Can I get a 600+ within 5 months?

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Hi all,

I know the unequivocal answer would be yes, but I am seeking to learn more about a proper strategy to put into place. I was denied to bschool with a low 500 GMAT (math and verbal were pretty even), and was told unofficially that if I obtained a 600+ on the GMAT and reapply, that it would satisfy the committee. With that said, I have about 5 months until the next deadline to reach said goal.

I have all the Manhattan GMAT materials including the online sessions available to me, but wasn't sure if that was the best route to take. I admit I did not study prudently hence the low score so I don't blame the study materials at all. I likely only did 5-10% of the OG problems. They offer Kaplan courses live in my area, but wasn't sure if others have had a positive experience. I read the reviews, but just posing my specific questions to see if folks have thoughts.

Is 5 months perhaps too long to study? Open to opinions on best practices.
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by David@VeritasPrep » Tue Dec 17, 2013 8:30 am
I have all the Manhattan GMAT materials including the online sessions available to me, but wasn't sure if that was the best route to take. I admit I did not study prudently hence the low score so I don't blame the study materials at all. I likely only did 5-10% of the OG problems. They offer Kaplan courses live in my area, but wasn't sure if others have had a positive experience. I read the reviews, but just posing my specific questions to see if folks have thoughts.
If you have the M - GMAT materials on hand and access to the sessions you should start there! Online sessions can be convenient and work well for many people. I am not sure if you have live sessions available or pre-recorded. I love teaching the live sessions online and pre-recorded sessions like the Veritas On-Demand sessions are very popular. So you should try the material that you have. You can always spend more money later if you need to. :)
Is 5 months perhaps too long to study?
Not necessarily too long, however I would advise you to set a goal of taking the GMAT again in 2 to 3 months. That will give you the option of postponing if you have to. But if you wait too long to re-take pressure can build as you start to think that this is your "only shot." Also you can get burned out.

So my advice is to put together a study plan for yourself that is between 2 to 3 months and use the materials that you have on hand! After maybe 6 weeks you can take another GMATPrep practice test to see where you have improved.

Oh and to answer the question in your subject line: Yes! You can go from 500 to 600 + in 5 months (or less).
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:26 pm
If you already have the MGMAT materials, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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