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Critical Reasoning :: RE: High School Except

June 24, 2013, 1:18 pm
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Author: GMATGuruNY
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 1:18 pm (GMT -7)

imskpwr wrote:
GMATGuruNY wrote:
imskpwr wrote:
The average scores of students who were not in the tutoring program declined by an even greater amount over the tutoring period.This is outside the scope of the argument so it has no effect on the conclusion ie OUT OF SCOPE
Consider the following example:
The average scores of the students NOT in the tutoring program decline BY 30%.
The average scores of the students IN the tutoring program decline BY ONLY 20%.
Since the tutored students see a smaller score decline, they BENEFIT from the tutoring program, WEAKENING the conclusion that the tutoring program does more harm than good.
Eliminate B.
Mitch,

I thought that there are TWO groups:
One- group of students who have undergone tutoring program.
Second- group of students who have not undergone any tutoring program.

We are concerned with the effect of the Tutoring program on students. Clearly, possible weakners for this argument will try to find an issue either in "the group of students who have undergone tutoring program" or with the "tutoring program"(or anything that has direct bearing on tutoring program or the group of students who have undergone tutoring program).

The effects on the "group of students who have not undergone any tutoring program" will have no bearing on the conclusion that Tutoring program will do more harm than good.
At its core, this argument is about CAUSATION:
Does the tutoring program CAUSE students to do better?
Note the following:
Causation can NEVER be proved beyond all doubt.
A conclusion about causation can only be SUPPORTED.
Thus, the four incorrect answers here do not need to PROVE that the tutoring program causes students to do better.
Rather, these answer choices need only SUPPORT the conclusion that the tutoring program causes students to do better.
Since B states that students NOT in the tutoring program DO WORSE, the conclusion that the tutoring program causes students to DO BETTER is supported.

This line of reasoning is quite common in medical research.
Just as answer choice B discusses two different groups of students, so do many medical studies discuss two different groups of patients.
Typically, the efficacy of a new drug is tested by giving the drug to ONE GROUP of patients and a placebo to ANOTHER GROUP of patients.
If the patients not given the new drug DO WORSE, the study will conclude that the new drug CAUSES patients to DO BETTER.
Same reasoning as that used in answer choice B.
_________________
Mitch Hunt
GMAT Private Tutor and Instructor
GMATGuruNY@gmail.com
If you find one of my posts helpful, please take a moment to click on the "Thank" icon.
Contact me about long distance tutoring!
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GMAT Math :: RE: Is calculator use permitted on the GMAT exam?

June 24, 2013, 1:57 pm
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Author: MIKEMARKSAVER
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 1:57 pm (GMT -7)

An online calculator with basic functions is available for Integrated Reasoning, but not for the Quantitative section. You are not allowed to bring calculators into the testing room.
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GMAT Strategy :: Question regarding Mock Score

June 24, 2013, 2:12 pm
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Author: ani781
Subject: Question regarding Mock Score
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 2:12 pm (GMT -7)

Hi Guys,
I just appeared for the first GMAT Prep Test ( GMAC free Test#1)...

Score Looks like this:
Q48 (78 percentile)
V33 (67 percentile)

Overall : 660 (81 percentile)...


Wanted to know how is 78 and 67 resulting in a better percentile overall.
Also, what is the basis of calculating the percentiles etc in the simulator software. Do they get it from the overall student base who appeared for the mock tests ?

Would be grateful , if someone can throw some light.
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Problem Solving :: Two buses are travelling on the highway from X to Y

June 24, 2013, 2:16 pm
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Author: guerrero
Subject: Two buses are travelling on the highway from X to Y
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 2:16 pm (GMT -7)

Two buses are travelling on the highway from X to Y . The speed of the first bus is 60KMPH and the second bus travels at the speed of 40KMPH. The first bus leaves at 11 AM and the second leaves 15 mins later. The first bus starts back for X, 15 mins after it reaches Y . How far from Y will the first Bus meet the second ?Also, after how much time will they meet each other after the departure of the first bus from X , if the distance between X and Y is 180 KM.

A)36 KM , 3 Hrs 36 Mins
B)36 KM, 3 Hrs 51 Mins
c)24KM, 3 Hrs 50 mins
d)24 KM, 3 hrs 51 mins
e)48 KM, 2 Hrs 51 mins

OA B
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GMAT Strategy :: StopWatch at the GMAT !!

