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GMAT in 3-4 months- Feeling overwhelmed on strategy

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GMAT in 3-4 months- Feeling overwhelmed on strategy

by sachan007 » Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:44 pm
Hi, I am just starting to gather study materials for the GMAT. I have been feeling overwhelmed with all the study books online, online study courses, and study programs.

These are my questions:

1. Should I take a free test and see how I do? (I'm assuming this is the best way to determine my weakest areas.)

2. How much should I be studying for this? I work full time. Do most people study every weeknight and weekend, and if so, how much per night?

3. What book(s), flash cards, and online course(s) would you recommend? I am admittedly not a strong test taker, but I have always been determined. I have purchased Kaplan's GMAT Premier 2014 with 6 practice tests (from Amazon), and am thinking of signing up for EmpowerGMAT online courses for 3-4 months.

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and would love some advice.

Thanks again- am so glad I have found this forum!
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by [email protected] » Sun Jun 01, 2014 3:11 pm
Hi sachan007,

There are plenty of options when it comes to putting together a study plan, so the process can seem overwhelming. Since the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam, you CAN train to crush it.

Your first step should absolutely be to take a full-length practice CAT (you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com). You'll find some of the material to be challenging and you might even have some pacing problems. That's okay. Most Test Takers don't do particularly well on the first practice CAT, so take it as a learning experience. At the end of that CAT, you'll have information about what you're good at and what you need to work on.

For most Test Takers, I recommend that a 3-month plan built be put into action (based on 10-15 hours per week of study). You might need more or less time overall, but you won't know for sure until you get into the process. Plan to do your studying in small "chunks" throughout the week (as opposed to doing all-day Saturday & Sunday). You'll find the material will become easier to master when you do things in small sets (1-2 hours at a time with longer sessions on the weekends).

If you have any additional questions, then feel free to contact me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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by sachan007 » Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:18 am
Thanks Rich!

I already downloaded the 2 free CATs on MBA.com so I will do that next weekend (am traveling out of town this weekend).
I also created a study plan- I plan on studying 2 hours on Mon, Tue, and Thurs, and will study for 4 hours every sat and sun morning. I do well when I have a routine, and this is what it will be. I will carve out 3.5 months, but will be checking out the forum in the interim. I plan to start studying 6/15 when I get back from travel.

Would you recommend the flash cards on this site? English is my 2nd language, and admittedly I am weak with terms.

Thanks for your input!
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by [email protected] » Mon Jun 02, 2014 10:33 am
Hi sachan007,

Once you've taken that first practice CAT, we'll have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. I don't have an opinion on the flashcards, but my overall opinion on any resource is that you can certainly use it for a time - if it helps you to improve, then great (and continue to use it) - if it doesn't help you to improve, then move on to a resource that does.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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