GMAT Math

Hi aluniques,

You've given yourself a big chunk of time to study, which is a smart choice. To improve from 350 to 700 will be quite a challenge, so you're going to have to be committed to the task during those 3 to 4 months (and it might take even longer than that).

I'd like to know a bit more about your first practice CAT. Did you have a pacing problem? Did you have to guess on a bunch of questions just to finish (and if so, then how many did you guess on?)? Did you leave any questions unanswered (and if so, then how many?)?

You're probably going to need more resources than the ones that you are currently using. Most Test Takers can't score at the 700+ level with a book-heavy study approach. It also sounds like you're going to need consistent, professional guidance throughout this process, so investing in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Classroom) would be a good choice.

As far as trying to learn all of the math content before you start working on GMAT questions, I don't think that is a practical approach. You'll likely be better served working back-and-forth in small "chunks." For example, you will have to learn a bunch of Geometry rules and formulas, but trying to learn them all now, when you're probably not going to be studying Geometry for at least a month, is not going to be beneficial. I suggest that you start with broad arithmetic and algebra, then learn the specialized formulas, rules and concepts in chunks later on (when you can commit a little time to learning a sub-category and practicing it).

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

That's great that you've given yourself so much time to work through Beat The GMAT's 60-Day Study Guide. I agree with Rich; you need not complete the entire Foundations of GMAT Math book before delving into the Study Guide. Instead, I suggest that you follow the Study Guide, and use the Foundations of Math book to fill in any knowledge gaps you identify.

Finally, I think it's important to compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.). This is primary design of the Learning Guide, which devotes one topic per day. So, for each topic, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it
Then, and only then, move on to the next topic/day .

To help you focus on one topic at a time, you can use BTG's tagging feature. For example, here are all of the questions tagged as statistics questions: https://www.beatthegmat.com/forums/tags/ ... statistics
See the left side of that linked page for more tag options.

You should also spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps one should take when tackling math problems.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Brent

Hi aluniques,

Since you mentioned that you were giving yourself 3-4 months to study, I just assumed that you intended to start now and take the GMAT sometime in late February or March. If that's not what you intend to do, then you should spell out your plan in more detail.

There are plenty of options when it comes to studying for the GMAT and most GMAT Companies offer some type of free resources (practice problems, Trial Accounts, etc.) so that you can test out a product before you buy it. Since you have the time, you should do a bit of research and investigate the various options a bit more (not every option is expensive). We have a free trial (at www.empowergmat.com), Brent has some free materials at his website and there are links to other free materials on this site too. Ultimately, you're looking for resources that match your personality, timeline and budget, so you have to define those variables and then make some choices.

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

Hi aluniques,

Studying for the GMAT can seem like a daunting task because there are so many aspects to learn (and master). However, since the GMAT is a standardized, predictable Test, you CAN learn to CRUSH it. Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies, but it's tough to figure out exactly how long it will take any one person to properly study.

It's important to handle the overall process in small "chunks" - you're not expected to become an expert overnight - so focus on a small set of tasks each day that you study. Build up your familiarity with the content and tactics and be prepared to go back and review past work. Remember that taking the GMAT and applying to Business School is a BIG DEAL and anything THAT big shouldn't be easy.

When you get stuck, ask for help. This site is full of people who are ready to answer your questions and offer advice.

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