Hello All,
I decided to start studying for GMAT a week ago and planning to give the test in 1st/2nd week of August. I am not sure how to study in these 2 months and get the best out of it.
I had given the diagnostic paper test in OG couple of days back(without preparing anything) and my score was:
DS: Average
PS: Below average (Got stuck in Probability questions)
RC: Average
SC: Average
CR: Average
Finished the test in around 3 and half hours.
My questions:
1. My target is to score 700+. Is it too far fetched??
2. Is it possible to follow a proper study plan and score 700+ in 2 months studies??(Based on my current scores in the diagnostic test)
3. If YES then could you please suggest a good study plan that I can follow?? I can study 2-3 hours everyday and 7-8 hours on weekends(Saturday, Sunday).
Thanks..!!!
60 Days study plan for GMAT
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1. The diagnostic test in the Official Guide is a killer. Don't worry too much about it.
The test is meant to familiarize you with the types of questions found on the GMAT and give you a very approximate idea of your current skills. So, don't dwell too much on the results of this test.
On Day 3 of the 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide), you'll take a full-length practice test. This will give you a much better idea of how much work it will take to reach your 700+ target score.
2. Yes, it is possible. Many students have scored 700+ using this study guide.
3. I'm not sure what you mean. The 60-Day Study Guide outlines all of the learning activities. Can you please rephrase your question.
Cheers,
Brent
The test is meant to familiarize you with the types of questions found on the GMAT and give you a very approximate idea of your current skills. So, don't dwell too much on the results of this test.
On Day 3 of the 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide), you'll take a full-length practice test. This will give you a much better idea of how much work it will take to reach your 700+ target score.
2. Yes, it is possible. Many students have scored 700+ using this study guide.
3. I'm not sure what you mean. The 60-Day Study Guide outlines all of the learning activities. Can you please rephrase your question.
Cheers,
Brent
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Thanks Brent for the quick reply.
In qu-3, what I meant was, if it is indeed possible to score 700+ in 2 months studies(Basically the ans of question-2 , sorry for creating the confusion ) , then could you please suggest a good study plan I can follow?
I have subscribed to 60-days study plan email alert and will strictly follow it.
In qu-3, what I meant was, if it is indeed possible to score 700+ in 2 months studies(Basically the ans of question-2 , sorry for creating the confusion ) , then could you please suggest a good study plan I can follow?
I have subscribed to 60-days study plan email alert and will strictly follow it.
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Hi bhavna.raycha24,
The opening Diagnostic Test in the OG13 is not a realistic representation of the actual GMAT. Neither the number or questions nor the ratio of question types is a match (and the Test doesn't adapt). The most realistic indicator of how you might perform on Test Day is a full-length CAT (you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com). Most Test Takers don't perform too well on the first CAT that they take, but that's not a big deal. That first Test will give you a real sense of your strengths and weaknesses.
As to your other questions...
1) Without a real CAT score, there's no way to know what you're capable of. That having been said, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam, so you can train to crush it. You'll have to learn the content, all the various tactics to answer GMAT questions and the proper perspective on a number of issues that are unique to the GMAT, but people do so every day, so there's a fair chance that you can do it too.
2) 2 months is a bit "tight." Many Test Takers need 3 months (or more) to hit their respective "peak" scores. Is there any particular reason why you're planning to take the GMAT in early August. Are you on a deadline?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
The opening Diagnostic Test in the OG13 is not a realistic representation of the actual GMAT. Neither the number or questions nor the ratio of question types is a match (and the Test doesn't adapt). The most realistic indicator of how you might perform on Test Day is a full-length CAT (you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com). Most Test Takers don't perform too well on the first CAT that they take, but that's not a big deal. That first Test will give you a real sense of your strengths and weaknesses.
As to your other questions...
1) Without a real CAT score, there's no way to know what you're capable of. That having been said, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam, so you can train to crush it. You'll have to learn the content, all the various tactics to answer GMAT questions and the proper perspective on a number of issues that are unique to the GMAT, but people do so every day, so there's a fair chance that you can do it too.
2) 2 months is a bit "tight." Many Test Takers need 3 months (or more) to hit their respective "peak" scores. Is there any particular reason why you're planning to take the GMAT in early August. Are you on a deadline?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
GMAT/MBA Expert
- Brent@GMATPrepNow
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 16207
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
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In my opinion, the 60-Day Study Guide is all you need (in addition to having the required learning resources to follow the Guide, of course)bhavna.raycha24 wrote:Thanks Brent for the quick reply.