June 24, 2013, 3:12 pm
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Author: ani781
Subject: StopWatch at the GMAT !!
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:12 pm (GMT -7)

GMATers...
This might sound very naive ... but are students allowed to enter the GMAT test centre with a stopwatch.. ? I take help of an app, which beeps after every two mins and is customizable per section ; this helps me immensely while giving a 'timed' mock test. Can someone suggest something similar for the main exam ?

Guidance is appreciated in advance.
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Problem Solving :: RE: Play performance

June 24, 2013, 3:13 pm
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Author: GMATGuruNY
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:13 pm (GMT -7)

hjafferi wrote:
For a recent play performance, the ticket prices were $25 per adult and $15 per child. A
total of 500 tickets were sold for the performance. How many of the tickets sold were for
adults?
(1) Revenue from ticket sales for this performance totaled $10,500.
(2) The average (arithmetic mean) price per ticket sold was $21.
Let A = the number of adult tickets and C = the number of children's tickets.
Since 500 tickets are sold, we get:
A + C = 500.
Total revenue = 25A + 15C.

Statement 1: Revenue from ticket sales for this performance totaled $10,500.
Thus:
25A + 15C = 10,500.
Since we have two variables and two distinct linear equations (A+C = 500 and 25A + 15C = 10,500), we can solve for each variable.
SUFFICIENT.

Statement 2: The average (arithmetic mean) price per ticket sold was $21.
Thus:
Total revenue = (number of tickets)(average price) = 500*21 = 10,500.
Same information as that given in statement 1.
SUFFICIENT.

The correct answer is D.
_________________
Mitch Hunt
GMAT Private Tutor and Instructor
GMATGuruNY@gmail.com
If you find one of my posts helpful, please take a moment to click on the "Thank" icon.
Contact me about long distance tutoring!
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Data Sufficiency :: Positive two-digit integer

June 24, 2013, 3:20 pm
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Author: greenwich
Subject: Positive two-digit integer
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:20 pm (GMT -7)

Is the positive two-digit integer N less than 40 ?

(1) The units digit of N is 6 more than the tens digit
(2) N is 4 less than 4 times the units digit

Source: OG13

For (1), if the units digit of N is 6 more than the tens digit, should it be u=10t+6 instead of u=t+6?
OE from OG13 states u=t+6.
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Data Sufficiency :: RE: Positive two-digit integer

June 24, 2013, 4:29 pm
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Author: srcc25anu
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:29 pm (GMT -7)

St1: Only cases where Units digit is 6 more than ten's digit can be when N is 39, 28 or 17 (each of them is less than 40)
hence sufficient

St2: N is 4 less than 4 times the units digit.
If Units digit = 1,2 or 3, N will be 0, 4 and 8 respectively which are not 2 digit integers. (Exclude from analysis)
If Units digit = 4, N = 12 (NO)
If Units digit = 5, N = 16 (NO)
If Units digit = 6, N = 20 (NO)
If Units digit = 7, N = 24 (NO)
If Units digit = 8, N = 28 (KEEP)
If Units digit = 9, N = 32 (NO)
Only one value satifies and 28 < 40
Hence sufficient

IMO Ans = D
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Problem Solving :: RE: There are trains travelling on 4 parallel tracks

June 24, 2013, 4:37 pm
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Author: srcc25anu
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:37 pm (GMT -7)

First Approach:
Train A starts every 60/4 = 15 mins
Train B starts every 60/6 = 10 mins
Train C starts every 60/8 = 7.5 mins
Train D starts every 60/12 = 5 mins
LCM of above times = 30
Therefore after every 30 mins, all 4 trains start together.
Hence D

Second approch:
Train A starts every 60/4 = 15 mins
therefore train A starts at 7:00 - 7:15 - 7:30
Train B starts every 60/6 = 10 mins
therefore train B starts at 7:00 - 7:10 - 7:20 - 7:30
Train C starts every 60/8 = 7.5 mins
therefore train C starts at 7:00 - 7:07:30 sec - 7:15 - 7:22:30 secs : 7:30
Train D starts every 60/12 = 5 mins
therefore train D starts at 7:00 - 7:10 - 7:15 - 7:20 - 7:25 - 7:30
After 7:00, all 4 trains start together again at 7:30
Hence D
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Problem Solving :: RE: Probability Question- Cards pick up

June 24, 2013, 5:05 pm
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Author: srcc25anu
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:05 pm (GMT -7)

# ways to draw 4 cards out of 12 (no restriction) = 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
# ways to draw 4 DIFFERENT value cards out of 12 cards = 12 * 10 * 8 * 6
Prob to draw 4 cards that no cards are same = 12 * 10 * 8 * 6 / 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
= 16/33

Part A
# ways to draw 4 cards out of 12 (no restriction) = 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
# ways to draw 4 cards such that we have EXACTLY 1 PAIR = 12 * 1 * 10 * 8
Now EIther 1st or 2nd cards could be same, or 1st and 3rd cards could be same. So Number of such arrangements of 4 cards where 2 are same = 4C2 = 6
Prob to draw 4 cards that EXACTLY 2 cards are same (1 PAIR and 2 different cards) = 12 * 1 * 10 * 8 * 4C2 / 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
= 16/33

Part B
# ways to draw 4 cards out of 12 (no restriction) = 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
# ways to draw 4 cards such that we have EXACTLY 2 PAIRS = 12 * 1 * 10 * 1
No of arrangements = 4C2 / 2 = 3 (since AABB and BBAA are in fact the same arrangement for this purpose where 1st card = 2nd card and 3rd card = 4th card)
Prob to draw 4 cards that we get EXACTLY 2 PAIRS = 12 * 1 * 10 * 1 * (4C2/2)/ 12 * 11 * 10 * 9
= 1/33
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Problem Solving :: RE: Two buses are travelling on the highway from X to Y

June 24, 2013, 5:15 pm
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Author: srcc25anu
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:15 pm (GMT -7)

Distance = 180kms
Bus A takes 3 hours to cover 180 kms (go from X to Y)
Bus B takes 4.5 hours to go from x to Y
Now Bus A Starts from X at 11:00 AM, reaches Y at 2:00 PM, waits for 15 mins and starts to return to Point X at 2:15 PM
Bus B starts from point X at 11:15Am and until 2:15PM, it covers 40*3 = 120 Kms
AT 2:15PM, 2 buses are 60 Kms apart and their relative speed = 100 kms as they are travelling in opposite directions)
Time it will take Bus A and B to meet = 60 KMS /100 KM/Hr or 36 mins
In 36 mins Bus A will have travelled 36 * 60 / 60 kms = 36 KMS
Therefore the 2 buses meet 36 kms away from Point Y

And the 2 buses will meet at 2:15 + 36 mins = 2:51PM
Time from 11:00Am to 2:51PM = 3 hrs 51 Mins

Ans B
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I just Beat The GMAT! :: 760 (Q49 V45) - Great Result - Warning to MGMAT Users

June 24, 2013, 5:21 pm
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Author: mdoll14
Subject: 760 (Q49 V45) - Great Result - Warning to MGMAT Users
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 5:21 pm (GMT -7)

I am very happy with my result over the weekend after several months of preparing to various degrees. I used the OG books plus Manhattan GMAT book set & online materials. I won't dive too much into my approach, as it may not work for many others (short version: read OG & a few practice questions surrounding 2 OG practice tests, final month I then tackled each section one at a time with practice essays, IR sessions, Manhattan guide books, OG Quant & OG Verbal, and Manhattan CAT usage, one final MGMAT full practice CAT, lots of timed quant sprints), but I do want to post for the benefit of others regarding the MGMAT CATs.

I know this has been covered in other places, but to reinforce the message: MGMAT QUANT CAT is WAY!!!! harder than the real thing. If you are preparing for the GMAT now and using MGMAT and are worried because you're struggling - DON'T WORRY! Their CAT questions are much harder and take much longer than the real questions. Here is my evidence:

Two official practice tests: Q49 and Q45, finished all questions first time, came up short by 2 second test. 200+ Quant questions from the OGs over various times sessions, both easy and hard, completed in avg < 2 min/question, ~95% correct. Real GMAT: Q49, all questions completed.

Compared to 116 MGMAT CAT Quant questions compmleted in 3 full 75 min sessions, 2 30mins sessions: Q31, Q38 and Q38 in full sessions, overall 56% correct and overall average of > 2min 30sec. Never completed more than 30 of 37 questions in any of the 3 full sessions.

These are statistically significant differences in results. I wrote to MGMAT and they replied that they do review their results based on student feedback for MGMAT vs GMAT scores and that I am an outlier...but I only buy that to a certain degree. It shouldn't be possible that someone like myself, who is clearly a far-above-average Quant performer on real GMAT questions (and on the real GMAT itself), could struggle so mightily on MGMAT if their questions are truly representative. They need to strive for a smaller standard deviation, and those who should see the greatest divergence in scores should be those in the middle of the bell curve (who are harder to predict and have most room to improve), rather than top performers being made to look below average.

So, to sum up - don't sweat it if you are having a similar experience on MGMAT CATs but feel like you're doing fine on the OG questions and practice tests. Use MGMAT to practice, review what you get wrong and remember those key lessons for when they show up on real questions, use the extra CATs to similate real testing conditions...but don't get caught up in the scores or the timing. Do time yourself on OG questions and make sure you're averaging 2min or less there.

Good luck all!
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GMAT Strategy :: RE: Taking GMAT 3rd time-Strategy Help?

June 24, 2013, 6:47 pm
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Author: c23678
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 6:47 pm (GMT -7)

Hello Lindsay,

I am in a similar situation as yours and I understand your frustration. My opinion is that though it adds value in retaking the exam soon, it more important to know where you are going wrong. Without that there is no point retrying. I started my preparation by spending few days analyzing my previous practice tests and made a plan accordingly.

Hope it helps.

-C23678
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GMAT Strategy :: RE: Just got beat - Please Help!

June 24, 2013, 7:51 pm
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Author: sp3GT
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:51 pm (GMT -7)

OP, I'm in similar boat as you. Wrote the GMAT this past Saturday and scored (Q42, V23). I prepped with Kaplan as well.

As you can tell from my score, I'm much stronger in quant than in verbal. What I found on the real GMAT was that the quant questions were much harder than the kaplan ones. Or I should say the Kaplan scale of Low/Med/High isn't all that accurate.

I'm looking to re-take the GMAT as well but I'm trying to decide what I should purchase to continue my studies.
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The Application Process :: RE: GRAD SCHOOL AND REFERENCE DILEMMA

June 24, 2013, 9:19 pm
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Author: CriticalSquareMBA
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:19 pm (GMT -7)

[This is a cross post - noticed you posted in different places so didn't know which one you preferred!)

Hi Scott!

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for providing a little background on where you're headed and what you are looking for in an MBA. If you are restricted by geography, you could do a lot worse than going after Ross. Personally, I think that program is fantastic and better than its ranking suggestions. If you're in Michigan and are already looking at an online degree, you may want to consider a part time program in Chicago (e.g. Kellogg or Booth). It's possible but it's a lot of time spent going back and forth. Something to consider though!

However, to your point about FT vs. PT, it really comes down to what you're using an MBA for. If you're staying where you are, then PT is generally ok. Or if funding is a huge concern. However, if you're looking to switch careers (like you are) then FT is the way to go. You get more experiences, the internship, and structure around the career search process. If FT is possible, I am a strong advocate for it. It isn't right for everyone but I think it would help you far more than a PT program.

To your second question about working during a PT or weekend program - yes. You can. Tons of folks do it every day and while it will be busy, it's designed to be do-able.

To your final point - engaging your recommenders is a little art and a little science. For example, you don't have to tell them your short and long term goals and, if you don't, you have to make sure they're prepped to not mention them at all. You don't want to have the issue where your essays say one thing and your recommender another. On the other hand, if your recommender really is a table pounder - be honest with them and soften the blow. If, however, you feel neither of these solutions are good ones, then don't reach out to them. Find substitutes that are equally impactful and explain it in the optional essay. But know this - you won't be the first person to ask an existing employer to endorse a career change, and you won't be the last!

I hope this helps and if you have any other questions - please let me know!

