GMAT- Just starting out!!!

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[email protected]: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:42 pm

by [email protected] » Mon Oct 03, 2016 9:28 am

Hello,

I am looking to tackle on the GMAT this winter. I have graduated in 2014 in a non-business degree and have been working since then. I will have my 2 year work experience in Feb so I want to have my business school application ready by March.

I didn't have to do math in my under-grad (just in the first year), so I feel like I would need to brush up on my math skills from high school. I did pretty well in high school math, but when I sat down to try out a few questions from the OG, I was a little overwhelmed.

If you guys can suggest how I can go about in preparing for the GMAT and what kind of plan I should follow. I feel I would need to start from the basics of quant and verbal. Please recommend a few foundational books I can start off with and a solid 4-5 month plan (my evenings and weekends are all free). And any additional tips/strategies/success stories you may have.

Thanks!!!

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Oct 03, 2016 9:28 am

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Mon Oct 03, 2016 9:37 am

Hi rafeyaleem,

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

[email protected]: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 3:42 pm

by [email protected] » Mon Oct 03, 2016 10:04 am

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your response. Yes I do intend to write a practice CAT in two weeks time. I just want to give myself a bit of time to brush up my math and verbal skills. Do you recommend that? Or is that too much time?

1)650
2) February, 2017
3) In March to enroll into Spring, or July to enroll into September intake

Thanks

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Mon Oct 03, 2016 3:20 pm

Hi rafeyaleem,

There's nothing wrong with doing a bit of study to familiarize yourself with the question types and the content that is tested on the GMAT before you take your first CAT. However, you have to be careful to not push back that first CAT too far. We need a realistic assessment of your current skills and taking a FULL-LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) is really the only way to get that information. Many Test Takers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but they really shouldn't be - you're going to spend months studying and improving, so this initial score is really just a 'stepping off' point.

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

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