In qu-3, what I meant was, if it is indeed possible to score 700+ in 2 months studies(Basically the ans of question-2 , sorry for creating the confusion ) , then could you please suggest a good study plan I can follow?
I have subscribed to 60-days study plan email alert and will strictly follow it.
Cheers,
Brent
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- Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
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Thank you for your reply Rich.
The reason I want to take the test by Aug 1st week is that the 1st round of admission in all the colleges will start by September mid. And what I have to got to know through the people( my friends in different b-schools and a few consultants) is, that it is always good to apply in the 1st round, Because the chances of getting into the B-school and a good scholarship are high.
Please let me know if this information is wrong.
--Bhavna
The reason I want to take the test by Aug 1st week is that the 1st round of admission in all the colleges will start by September mid. And what I have to got to know through the people( my friends in different b-schools and a few consultants) is, that it is always good to apply in the 1st round, Because the chances of getting into the B-school and a good scholarship are high.
Please let me know if this information is wrong.
--Bhavna
[email protected] wrote:Hi bhavna.raycha24,
The opening Diagnostic Test in the OG13 is not a realistic representation of the actual GMAT. Neither the number or questions nor the ratio of question types is a match (and the Test doesn't adapt). The most realistic indicator of how you might perform on Test Day is a full-length CAT (you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com). Most Test Takers don't perform too well on the first CAT that they take, but that's not a big deal. That first Test will give you a real sense of your strengths and weaknesses.
As to your other questions...
1) Without a real CAT score, there's no way to know what you're capable of. That having been said, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized exam, so you can train to crush it. You'll have to learn the content, all the various tactics to answer GMAT questions and the proper perspective on a number of issues that are unique to the GMAT, but people do so every day, so there's a fair chance that you can do it too.
2) 2 months is a bit "tight." Many Test Takers need 3 months (or more) to hit their respective "peak" scores. Is there any particular reason why you're planning to take the GMAT in early August. Are you on a deadline?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
GMAT/MBA Expert
- [email protected]
- Elite Legendary Member
- Posts: 10392
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
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Hi bhavna.raycha24,
While it's true that, in a literal sense, there are "more spots" available in Round 1, if you are rushing to make a Round 1 deadline and your application is not great, then you're not likely to receive an immediate invitation to attend school (you would likely be "wait-listed"). You can improve your chances of getting into Business School by making sure that your application is as strong as it can be. If that means delaying your application until Round 2, then that's what you should do.
The extra time between rounds can be spent tweaking your essays, re-taking the GMAT (if necessary) or continuing to study for the GMAT to improve your score, among other things. Depending on which school(s) you're applying to, the competition might be so fierce that the smartest plan could be to plan for Round 2. Business Schools know that amazing applicants sometimes show up in the latter Rounds, which is why Schools keep those spots open until the last minute. If you're an amazing applicant, then it won't matter what Round you apply to. If your application is weak, then it also won't matter what Round you apply to. You have 1 shot at a "first impression" with each School; you have to make it count.
The good news is that you have the "wiggle" room to stick with you current plan. If it works, then you'll be set. If it doesn't work, then there will still be time to apply for Round 2.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
While it's true that, in a literal sense, there are "more spots" available in Round 1, if you are rushing to make a Round 1 deadline and your application is not great, then you're not likely to receive an immediate invitation to attend school (you would likely be "wait-listed"). You can improve your chances of getting into Business School by making sure that your application is as strong as it can be. If that means delaying your application until Round 2, then that's what you should do.
The extra time between rounds can be spent tweaking your essays, re-taking the GMAT (if necessary) or continuing to study for the GMAT to improve your score, among other things. Depending on which school(s) you're applying to, the competition might be so fierce that the smartest plan could be to plan for Round 2. Business Schools know that amazing applicants sometimes show up in the latter Rounds, which is why Schools keep those spots open until the last minute. If you're an amazing applicant, then it won't matter what Round you apply to. If your application is weak, then it also won't matter what Round you apply to. You have 1 shot at a "first impression" with each School; you have to make it count.
The good news is that you have the "wiggle" room to stick with you current plan. If it works, then you'll be set. If it doesn't work, then there will still be time to apply for Round 2.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich