<p>I'm an engineering student at UPenn and I'm thinking of applying to the HBS 2+2 program in July 2009. Since tests like the GMAT and SAT were meant to really test your knowledge and not how much you actually studied for them, which also means that you should not study for them, I'm planning to take the GMAT but without wasting time to study for it, since that would against the purpose of education, in my opinion. And i'm also not sure if I really wanna do an mba or not. How do you think can I prepare myself without having to go over practice exams and study aids. For instance, what subjects should I read about that can help me score better in the exam and also enjoy reading about them and not just learning them to achieve high numbers.</p>
<p>If you score 750+ in the diagnostic test, you probably will just go and take the test without wasting money and time on it!</p>
<p>But good starting thread anyways, I second your post.</p>
<p>I think there is only 1 way to do well on the GMAT without studying for it. That is simply be brilliant. For the rest of us, we need to study. If you’re brilliant, don’t sweat it. However, considering you’re in Penn engineering I’d guess you’re pretty darned smart. Considering you were rejected from MIT, I’d also bet you’re not in the 160+ IQ club. ;)</p>
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<p>You are obviously completely clueless about the GMAT. The GMAT is simply a test of BASIC math, verbal, and writing skills. Its purpose is not as much about measuring you on these elementary type skills but rather about measuring your ability to prepare for the test. 99% of the GMAT content will never be useful again, nor should it be. </p>
<p>Those willing to put in long hours preparing for the test are generally good candidates for graduate business school and the type of applicants that MBA employers expect when they recruit from top business schools.</p>
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<p>If this is the way your mind works, then an MBA is probably not for you.</p>
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<p>You’re still a “kid.” Of course you don’t know. You have 0 days of post-graduate work experience. Have fun getting an MBA without a clue of how to utilize it.</p>
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<p>So you want to be less efficient for the sake of your own enjoyment and the sanctity of the learning process? Hopefully the schools you are applying to will recognize that because you will get slaughtered in a real world work environment with that line of thinking.</p>