Need Help...What strategy should I adopt for GMAT?

Expert replies

farhanmoghal1: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 3:38 pm

by farhanmoghal1 » Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:45 pm

Hi Everyone,

Need your help in choosing the right GMAT prep study for me.

Leme give you some background. I gave GMAT one year ago and scored 550. I want to reappear now in GMAT and have a target score of 700. I self studied using GMAT OG, Princeton Review & Manhattan.

I have 2 to 2.5 months to prepare and I can devote 2 hours daily for prep. I cannnot devote more than 4 hours on Saturday and 0 hours on SUnday. Now, my question is that,

1. Whether I should go for self study or some GMAT classes?
2. If I opt for self study, whether I should buy some video lessons (like GMAT PRep Now or Magoosh) or should I rely only free resources (GMAT official guide & many other free resources available online)?

Waiting for kind replies.
Thanks

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Mon Nov 03, 2014 10:45 pm

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 Nov 03, 2014 11:11 pm

Hi farhanmoghal1,

A 700+ score represents about the 90th percentile overall, which means that 90% of Test Takers either CAN'T or WON'T do what it takes to score at that level. From your prior experience, you probably have a sense of how difficult that task can be (especially if you're trying to figure out how to come up with a perfect study plan on your own).

Thankfully, there are plenty of different options that can help you to succeed. I do highly recommend that you invest in some type of Guided Study Program (either a Self-Study Course or a Classroom Course). Most GMAT companies offer some type of free resources (practice problems, Trial Accounts, etc.), so that you can try out the materials before you purchase any of them. You should take a couple of days to sample the various options, then choose whichever one best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional questions, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

farhanmoghal1: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 3:38 pm

by farhanmoghal1 » Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:35 pm

Thanks Rich for your reply.

I am also more intended towards a classroom course. If I go for an online option, can you recommend whether GMAT Prep Now or Magoosh is better? As only these meet my budget.

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 Nov 03, 2014 11:59 pm

Hi farhanmoghal1,

If you've limited your options down to those 2 choices, then I can't offer much perspective on either. You do have to consider how much time, money and effort you're willing to invest in your future. Money can theoretically be saved now, but if spending a little more money increased your chances at getting a scholarship or getting into a better school, would you consider spending that money? The answer clearly varies according to each individual's circumstances, but you clearly have the opportunity to research the possibilities and come up with the best plan that fits your situation.

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

manyaabroadtpr: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 321; Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:04 pmFollowed by: 13 members; Location: B 7/2, Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi - 110020; Thanked: 41 times

by manyaabroadtpr » Tue Nov 04, 2014 4:48 am

Hi farhanmoghal1

Doing self study requires a lot of self discipline. More than that it is extremely crucial to stay motivated and inspired throughout the duration of your preparation. It is here that a classroom coaching helps. The curriculum and expert coaches help you develop the best strategy suited according to your strengths and weaknesses. And the fellow students help you remain competitive and motivated.

Even though you have an experience of giving GMAT, we would still suggest you to start with a mock test under the supervision of an expert. Once you have identified your strong and weak areas, you can create a smart plan that works best for you.

We can also arrange a call for you from one of our expert coaches to help you resolve your queries. Let us know if you would be keen. Wish you the best.

farhanmoghal1: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 3:38 pm

by farhanmoghal1 » Tue Nov 04, 2014 6:51 am

Thanks manyaabroadtpr

My issue is that at this point in time, my current job location is one of a small towns of Pakistan and taking regular classes is not an option for me. The only option that is feasible for me is the online classes or may be coming to Islamabad to take weekend Classes.

Can you recommend any good and budget online classes? Or in this scenario, you would recommend self study?

GMAT/MBA Expert

Brent@GMATPrepNow: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 16207; Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pmFollowed by: 1268 members; Location: Vancouver, BC; Thanked: 5254 times; GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Nov 04, 2014 7:45 am

As manyaabroadtpr points out, self-study requires some discipline. If you're going to go that route, it helps to have a comprehensive plan. To that end, 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

Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review