck.

[J_babe]

Takami,
great advice and thanks for the wesbite, it's really useful.

[lazarus]

Something Interesting just happened today. I was accepted at the University of Sydney for the MBA programme I picked. I guess they don't have GMAT requirements (woohoo). Anyways, as it turns out, it will be cheaper, and looks like more fun.

I have 1 question though. (Maybe someone can help)

I applied for their Masters of International Business, but I also applied for their Masters of International Business and Law.

International Business is 1.5yrs
http://fmweb01.ucc.usyd.edu.au/pgcou...usiness&-find=

While Intl' Bus & Law is only 1yr

http://fmweb01.ucc.usyd.edu.au/pgcou...usiness&-find=

To be honest, the 1 year appeals more to me since it is more case study and research based. The 1.5yr seems to have more economics and accounting (which I don't feel I really require). I am mainly doing this MBA (or is it just MA), so that I could eventually get some international experience (what better than studying abroad), and eventually get a job w/ the federal Government.

Once I am done, I was going to apply to Foreign Affairs Canada for a Trade Commissioner since my College and Uni Diploma are mainly in the Technology field.

Would having a 1yr MBA vs a 1.5yr MBA even make a difference i.e limit my job oppertunities?

[Tomato_1]

How long should one study for the GMAT?

I've been studying for about 4 months about an hour day. I'm getting a bit afraid that I'm plateauing. Is this normal? And I find that the lack of time is killing me. Without time I usually smoke the math and the CR aspect but now with time I'm only getting like 60% correct at best.

[coolspot]

Would having a 1yr MBA vs a 1.5yr MBA even make a difference i.e limit my job oppertunities?

The programs you mentioned (international business) ARE NOT MBA programs. So you're not taking an MBA.

University of Sydney doesn't offer MBAs AFAIK... The University of New South Wales does however.

[lazarus]

The programs you mentioned (international business) is not an MBA program. So you're not taking an MBA.

University of Sydney doesn't offer MBAs AFAIK... The University of New South Wales does however.

Do employers typically care about MBA vs a MA or MS?

[coolspot]

Do employers typically care about MBA vs a MA or MS?

Yes - they're different degrees.

Although a post-graduate degree is better than none, what degree does make some difference.

Masters of International Business is similar to an MBA ... but has a different focus. You maybe able to pass it off as a pseudo-MBA program.

It really depends on your own goals and what you're planning to do with the degree.

Personally - I would go for an MBA if possible (people recognize it right away), otherwise you could settle for a Masters of International Business.

[lazarus]

I did a bit more research, called a few employer and Foreign Affairs. Apparently the Federal Gov doesn't really care what type of degree you have since most of the Foreign Affairs hiring is done through the recruitment process.

I think I just got some real good advice comparing a MA vs MBA too.
My Uncle (who did his MBA) told me I should just get a regular MA in Business since I don't have any work experience and because I am only 24.

Having the MA will get me into the door, let me advance further than a BA, and if I ever need an MBA, I could just apply for the Executive level ones later on down the road, or do a PhD on the companies dime (if I work in the public sector).

In his opinion MBA's are starting to become a watered down degree because of MBA programs from TRU, Brock or other Uni's who don't need work experience. (I dunno if that's true, but just his opinion)

[maniacshopper]

If you don't know the difference maybe you should be doing a masters degree until you can properly do research. Ouch

google mba, you'll be able to find a list of the top MBA's in the US and the world.

MBA's are not cheap.

I's say at least 650 is possible if you study hard. GMAT score isn't everything. Some schools have essays why do you want to go to.....
Some schools look at your extra curricular, what do you do beside work in fnance.

I prefer a one year program over a 1.5yr. Much easier on the family and work life. Take a one year off is understandable. 18months is probably harder for employer to swallow.

[george benjamin]

How long should one study for the GMAT?

I've been studying for about 4 months about an hour day. I'm getting a bit afraid that I'm plateauing. Is this normal? And I find that the lack of time is killing me. Without time I usually smoke the math and the CR aspect but now with time I'm only getting like 60% correct at best.

Hello,

You need to do more practice tests.

Get the premium Kaplan book, which comes with like 6 tests.

Get on of the Princeton books which comes with like 4 tests.

GMAT is more about time management than actual content knowledge.

[coolspot]

Having the MA will get me into the door, let me advance further than a BA, and if I ever need an MBA, I could just apply for the Executive level ones later on down the road, or do a PhD on the companies dime (if I work in the public sector).

In his opinion MBA's are starting to become a watered down degree because of MBA programs from TRU, Brock or other Uni's who don't need work experience. (I dunno if that's true, but just his opinion)

An MBA really shows it worth when it is combined with a good resume (experience) and school. Just having an MBA like any other degree won't get you very far for very long.

If you want to get your foot in the door, do you even need a masters degree? Maybe you should get a job first, then take a distance education masters at Athabasca? I think a lot of government and military do their studies through Athabasca.

Ever consider getting a Masters of Public Administration? MPA is more suited for the public sector than an MBA.

[scifi]

I have to take the GMAT and I think it's going to be a crappy experience.... 4 hours in front of a PC, dry marker and scratch paper, and I suck at aptitude tests (not really a test of knowledge), and I have to pay $250 USD to boot.

Basically I was wondering how hard is it to get a score of 500. i.e what would I need to score on all the testing portions..

As I pointed out above, I really suck at aptitude tests, but decided to try and read/study some of the books.. (I can't sit down and study that crap). If I get lower than 400, I can't go to the worst school I applied to, but if I get 500+, then I can go to the school I applied to. I guess if I screw up on the test, it's 250 down the drain, and I will have to waste like $1500 on a prep course and test.

There are many ways to prepare for GMAT. Ofcorse you can go to a classroom course and spend thousands or you can join one of the GMAT Forum and prepare for FREE. Most GMAT Forums also provide very affordable practice and tutorial services and you can save a lot of time and keep yourself in the game online.

You can try for ScoreChase gold seekers service which is a good way to practice for GMAT or ScoreChase Private tutoring if you need private attention.

GMAT Study can be really affordable if you look at the right places.

Hope this helps!