Bhavik
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Chief Managing Partner, Founder

Critical Square | MBA Admissions Services

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Research MBA Programs :: Profile Evaluation

June 24, 2013, 10:22 pm
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Author: debrupishere
Subject: Profile Evaluation
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:22 pm (GMT -7)

Hello ,
I am requesting a profile evaluation
I am attaching the detailed profile below and thanks in advance . My target b schools are

ISB
NUS
NTU
Rotman
Georgia Scheller
Notre Dame
Ohio FIsher
Vanderbilt

Personal Information
Name Debrup Ghosh
Mobile 9884428753
E-Mail debrupishere@gmail.com

GMAT Score 660(Q49, V31)
Total work experience in months (post Bachelor’s degree) 38

Education
College NIT Trichy
Course Bachelor of Technology
Specialization Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
CGPA/Percentage 7.6/10

Academic Achievements
• ONLY undergraduate student to be selected for Poster Presentation at International Conference on Advances in Theory of Iron making and Steelmaking (ATIS’09) held at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The poster topic was “Application of Optical Basicity to Viscosity of High Alumina Blast Furnace Slags”; the same manuscript has been submitted to Steel Research International for publication.
• Only Under-Graduate student to be selected for summer internship at IISc Bangalore in the field of Extractive Metallurgy.
Academic Projects
• Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (May- July’09).
TOPIC: - “Characterization of Boron Carbide produced by Carbothermal route”.
GUIDE: - Dr G.S.Gupta, Professor.
• Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Trichy (November’08 – December ‘08).
GUIDE: - Dr S. Raman Sankaranarayanan, Professor.
TOPIC: - “Physical Properties of High Alumina Blast Furnace Slags”.






Professional Experience
Organisation Michelin Tyres
Duration in Months 38
Designation Methods Process Control Engineer
Jan 12 – present: - Process Validation + Total Process Control Team Leader:-
Brief Description: - I am responsible for the qualification of each process for the Greenfield project of Michelin tyres. This plant is the first Michelin factory in India and has started producing truck tyres. My job is to lead teams to qualify (validate) each process. The scope is about 50 processes starting from extruders, cutters, tire building machines, and curing presses. In total about 50 different processes to be qualified to ensure that a good quality tire is produced.
Key responsibilities: -
 Involved in functional reception of the machine
 Developing the functional specifications
 Aiding the Engineering team on quality aspects
 Develop qualification plans
 Co-ordinate tests for qualification
 Key contributor to PDI ( Industrialization Development Plan)

Also I have the additional responsibility as the Team Leader for Total Process Control. I am the Guarantor of the Process Control activities in the factory. The primary objective of process control is to provide significant gains in quality and productivity.
Key responsibilities: -
 Help each department achieve specific goals in process control.
 Facilitate process control approach of the factory.
 Facilitate FMEA processes in the factory.
 Update process referential and Quality Assurance tools.
 Promote best practices internally which were developed in other sites.
Special Project:-
A special request was put forward from a truck tyre factory in the US to help them with a specific quality problem on the spraying machine, due to my expertise in process control. I developed plans to help them achieve quality and productivity improvements in the factory. Immediate impact was a significant reduction is quality problems, long term impact will be elimination of the problem. I was also involved with engineering in the development of special software for recipe management.
March 11 - Jan 12:- methods Process Control Engineer, Michelin UK Ballymena: - In preparation for my job in India, on the job training of 10 months in Ballymena, UK. Process/ Quality Improvement projects:-

Key Projects:-
 Optimization of pace detector in tissue cables used in tyres
 Participation in Total Process Control study on the bottle neck extruder.
 Significant Gains in quality, lost time to assembly lines and productivity achieved.
 Project Leader to develop the road map the development of Total Process Control in Ballymena. Creation of a LOF (Optimized Fabrication Line) 1 extruder – assembly group- 1 curing press to improve uniformity in the factory.

May 10 - Feb 11:- GET at Michelin, rigorous training for 3 months in USA.
Social Work
• Member of SPIPRIT-Ed 2007-08: [Student Participatory Initiative for Rural IT Education] Involving ~400 students from local villages provided with infrastructure and training in basic computer knowledge (MS office, paint etc.)
Event Management
• Chairman, Public Relations Team of Festember’09, the national level cultural festival of NIT Trichy and Deputy Manager of the same team in Festember’08.
• Manager of NITTro; the R/C IC engine car racing event at Pragyan 2009, the International level technical festival of NIT Trichy.
• Head, Organization & Marketing team of Mettle’10, the national level technical symposium of Department of Metallurgical &Materials Engineering, NIT Trichy.
Sports
Football:-
• Member of the Nit Trichy football team that was placed Runners in the Inter NIT Football Tournament’08 held at NIT Durgapur.
• Member of the team that was placed Winners in the Inter Year Football Tournament for three consecutive years held at NIT Trichy.
Hobbies
Quizzing:-
• Winner of the DSTV 3rd Millennium Quiz 2004 organized by SAIL.
• Won 3rd prize in the Technical Quiz event hosted by Indian Institute of Metals at Mettle’09, the national level technical symposium of Department of Metallurgical &Materials Engineering, National Institute of technology Trichy.
R/C car Racing: - Part of the team which designed a Radio Controlled car with a 3 c.c I/C engine; we participated in number of technical festivals in India.

Key achievements:-
• Clocked the Best Lap Time in qualification: - Full Throttle Grand Prix, an event in Techfest’08, The International Technical Festival of IIT-Bombay.
• 5th place: - NITTro, a racing event the R/C IC engine car racing event at Pragyan 2008, the International level technical festival of NIT Trichy.
[/list]
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Problem Solving :: RE: Two buses are travelling on the highway from X to Y

June 24, 2013, 10:29 pm
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Data Sufficiency :: Please help me with this co-ordinate problem.

June 24, 2013, 10:48 pm
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Author: VIGNESHWARR
Subject: Please help me with this co-ordinate problem.
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:48 pm (GMT -7)

If ab<>0 and points (-a,b) and (-b,a) are in the same quadrant of the xy plane,is point (-x,y) in this same quadrant?
1.xy>0
2.ax>0
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Critical Reasoning :: Total books and average books

June 24, 2013, 10:56 pm
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Author: jagan.y
Subject: Total books and average books
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:56 pm (GMT -7)

30 years ago residents of Pandora County used to buy an average of 10 books every year. Today the residents of Pandora County buy an average of 3 books every year. Therefore it can be concluded that book sales in Pandora County must have fallen over these 30 years.
The argument rests in which of the following assumptions?
A. The residents of Pandora County used to have more free time 30 years ago than they do no
B. The residents of Pandora county have many more activities that vie for their attraction today than 30 years
C. The population of Pandora County has not increased significantly in the last 30 years
D. The literacy rate hasn't significantly changed in Pandora County over the past 30 years
E. Those residents of Pandora County who used to read 30 years ago have now not become too old to read
Source: Aristotle CR Grail
OA: C
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I just Beat The GMAT! :: 18 month ordeal comes to an end-My GMAT a 700 90% (Q47 V38)

June 24, 2013, 11:32 pm
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Author: JohnnieWalker
Subject: 18 month ordeal comes to an end-My GMAT a 700 90% (Q47 V38)
Posted: Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:32 pm (GMT -7)

H Cool la Amigos...

I gave the GMAT twice in 2012, but on this post I would like to focus on the things I did differently and I hope it helps other test-takers who are on the same boat as I was. If you'd like to read about my previous experience then here you go... http://www.beatthegmat.com/gmat-610-to-640-not-pleased-but-moving-on-t111756.html#471048

How could I even think of "moving on", after having such a call sign !! Apologies Johnnie bhai Smile

So back to 2013, I didn't get into any of the MBA programs that I had applied to, So instead decided to focus on my short-term goals for a few years. But in March this year, it was pretty evident that I had to know more as a professional and an MBA was still a better option than me trying to figure out things for years to come... I knew I had to improve my GMAT score, as the rest of my application is pretty competent. My quant score of 47 wasn't the main concern, it was the verbal 29-31 that needed some attention

While browsing the internet, I found many programs promising a GMAT score improvement. But after reading through a lot of them, I decided to go with e-GMAT. At this point I wasn't really sure why I was choosing e-GMAT, but boy am i glad i did!!! I joined their Verbal Live-Prep course, which includes all the online courses along with 12 weekend 2-hour sessions with Payal & Shraddha for SC & Rajat for CR and GMAT strategy sessions.

So from March this year Ive been working on improving my verbal skills and these are some of the things I did that helped a lot.

