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How do I study GMAT with 56 days as an undergrad student?

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How do I study GMAT with 56 days as an undergrad student?

by Gabriel Ignacio » Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:20 am
Hello to everyone,
I am just new to beatthegmat.com. I have been reading a lot about this site especially Mukul Kumar's 770 success story (https://www.beatthegmat.com/cracked-a-77 ... -t847.html and https://outbeat-the-gmat.blocked/20 ... ience.html). I have been preparing for the GMAT since November of 2008. I plan to apply to HBS 2+2 Program, IESE YTP, and Yale Silver Scholars this year. I have initially thought that the lead time that I have allotted for the GMAT preparation (from November to May 29, 2009) is already enough to help me score a 750. However, since I am still an undergrad college student, I have been very inconsistent with my GMAT preparation. I have had plenty of times when tons of papers, exams, reports, and whatnot in my current undergrad university delay my GMAT task list. As of now (April 2, 2009 in my calendar), I have only finished taking the OG diagnostic test and have done some “hard” (i.e. last 50 questions) from OG quantitative problems. Quantitative section is my weakness so I have decided to allot more time for it. Based from the “interpretative guide” section of the OG diagnostic test, both my problem solving and data sufficiency skills are on the “average” ratings (i.e. around 10-15 / 24 in problem solving and data sufficiency).
In this regard, I would like to ask anyone willing to help this question. What should I do to attain a 750 score given the time constraint (about 56 days left) and my circumstance as an undergrad university student having tons of requirements from time to time? How should my schedule be in the remaining 56 days to attain the 750 score? Will focusing on the OG alone by doing, studying, redoing, studying, and so on past GMAT questions help me to attain the 750 score? I only have Kaplan premiere program 2009, OG 11th edition and Manhattan guide for math (both study and solution guide).
I have initially thought that re-scheduling the GMAT can help. However, I am also busy doing other parts of my application packet. Moving the GMAT can ruin my task list calendar for the application process. Furthermore, if I move my exam, I have no guarantee that I can get a more favorable condition from my current undergrad university in terms of lesser academic requirements.
I appeal to anyone who has the same circumstance (i.e. having a very busy schedulde due to classes and work while preparing for the GMAT) but still has managed to score a 700+ score. I would be very grateful for any advice.

Thank you very much and God Bless in everyone’s application process
Do the very best that you can and God will do the rest :)
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by VP_Jim » Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:03 pm
Honestly, 56 days (almost 2 months!) is most likely plenty of time to study for the GMAT, assuming you put a good schedule in place.

You mentioned that sometimes you're sidetracked by exams, papers, and whatnot, but since you know ahead of time when those will be due for your classes, you can pretty easily schedule around them. Yes, it's hard being an undergrad and having to study for the GMAT at the same time, but quite a few people have also successfully studied for the GMAT while holding down a full-time job, taking evening classes, and etc. etc. My point after all this is: where there's a will, there's a way!

I think that the OG books (orange, purple and green) are great ones to start with - these are actual questions that have been used on the GMAT in the past, so you're getting good practice! Also, keep in mind that when studying, QUALITY is what matters, not quantity. It doesn't matter if you go through hundreds and hundreds of problems if you don't fully understand WHY you got a problem right (or wrong).

Take a practice test to know where you stand. Afterwards, if you post with more specific issues, people will be better able to help you.

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by Gabriel Ignacio » Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:03 am
Thank you very much for the wonderful and inspiring ideas.

I guess proper scheduling and a firm will can do the trick for my inconsistency. I will continue studying the OG and will do post if a problem comes up.
Do the very best that you can and God will do the rest :)
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by Bara » Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:39 pm
Your inital plan to spend 7 months studying for the GMAT is overkill. It's too long of a time, which makes it easy to become distracted, not stay focused, feel guilty for not being focused, and then, to give your power away to the test. The two months you have left are really plenty of time to improve your score through an carefully executed ACTION PLAN. Create a calendar, and budget in your study time. Think of it as similar to a class you're enrolled in or time you'd spend exercising or working a part time job. Consider 'making this time' to do the work as a habit you're picking up over the next 2 months.

Jim is so right on when he wrote that typical GMAT clients are out of school at least 2 - 3 years. Many of them are holding down pressure filled jobs, taking care of their family, and now, with the economy being what it is, seeing their already crazy responsibilities increase, or conversely, out of work and looking for a new job. Lotsa pressure brewing here.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many of your classmates are also preparing for tests: those who are planning to go to graduate, medical and law school... and the MCAT and LSAT, relatively speaking, are more difficult tests than the GMAT (in my opinion), (and not as much fun. Again in my opinion.) So you're not alone on the busy-ness-pressure-cooker-responsibility-ride.

So, things could be worse. Keep the faith, study hard, play harder...and it will all fall into place.

We look forward to hearing more from you the next couple of months!
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
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by Gabriel Ignacio » Sun Apr 05, 2009 5:57 am
Thank you very much for those eye-opening statements. I feel more inspired to study now. I live here in the Philippines so I don’t usually see people having the kinds of pressure you mentioned (i.e. taking the GMAT after being out of job for 2-3 years, having full-time jobs while taking care of family, etc). I’m gonna print your post as my invigoration every time I feel dull :D
Do the very best that you can and God will do the rest :)
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