GMAT Strategy

Hi Guys

I was rushed into doing the GMAT with only a week to study. I really crammed and blew the whole exam as I didn't do enough research on the test format and lost time by getting drinks or water (it was a stinking hot day and I thought I was going to faint!). I only managed to gain 400 in the test and really felt I blew my chances. I now have another shot at it (10 th April) and need 550 to gain entry into my class. Is this achievable considering my last low score? Also I am really stumped on where to start again? This thing has sapped my confidence!

I am in New Zealand and there is not much info on the GMAT here.I would love to hear from anyone who has been through this nightmare??

Thanks heaps.

Marty

Firstly we would say that stay positive and such anxieties are common during exam preparation time. Juggling between work and studies is tough so you need to define a significant time for your GMAT preparation. Sometimes taking few days off work for preparing for the GMAT can help a person tremendously. If you have time this may not be a bad idea. Take practise GMAT tests to see how you are doing. If you cannot do that don't worry. What might work instead is to set aside 1-2 hours at night on weekdays and major part of your weekend to study and prepare for GMAT- in this case we will suggest a good 2-3 months preparation. However we recommend you to keep taking practise tests to gauge your performance. It will help you in identifying your weak areas and you can focus on them accordingly. You might be able to study more than the given hours and that would take you less than 2-3 months. It all depends on your potential really.
There are various ways you can use to practise for your GMAT. You might need to change your practise style and try this combination to provide you flexibility and different styles to practise so it doesn't get monotonous.
It could be combination of-
1-Books- Books like- The Official Guide for GMAT Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review, The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review etc could be used.
2-Online Study Guide: Websites like Knewton, Grockit etc provide you with practise questions online.
3-Smart phone applications- Kaplan, Veritas etc offer applications to prepare for GMAT on your smart phones
This way you will be able to gauge your performance and work on the weak areas in an effective and non monotonous manner