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Preparation: 3 Month or 6 Month?

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Preparation: 3 Month or 6 Month?

by Giorgio » Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:20 am
Hi folks,

Well I am planning to apply for Fall 2010 intakes , Before that I have to take GMAT , during the last 2 weeks I have read great deal of Materials about GMAT. So I am well awared about the style of the test.

I have such a question to those experienced test takers, Is it better to start intensive preparation now , and take test in the beginning of August ( so I have a bit more than 3 month) or spend this 3 Month on General overview of test and learning a bit of everything slowly?... Than i have 3 week business trip in mid August , So I won't be able to study during that. and than In the beginning of September start intensive preparation and take the test by the end of November?

I am non native english speaker and as i have noticed verbal section will be the weakest section for me, but I am quite strong in Math's so I aim to reach highest percentiles there...

The reason why i asked this question is , i am a bit frightened of being over burned due to this 6 month long studying.

My Target score is 720+ ....

I have already purchased OG , Kaplan's Premier program , Princeton's and Barron's books. going to add Manhattan SC now.

Thanks
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by VP_Jim » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:33 am
It depends - some people study well with a shorter time frame, and some people need much more time to prep for the exam (and get a more solid foundation). There's no good answer to this; it really depends on what conditions work best for you.

Have you already taken a practice exam to determine what score you're starting from? If not, I'd recommend doing so to see how big of an improvement you'll need to achieve your target score of 720+. If, for example, you're already starting from a 680, then you won't have that much more work ahead of you, but if you'll starting from, say, a 400, then it might be a different story.

As I've mentioned in other posts, it's really about QUALITY, not quantity, in studying for the GMAT. What I mean by this is that it's not about the number of problems you can get through, but whether you've taken the time to really try to analyze and understand the problem you're working on, why the correct answer is correct and the wrong answer is wrong. The OGs are great places to start, so you've got the materials you need already.

Good luck!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by Giorgio » Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:23 pm
Jim Thanks for your quick response.

I am probably far below from 680 mark... I'd say I am in the range of 500-550.
I Think i better spend nearest 3 month studying a bit of everything, basically improving my English reading skills. and than when i can score in the range of 650 take a bit of rest and resume in September with intensive preparation together with tutor.


Oh i forgot to mention , i have to take a TOEFL exam as well, is it a good idea to take it before GMAT or after?

Thanks,
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by roma » Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:44 am
Hi,

Well its true that the preperation style of each person varies according to their apptitude and and method of studying.
What i think is that if you take it to 6 months you might wear yourself, as you have already mentioned that you are in btw 500 and 550, which i think u gave in very casually.

now what you can do is :

1. focus on your weak part that is english, in which i am sure not all the portions are difficult as it mainly require general rules of grammer and the ability to understand what is being said and asked.

2. And at the same time keep on practicing quants which is your strong are which may not ask a grat deal of your tima .

3. and at the same time keep on doing sample tests as they will keep you ih gear for the time management , as not only is it necessary to solve a question, but more importantly how fast you can solve and that to correctly, so practice test will take care of your stress issue which usually builds up during the main exam.

4. In the end do go for simulated test available online as they give the exact picture of the main GMAT.

So , though its upon you to decide finally, i would suggest you to give it a shot in 3 months, and give it when your preperation is at peak, because at that time you can expect the best score.

Good Luck
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