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Study Strategy - Feedback Needed

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Study Strategy - Feedback Needed

by mattnyc15 » Sun Aug 02, 2015 1:03 pm
Hi,

I've been browsing the site for the last few weeks, but this is my first post. I've started hitting the ground for the last 3 weeks, but I'm still unsure of strategy.

Notes:
-I'm a native English speaker and I've traditionally been weaker in Math throughout my formal education. This is why I plan on at least initially focusing heavily on Math.

- I currently aim on taking the GMAT late Oct/early Nov. and applying Round 2 to several schools. However, if I don't reach my target score (I can address this later) I'll defer to next year.


Here's my current plan:

Magoosh/MGMAT Verbal and Math Flashcards (reviewed, still reviewing on train/waiting rooms,etc.)
MGMAT - Foundations of Math/Online HW -- (Just completed after 3 weeks)
OG Math Diagonistic -- (Review concepts of any missed questions) (Review any concepts with Foundations) (Doing now)
MGMAT - Foundations of Verbal book/online HW

MGMAT 9 Week Course (In-Person)

Review with tutor

CAT Benchmark. If within range take test, if not:

Empower GMAT ( 1-2 Month)

Utilizing throughout:

- Error Log
- This forum
- Flash cards (self-made)
- Daily exercise
- Study group *hopefully


If anyone has any recommendations as far as: holes in my strategy, advice on what I should utilize or focus on, tips or additional resources I should consider, please share.

Thank you everyone.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Aug 02, 2015 2:10 pm
Have you taken an official practice test yet?
https://www.mba.com/the-gmat/download-fr ... tware.aspx

This will help determine the best course of action.
Also, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide). Over 40,000 Beat The GMAT students have already done so.
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent
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by [email protected] » Mon Aug 03, 2015 8:43 am
Hi mattnyc15,

Since it sounds like you've put in some study time over the last few weeks, it's important to establish a 'baseline CAT score' for you, so we can get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses and have a result that we can compare future results to. This will require that you take a FULL-LENGTH CAT test. If you've taken one already, then great - what were your scores? If you haven't taken one yet, then you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take the Test in one sitting. You should report back here with your scores.

What is your goal score?
Do you know which Schools you plan to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
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by mattnyc15 » Mon Aug 03, 2015 9:08 am
I haven't taken a CAT yet because I haven't even felt prepared enough to give an honest baseline. I'll probably end up taking one this weekend and report back.

My undergrad GPA was low: 3.37
I'm planning on applying to: Northwestern, NYU, Cornell, Michigan (If next year: Columbia early decision)
Target GMAT Score: 730 (Will take whatever time/resources needed)

Career Plan: I want to transition to strategy consulting within a big firm. I understand GMAT scores are reviewed, so this is another reason I need a stellar score.

I'll report back with a CAT score. Thanks!
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by [email protected] » Mon Aug 03, 2015 9:40 am
Hi mattnyc15,

You've listed some competitive Programs, so a strong GMAT score will be a 'must-have' for your applications.

It's important to try to NOT get emotional about your CATs - they're 'measuring devices' that (when used correctly) can help you to define your weaknesses and track your improvements. Most Test Takers are unhappy about the first CAT result, which is amusing because it's just the FIRST one (of many) and noone should expect to perform perfectly on that first practice CAT.

Taking that first CAT this weekend is a great idea.

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Mon Aug 03, 2015 9:46 am
mattnyc15 wrote:I haven't taken a CAT yet because I haven't even felt prepared enough to give an honest baseline.
I think we may have different definitions of "baseline" :-)

Interestingly enough, I wrote an article (https://www.gmatprepnow.com/articles/tak ... st-already) around that exact response to taking a practice test early in one's studies.

My response (as quoted from the article): Unless you have a remarkable history of mastering every activity (skiing, tennis, golf, guitar, piano, etc.) on your first attempt, you're probably familiar with the less-than-perfect outcomes that most mortals experience at the beginning of ANY new endeavor. The GMAT is no different.

I always encourage students to take a practice test VERY early in their studies (within the first week of preparing). I do this for several reasons:
- Students should know, as soon as possible, exactly what they will be preparing for over the coming weeks and months.
- The results of this test help students gauge the amount of work required to reach their target score.
- These practice tests help build confidence, since scores inevitably improve as the student prepares.
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by mattnyc15 » Mon Aug 03, 2015 1:33 pm
Thanks, Brent. I'll be sure to take a CAT exam asap.
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