1.) Know my weaknesses and improve on them.

I knew my quant was a 47 and working harder to push this score wasn't going to get my overall score anywhere. I had to improve on the verbal section and that's what I focused on.

2.) Use the right tools.

After understanding all the concepts tested, I started to use grockit (comes along with e-GMAT VLP) to apply some of the techniques and hone my timing. e-GMAT practice exercises were very cool & the explanation for why the other 4 options are wrong is very improtant

3.) For the last 1 month, use only official questions

This is really very important and i cannot stress any more on this, the GMAT questions are of a different nature and getting to solve only official questions on the last few weeks leading to the exam gives the "Home Ground" advantage.
I used only:-
GMAC OG 12
GMAC Verbal Review 2
GMAC GMATPrep Supplement Pack
GMATPrep extract of all SC questions - (Only after you have given your final GMAT Prep test)

How my Verbal jumped from a 29 (53%) to a 38 (84%)

Sentence Correction: I just had to know the concepts tested better, e-GMAT helped me understand all the concepts tested in a very simple manner. They have Audio-Video slides which include pre&post assessment tests that give you a good sense of understanding. Being a Live-Prep customer i had access to the weekend 2-hour sessions, the 1st SC session is the most important!!! Payal emphasizes on the 3-step process and that did the trick for me. I used the 3-step process on all the official questions and on the GMAT test day.

Let me put it this way... for a quant question, You do all the calculations, arrive at an answer, you know its the right one and you mark it. How many times have you felt the same way for verbal???

Reading Comprehension: Again the e-GMAT course just had two 2-hour sessions for RC, the 1st one was enough to take my accuracy from 50% to 90%!! The process is so good that 24-hours past the test, I still remember the main point for each of the 4 passages I was confronted with!!!

Critical Reasoning: CR was always my strong point, but Rajat's classes gave a different perspective and took my accuracy even further. His session on pre-thinking is just awesome...




Believe in yourself no matter what...
Id like to share another point here, i just gave 2 mocks this time around. The 2 GMAT preps... My scores were as below:



May 17th 2013 GMATPrep1 -> 730 Q47 V42
Jun 16th 2013 GMATPrep2 -> 640 Q44 V34

So after my 1st GP i was elated, I was confident but still didn't book my test slot. I gave my 2nd GP on Jun 16th and BOOM!!! 640... It is now that I went ahead and booked the test for the next available 9AM slot... Why did I choose to go ahead?, Its because I believed in myself! My test was on the 24th of June @ 9AM...

Test Day:

AWA - Simple one, didn't take much time, just followed a template I used previously

IR - Nasty!! I got 3 MSR's which honestly I wasn't prepared for... 9 questions!!! But in general if you get the 1st 7 right and guess the last 5 you get a 7/8 and even if there is 1 mistake in your first 7, you end up with 5/8. This is what I inferred from the GMATPrep software scoring.

Quant - Started of with a few straight forward questions, but then came a massive number of word problems... I didn't get a probability question till about #32 and I was tensed if im going to score a 40 in this section. Just kept my cool and moved ahead. Didn't feel great, but that's supposedly a good indication on the GMAT

Verbal - From my 2 GMATPrep tests, it was evident that I needed to focus hard on the first 20 questions. GP1 I scored a V42 and had only 3 mistakes in the first 30 questions and 6 on the last 11. GP2 was V34 with 3 mistakes in the 1st 10 questions and 8 mistakes evenly spread across the other 31 questions. So on the real GMAT I just focused on each and every question and used the e-GMAT 3 step process for SC's and their RC approach for every passage I got. Never got a bold-faced CR (I got 1 on each of my GMATPrep tests), but just kept the focus on the question in front.

Breaks - My previous attempts were filled with Red-Bull and energy-bars and what not... I've played professional cricket for 12 years and a few bananas usually does the trick for me. So this time i just carried 4 bananas... had 2 in each break with some official GMAT|Pearson VUE water Wink

To conclude, I'd like to thank everyone on this forum for all the great posts and also a special shout-out to e-GMAT for their wonderful verbal course. To all the other GMAT re-takers... Never give up on yourself and never stop believing that you can do it!! When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, it might seem as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Regards,
JohnnieWalker - Keep Walking...
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