GMAT vs admissions counselling

[yashashweta]

Should I be preparing myself for the GMAT first or working on my applications.I currently have 1.5 yrs of work -ex.please suggest

[EduSimplified]

Hi,

Depends on when are you planning to apply ? Do you have enough time to work on both ?

You will need approximately 1 month to prepare your first application. Next one will take much less time. If you're targeting R1 then you need to start preparing your applications end of august at the latest (with or without your GMAT scores).

Best,

[ceilidh.erickson]

For most students, preparing for the GMAT takes 2-5 months. Many students take even longer than that, but it's rare to see a student get a top score in less than 2 months.

As Deepa said, you want to put careful thought into your applications, and go through several rounds of drafts and revisions on your essays and resume. That takes a minimum of a month. (And don't do it on your own! You don't necessarily have to pay a consultant for advice, but at least get a friend with strong writing and editing skills to look over your essay. Most people are pretty terrible at writing about themselves in a compelling way).

Here is my general advice:
- If you're targeting Sept/Oct deadlines, you'll need to work on both at the same time.
- If you're targeting Dec/Jan, try to work hard on the GMAT and get it done by Oct. If you still don't have the score you want by then, keep studying while you begin to prepare your application.
- If you're applying next year, just focus on the GMAT for now... but also think about other things you can do to make yourself an attractive candidate: leadership at work or in a charity organization, taking an online course in an area of interest, etc.

[Michelle@ARINGO]

Should I be preparing myself for the GMAT first or working on my applications.I currently have 1.5 yrs of work -ex.please suggest

Where and when do you plan to apply? How many schools are you applying to and could you name some of them?

JL

[Donna@Stratus]

Should I be preparing myself for the GMAT first or working on my applications.I currently have 1.5 yrs of work -ex.please suggest

With 1.5 yrs of work- I'd take this fall and work on GMAT and continue to excel in my job- and then I would try to be on the early side for being ready to work on the applications part starting in May 2018. While the applications may not be out until July or so- when you work with an admissions consultant there is typically some "pre work" which is really getting your own story down. Or practicing your own elevator pitch. I think your odds will be better when you have a bit more work experience so if I was advising you- of course I don't know all your details- but from what I see here- I think you'd be well served to take this year to focus on GMAT and work success and then be ready by late spring to tackle the admissions process. Best wishes to you! And if you want a free consult with us to learn more about how we help people, then use this link to sign up: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/free-consult/

[Jon@Admissionado]

Should I be preparing myself for the GMAT first or working on my applications.I currently have 1.5 yrs of work -ex.please suggest

The first thing you should do is work another 1-3 years before you think of working on applications. Taking your GMAT early is a great idea though!

Best,
JF