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Personalizing My Study Plan

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Personalizing My Study Plan

by nelnadi » Tue Jun 10, 2014 11:44 pm
Hi all,

I am planning to sit for the test by early August. I have studying using the GMATPrep 60-Day program. The only questions material I have been using so far is the GMAT OG 13, which I don't think is enough. I have finished studying the content for the Quantitative section; but still somewhere in the CR. I keep on reading in the forum about the importance of mastering the concepts and managing time - two core areas I seriously need to improve, if I want to get anywhere close to my target score. I am a foreign national who have not been practicing math since I was in High School - some 11 years ago. You can imagine how rusty my skills are!!

I am thinking in order to improve my quant. I need to practice different concepts of ranging difficulties pertaining to a specific topic (i.e. percent decrease and increase, statistics,...etc.) before I move on to practicing CATs. It is important that I not only focus on only one topic at a time but also know the level of difficulty I am practicing. This being said, I plan on employing the same strategy when I am done studying the verbal section content. Does this sound like a good plan?! If it does, what resources can help me achieve my goal? Do you have any other recommendations for me to follow?

All advice is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Nelnadi
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by VivianKerr » Wed Jun 11, 2014 12:14 am
Hi Nelnadi,

You're on track with using the OG13 as your base, but I wouldn't worry about going through the entire thing from start to finish. The OG13 should be a continual resource during your GMAT prep, not something to complete in order to simply "check the box."

I'd suggest doing CATs at the same time you're working through concepts since you'll need to use them as diagnostic tools to identify your weaknesses. If you plan to do your test in early August, I'd suggest creating a study plan that involves a CAT once a week.

That will give you 7-8 practice tests before your exam. I'd suggest buying the GMATPrep 3 and 4, and then using the MGMAT CATs (you get six free when you buy any MGMAT book) to supplement the final 3-4 tests.

You may also want to supplement your studies with books like MGMAT Number Prop, MGMAT Sentence Correction, and Powerscore CR. I'd suggest taking a diagnostic test now if you haven't already to get a sense of where you're at. What's your target score?
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by [email protected] » Wed Jun 11, 2014 11:45 am
Hi nelnadi,

Many of the skills that you'll need to crush the GMAT can only be learned by taking full-length practice CATs. While it's certainly important to know the content and tactics, you'll improve in non-content areas (pacing, endurance, etc.) throughout your studies by consistently taking CATs (we recommend that you take 1/week).

You should realize that you'll probably "screw up" your first few CATs because they're unlike any exams that you've ever taken. It's okay to screw them up - you'll learn more about how you handle the exam and what you'll need to work on to improve.

With an early August Test Date, you have about 2 months for your continued studies, which may or may not be enough time to achieve your goals.

What is your score goal?
What Business Schools are you planning to apply to? And when?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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by nelnadi » Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:24 am
Vivian and Rich,
Thank you for your prompt reply.

My target score is 700+. I plan on applying to Duke,and Ross. The reason I want to sit for the exam by early August is that I want to apply in the early round. This being said I want to be confident that I did all I could when the time comes.

Best regards,
Nelnadi
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by [email protected] » Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:55 am
Hi nelnadi,

One of the benefits of the multiple admissions rounds is that you can aim at a first round application deadline, then if you opt to keep working on strengthening your overall application, then you can always adjust the plan and apply for a second round deadline.

With your score goal, you have a way to measure your progress. As you hone your skills, you'll learn whether this plan is enough to help you hit your goal or if it needs to be adjusted.

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