Help in planning for the GMAT after working long hours!!!!

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I don't even know where to start. I work super long hours. Currently my day begins at 6:30 and I get home around 6:00 M-F.
What steps do I need to make to maximize my study time?
How many hours should I put in?
How should I break down all these topics?
I signed up for Kaplan On Demand and I am overwhelmed by all the information right now. If I can get in to the 600s I will be happy. My first diagnostic was only 420! How can that be when I earned a 3.6 in my undergraduate studies. Again, I am overwhelmed. Please help!!!

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by Jim@StratusPrep » Sun Aug 17, 2014 1:33 pm
Take it slowly. You aren't going to get there right away. Stay consistent and work on this for at least 30 minutes in a day; although, 60-90 is preferable if you can keep up the daily routine.

As for the topics, here is how I break down the quant section: GMAT Quant Review
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by [email protected] » Sun Aug 17, 2014 4:06 pm
Hi future cpa,

Learning all of the necessary content, tactics and pacing skills necessary to score well on the GMAT takes time. Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on the process; during that time, 10-15 hours per week of study is common.

When are you planning to take your GMAT?
What schools are you planning to apply to? And when?

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by Matt@VeritasPrep » Sun Aug 17, 2014 5:15 pm
Two tips!

(1) If you live somewhere that has public transit, take that in the morning/evening and try to study on the train.

(2) Use your lunch break! If you typically walk somewhere to eat with coworkers, be antisocial for a bit, bring your lunch/order delivery, and work on questions for 30-60 minutes during your break.

The more study time the better, especially if it's time where you aren't mentally exhausted (read: after 12 hours at work.) You want to study EVERY DAY: the GMAT, like a language, responds best to immersion. (If you only study on Saturdays, you'll be spending most of your time catching up on everything you've forgotten since last Saturday.)

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by future cpa » Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:16 pm
Thanks everyone! I plan on taking the test in mid November. I am dong okay so far, but I am having issues with the algebra. I have read the chapters in my Kaplan premier book, watched the classes, and have done many problems. It just is not clicking. Picking #s is tricky and so is the data suff. It could be poss or neg, integer not an integer, etc ... It makes my brain hurt! Oddly, I am not too bad a geometry for never taking a class. I borrowed my nephew's Math is Fun! workbook and learned geometry that way.

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by [email protected] » Mon Sep 29, 2014 7:56 pm
Hi future cpa,

Have you taken any FULL-length practice CATs since your original post? If so, then how did you score? If not, then it would probably be a good idea to take one (maybe this weekend) to see how your skills are developing.

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