New to GMAT : Want a prep strategy

Hi shobhit15!
In this forum, there are many suggestions and strategies of those who have taken GMAT actual test and got high score. Please go around and you will find out many things useful for your GMAT preparation.

Hi Shobhit15,
I thought that I would give you some suggestions to help you with your GMAT prep work:

1. I would take a diagnostic test first of all so that you can identify your strengths and weaknesses in regards to the kind of subject material that is tested on the GMAT. There are several possible choices that you can utilize to take a diagnostic test. If you go to princetonreview.com and register on that site, you will be given free access to four computer adaptive tests. Those tests come with the results of each test along with explanations about the content material that was covered as well. You can also go to manhattangmat. com where they offer a computer adaptive test bank with a 1,200 question data base that you can use to take up to six tests without repetition. Each test comes with complete explanations for each question. The fee for that is $39. You can also go to mba.com and register on that site. That way you will be able to download the two GMATPrep tests for free. Those two tests only come with the answers, but no explanations.

2. If you are looking for a very good set of strategy guides that cover all of the math and verbal topics that are tested on the GMAT, look at what Manhattan GMAT has to offer. Each one of the eight MGMAT strategy guides cost $26 each. You can order those eight strategy guides from Manhattan GMAT. Or, you can order those same strategy guides from Barnes and Noble. I think that if you are looking for some great strategies and tips on how to do well on the GMAT, the Manhattan GMAT strategy guides could be the answer for you?

3. I would also purchase the Official Guide to the GMAT, 11th edition. The Manhattan GMAT prep program and their strategy guides use that as a very important part of the GMAT preparation process. If you buy the MGMAT strategy guides, follow the material in them, and do the assigned questions and problems in the Official Guide. You will have categorically completed all of the questions in the Official Guide to the GMAT, 11th edition. I wanted to emphasize the importance of using the Official Guide in your preparation process because doing that will benefit you the most when you take the test. I like the Manhattan GMAT approach to preparing for the GMAT the most because it is the only GMAT prep program that emphasizes using the Official Guide as the most important part of their preparation process. Everything covered in their strategy guides point you in that direction.

I hope that the advice that I gave you will help you in your GMAT prep process.

Greg

Hi Shobhit15,
You didn't mention when you plan to take the GMAT? Do you have a target date to take the test? I think that anywhere from three to four months would be a reasonable amount to time to get well prepared to take the GMAT.

Do you work full time? I think that two to three hours a day would be OK, but that depends on when you are going to take the test? I wouldn't study more than 90 minutes at one time on the days that you are going to study. In addition, you need to make sure that you don't burn yourself out by studying too much. I think that it would be good to make up a study plan for yourself once you take that diagnostic test. Also, that depends on what strategy guide(s) or GMAT test prep study guide that you plan to use as well?

I think that you mentioned something about timing your practicing problems. I would want to buy a timer that counts the time down from what timing strategy that you came up with for practicing problems. Two minutes for the math questions and about two to four minutes for the verbal questions would be about right.

Greg

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I'm planning to take the test somewhere around October mid. I'm working full-time and cannot devote more than 2 hours on weekdays and around 3-4 hours on weekends.

I'm a bit wary to take a prep test first because, (frankly speaking) I do not remember the quant concepts. so I need to go through them first before proceeding.

I just cannot decide, how should I plan my studies. Im really confused.

Hi shobhit15,
I took one test last year. Scored 550. I am not happy with it. My observation is:
- 1,5h hour per day is excellent. Considering, you work (the same as me) this is right time scope for the brain
- Also, important is to analyse all the Exercises (before taking tests from Books like Kaplan). They are published in preparation books, as the initial exercises. They help to understand the basis of maths questions.

I am going to take the exam in 2 months, once again.

Take care
Arek