I really haven't contributed much to the forum, but now that I've done the GMAT I thought I could share my thoughts, and hopefully they will help some of you:
1) Background
Medical student. Native speaker. Studied mathematics at a relatively high level in junior high school.
2) Conditions
I had some 2 months of study time, during which I couldn't only study for the GMAT. During the week before the test I had time to spend 3-4 hours a day revising material.
3) Strategies
- 1) Know the test: like any test, you must know what it is you're pitting yourself against. This means knowing what may, and may not, show up on the exam, knowing the time restrictions, knowing the format and knowing one's Achilles heel(s).
2) Structure your studying: Realize that you have a time restriction and that you must distribute your time among certain elements. I had the following elements in my studying:- a. Information collecting (for study plan): read forums, reviews and attempt to find out
- i. as much as possible about the test (and what you need to study)
ii. what books/tests/forums will suit you best
iii. what mistakes other GMAT-takers have made in their study plans
c. Creating study plan: With specific steps (by this date I will have gotten so-and-so far in OG, and by this date I will have done so-and-so many tests)
d. Studying: Do the work. Spend more time learning from the mistakes you've made than anything else. Have a goal to never make the same mistake again.
e. Final polish: Find your weak spots. Reallocate your time to put more time on your weak areas.
f. Getting in 'the zone' : The last couple of days, get in the zone. Boost your confidence and do old CAT's to get used to the format, time restrictions and hotkeys. Eat chocolate, try to only study GMAT and do fun things. - i. as much as possible about the test (and what you need to study)
- a. Information collecting (for study plan): read forums, reviews and attempt to find out
- a. Aim for 800. Where there's a will there's a way.
b. Don't forget general study tips (Positive thinking, physical activity, 48/12 rule, maximize study efficiency etc.)
c. Use good study material:- i. OG12 - pure gold
ii. GMATprep (old and new) - as close to the real deal you can get
iii. BTG daily mails - keeps GMAT in your mind every day until the exam
iv. MGMT forum questions - has some good tricky quant with good explanations
- i. OG12 - pure gold
