GMAT Strategy

Hi,

So I am applying for PhD's and I never wanted to give GMAT or GRE (because I'm not good in maths) but then I saw these two really good universities offering PhD's in the field that I wanted to do and to my horror they required GMAT or GRE! So now my test date is on 10th Feb since I need to provide them the GMAT score asap and I just have a month to prepare. Actually I started on the 1st of Jan so I have 25 days approx. I started taking GMAT prep classes from 1st of Jan. The classes are really good and I am picking up on a good pace as they are covering the topics and making us practice. The problem is I work from 9-5 and i take classes from 7-10 but by the time I'm home I'm so exhausted that I am unable to apply what I have learnt. And the maths section, well after 6 years i can only say I am a disaster . I only have the weekends where I can give my full attention but I am just too scared that I'll get a bad score and I wont be able to cover all topics. So can someone give me some advice? I know 1 month is less time but I didn't have any other choice because of the deadlines!

Gosh, that IS a difficult situation! I'd start by being honest with yourself, with your weekdays effectively packed from 9am-10pm, and only weekends to truly devote to GMAT study, there's no way you're going to become an "expert" and comprehensively cover all the topics on the exam, so take a deep breath, and just let all that go.

You can't do it ALL in such limited time, BUT you CAN do SOMETHING (and a lot of something). Here's how I'd focus your study plan:

- Buy the OG 13th edition if you don't already have it
- Buy the GMAT Prep 3 and 4, and download the free GMAT Prep 1 and 2 if you haven't already

TODAY: Take the GMATPrep 1 and analyze, based on your weaknesses choose 3 of the MGMAT Quant guides to purchase. I'd suggest the Foundations book and the Number Properties book, then pick the third based on what you're getting wrong. Commit to completing all 3 books before your Test Day.

Jan 25 - Take the GMAT Prep 2
Feb 1 - Take the GMAT Prep 3
Feb 8 - Take the GMAT Prep 4
Feb 10 - TEST DAY

There is no way you can "only" study on the weekends, so try to work in a minimum of 1-2 hours of GMAT prep each weekday. This might mean you give up your lunch hour, or have to find a way to secretly work in 15-20 minutes here and there during your work hours, but you've got to do a little bit. Commit to having GMAT material around you at all times -- MGMAT books hidden in your work desk, GMAT YouTube videos on your SmartPhone, etc. Seriously, every 5 minutes you can grab is WELL worth it.

If you can't remember a certain topic AT ALL, Khan Academy videos (do a Google search) are great when you're on the go or are having a hard time learning a topic from the MGMAT books (they can be kind of dry). You may also want to check out Magoosh and Grockit to get more practice answering questions online.

Basically, follow the MGMAT books, starting with the Foundations, and do the corresponding problems listed at the end of each chapter in the OG.

Hi Vivian,

I do study in between my lunch breaks and whenever I get free from work. Fortunately the work load at office is less so I have been able to study alongside. Since I have joined an academy they have provided us with all the practice materials and we are going through it topic by topic. So far I have gotten the hang of GMAT. Although I like the outline you have made so I am definitely going to do it. Thank you for the suggestions..It helps a lot

[email protected] wrote:Hi abeer85,

Have you taken any full-length practice CATs yet? If so, what were your scores? Since PhD programs can be quite competitive, what score range do you need to be scoring in?

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

Hi Rich,

One of the university in which I applied says it needs around 85% score range and the other just mentions that you need to have a good quantitative score. I'll be taking a full-length practice test on the weekend since now I have been able to practice and learn the quant and verbal section. Haha I like the quote!