BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

My GMAT Studies/adventure

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:06 am

My GMAT Studies/adventure

by jiujitsubri » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:07 pm
I just wanted to start a post to track my study progress, as well as get insight if needed.

I'm not entering an MBA, rather a Masters in Accounting as I have a Finance undergrad and need the acounting credits to sit for the CPA exam.

My basic (10th grade) math is rusty so I picked up Cliffs Math review for standardized test to suplement my OG orange book studies. After going through the Cliffs book I intend to take a diagnostic test to guage where my focus in OG lays.

I have not set a goal score, as I am waiting to take a diagnostic practice exam. Obviously I won't be selling myself short and shooting for the bare minimum, but the average GMAT for the program I want to atend is 530.

As someone who hasn't done math in awhile or standardized tests, how much preperation might I need? Obviously I will guage from a diagnostic test, but I'm curious to hear others stories.

PLEASE ADD some comments.
Top
Source: — GMAT Strategy |
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1223
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pm
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 185 times
Followed by:15 members

by VP_Jim » Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:45 pm
Good to hear you're going into a MAcc program! I have a master's in accounting and am a CPA - the first couple years of work are rough, but after that it's a great career.

Anyway, there's some good news for you: you learned virtually all of the math you need on the GMAT in middle school. Shocking, but true. The vast majority of GMAT questions test only simple algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. So, don't worry if you don't remember your calculus (or if you never took it, like me!). Mainly what you need to worry about is APPLYING those simple math concepts to complicated problems - this is the crux of succeeding on the quant section.

Still, there are a two basic math skills that you absolutely MUST have:

1. Being able to manipulate algebraic equations (for example, knowing that 2x-3y+4=5 is the same thing as 1+3y=2x).
2. Being lightning quick and mental math (e.g., knowing your perfect squares, prime numbers, multiplication tables, etc.).

Those skills are the core of what you need - after you've acquired that core, it's time to start learning how to do "GMAT math" - you'll know what I mean after you do some problems.

Hope this helps!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:06 am

by jiujitsubri » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:15 pm
Thanks for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it.

When I mention to people that I'm opting for the Macc over MBA, most question why. My understanding, it's the most logical path to getting the required accounting credits for the cpa.

I currently work in a Fortune 500 company and moved in to the Accounting department with only a Finance background. The experience I'd take from this new position and the Macc Accounting program would be enourmous. My goal is to than move to the Audit department to meet the requirements for license.

The Gmat is a means to the Macc, which is a means to the CPA.

Regarding the Gmat math, that is good to know. Although the toughest part of Calculus is when algebra is involved. The problems are simple once you grasp the algebra.

This examine is scarying me and I'm intimidated by the studying involved. I'll keep you updated.

Thanks again.
Top
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1223
Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 3:29 pm
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Thanked: 185 times
Followed by:15 members

by VP_Jim » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:30 pm
Yes, I think that if you're interested in staying in accounting, the MAcc is definitely the way to go (and in most cases, a year shorter!). The classes you take will prepare you well for the CPA exam, which (for me, at least), put the GMAT to shame as far as difficulty and pure volume of material... fun...
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1