GMAT Strategy

Hello everyone!

I have been accepted to one of the London B-schools for MSc subject to me getting GMAT score of 680. I have to take the exam before 8 June which leaves me around 4 weeks. I know the Gmat.com itself recommends at least 4 weeks for preparation but having read this website I understand that it's underestimated and students usually take 3 months on average to get ready.

How would you spend the 4 weeks if you were in my shoes? I work full-time which leaves me around 3-4 hours Mon-Fri and 5-6 hours Sat-Sun = around 100 hours of preparation in total. Is it generally enough?

Where should I start? I have the latest OG already and I understand it's vital for the success. But what else would you recommend? Shall I start with OG and then point out my weaknesses and buy additional books on those sections?

All advice is really appreciated!

Thanks,
Anton

I would recommend taking a diagnostic test first to see where you score. I don't think 100 hours is enough time, but if that is your deadline, you will just have to try to make it work. The OG is great for practice, but not great for learning. The explanations are terrible, so I would recommend buying the Manhattan GMAT guides. Its going to be extremely difficult to get through all of them in a month, but that is what you will need to do in order to get the score you want. I would focus more on getting through those guides than going through the OG. The OG is more for practicing once you know the material, so I don't know how much good it will do you to go through it before you know the material. I would go through all of the OG verbal though. Getting a feel for the OG verbal is vital.

Hi Osirus,

Thanks for your reply!

I have found this https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2009/12/ ... study-plan - One month study plan. The only thing is that Dana actually recommends Kaplan books for Math and Verbal review. I have heard though that Manhattan GMAT guides are better but there several books to read and I think I won't have time for all of them.

Would you recommend to take the CAT, identify weak areas and buy specific Manhattan books to address them?

I think that it's better to buy 2 Kaplan books to review all areas... but what would you recommend?

You probably won't have time to go through all of the Manhattan guides, so I would recommend going through the Kaplan materials and getting the MGMAT Number Properties Guide. That book is absolutely essential. Good luck.

I think you should take the diagnostic exam as soon as possible, tell us your weaknesses, then we may suggest a better study plan with better resources that may fit your schedule.
It will be unrealistic ti suggest some materials without knowing your weaknesses.