1-Month GMAT Crash Course for Round 1 Deadlines

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Hi Everyone,

As we head into Round 1 deadlines, I've received dozens of emails from users who've asked about a last-minute "crash course" to prepare for the GMAT. While a 3-month (or longer) timeline tends to lead to the best results, if your time frame is limited (1 month or less), there are still ways to increase your GMAT score.

The attached "Crash Course" timeline can be used with the EMPOWERgmat system.

Situations vary, so if there are any questions, then feel free to contact me directly, or post below.

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

Rich
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by ani781 » Wed Sep 18, 2013 5:24 am
Found this to be very interesting as I am targeting to appear in just about a month's time.
I have a couple of questions though :
a) The plan pdf talks about Empower GMAT related things like concept building etc. So does that mean I have to take the monthly subscription to the Empower course along with this 1 month plan to complement each other?
b) I am a working professional. I can manage two hrs of study on weekdays and the weekends are generally free.
Does this course/ study plan work for me ?

Appreciate your response.

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by [email protected] » Wed Sep 18, 2013 10:11 am
Hi ani781,

The Crash Course Syllabus works with the existing EMPOWERgmat program, so you don't have to purchase two courses. I think that your availability to study leaves you with plenty of time to prepare. With a short time-frame, the issue becomes quality, not quantity. Someone with only 3-4 weeks of time should be thinking about easy ways to pick up points; this usually means making some adjustments to one's approach. For example, if you're stuck at 600, 3-4 weeks probably won't be enough time to get you to 700, but you still might be able to bump up your score another 50-100 points, IF you learn the proper tactics and use them.

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by prestonb351 » Wed Sep 18, 2013 10:20 pm
Thanks for sharing the plan Rich. I just gave a quick look and it appears to be heavily integrated with the course. Can I give the plan a test-drive with the free trial at empower gmat? How would that work?

Thanks. I have about 5 weeks, so this could really help.

Preston

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by [email protected] » Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:00 pm
Hi prestonb351,

Yes, you'll have access to the full EMPOWERgmat course for 24 hours, so you can view/utilize any of the Modules. While a shorter time frame isn't optimal, you still have plenty of time to get in some practice and raise your GMAT score.

If you have any additional questions, then feel free to ask.

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by nguyet18 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 5:26 pm
Hi Rich,
I am very embarrassed to admit that my GMAT was only 370. I thought the test is easy and since I am very good with Math, I did not practice alot. I read over some strategy and did one practice test before I actually took GMAT. Now I only have 1 month left to practice if I want to register classes for the Spring semester. Do you think the EmpowerGmat program can help me to get 600 or higher if I try to work hard? How many hours per week should I spend for the program? Does EmpowerGMAT have a list of what I have to do/ learn in 1 month. I saw a preview and it said the program has 1000+ videos to learn, i am not sure I have enough time to watch all of them and if I do, I do not think I can remember all of them. Thanks

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by VivianKerr » Wed Oct 23, 2013 5:32 pm
This is a great idea for a thread!

It's possible to get a great GMAT score after only 1 month of study, but it requires hard work and discipline. Basically you'll be cramming what is typically a 2-3 month minimum process into just one! There are excellent GMAT resources online (check out the free practice questions on my GMAT blog here: https://gmatrockstar.com/category/gmat/). Here's how maximize the free GMAT resources for better scores in just one month:

1. Start with the Official Guide. Learn the format, content, and do a general overview of the GMAT test itself using the OG 12th editions. Make sure to go to MBA.com and download those GMATPreps if you haven't already!

2. Study every day, and don't procrastinate! You will need to be disciplined about your studies. Work backwards from your test date. Don't cram on the weekends only! With only one month to study, you'll need to do at least some GMAT every single day.

3. Use MGMAT SC & Powerscore CR to supplement your materials. After the OG, these are two Verbal books that can take your score to the next level.

4. Join a few different online communities. Besides BTG, there's GMATClub, and a few others! These online GMAT sites are vital to building your comfort level with the computer-based format of the GMAT. Practicing in the test-format will only increase your chances of doing well!

5. Study in short, intensive blocks.
GMAT study blocks that are too long will ultimately wear you down. Make sure to rotate your study topics often and abide by it, even if you'd like to squeeze in a few more hours. Staying up all night to complete yet another practice test is not always the best choice.

6. Track down success stories to get inspired.
If you have a 600 and are eyeing a 700+ score, there are many people out there who have made that leap. Success leaves footprints. Find out what strategies are commonly used by 750+ students, what study plans they keep, and how they build their content-knowledge. Beat the GMAT is an excellent tool for this!

7. Create an Error Log. Re-take quizzes and practice tests from the very beginning of your GMAT studies. Do you find yourself getting the same questions incorrect? This can be a sign that you haven't learned the content you think you have. Be honest with yourself about what is "sinking in" and what is not. Use an Error Log to assess. You can find many templates online

8. Review all questions. Use the 40/60 rule. 40% of your time should be spent actually answering questions. At minimum, 60% of your time should be spent reviewing.

9. Take at least 1 GMAT practice test per week.
Don't take your practice tests sitting cross-legged on you bed. Utilize your desk and scratch pad as you would on the actual test. Your body needs to adjust to what it feels like to take a 3+ hour test. Because you only have one month to prepare, you should plan to take 4 practice tests, although 6 would be ideal.

10. Use a strategy for each question type.
Not only do you have to choose a strategy that works for you, but you have to implement it every time, practicing enough so that is becomes second-hand. Ballet dancers practice a pirouette millions of times, so that when they perform onstage they don't have to think about it. You want to do the same thing for GMAT. Here's my guide to rock GMAT RC strategy: https://learni.st/users/60/boards/41432- ... nd-for-all
Vivian Kerr
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Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]

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by [email protected] » Wed Oct 23, 2013 11:59 pm
Hi nguyet18,

With your one GMAT result (370) and little previous studying, it's tough to know what you're capable of scoring. For Test Takers who are starting "from scratch", I typically advise 3 months of study. Since you're looking to improve by 230+ points, THAT goal in a one month time frame is unrealistic. While it is possible (again, I don't know what you're capable of), I would still advise that you consider adjusting your plans to allow for more study time.

When do you plan on applying to Business School? And what schools are you planning to apply to?

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