How to prep for GMAT?

[inmate]

I need help to start studying for the GMAT. I don't know what books to buy, self study or taking a prep class. Any help pls....

[ankitasrivastava]

I need help to start studying for the GMAT. I don't know what books to buy, self study or taking a prep class. Any help pls....

You may want to get The GMAT Official Guide 12th Edition and take the diagnostic test to pinpoint your strong/weak areas.
Here's an article that will prove useful.
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/02/ ... study-plan

Additionally, you can also refer to the "I just beat the GMAT" section (https://www.beatthegmat.com/i-just-beat- ... t-f15.html) of the forums here on BTG. There are some very detailed and great posts out there from top scorers who have shared their study plan and GMAT experiences.

[inmate]

Would anyone recommend taking prep class? Also where to take my 1st practice test?

[uhsa]

1) Should you take prep classes?

The answer to that really is if you are are self motivated to study on your own. If you are, if you can devote the time to prepare yourself, I would think that ideally that's what you should do. Also, money is a big factor. If you have the money to spend on prep classes, I guess go for it. The biggest thing that the prep classes do is MAKE you study by having you go there.

2) What books to have?

I too was in the same boat. I *just* purchased the MGMAT set of 8 books. I tried reading all the blogs and I saw that a lot of them say that the Kaplan ones are a bit weak. I do not know that for a fact. However, if most are saying that, then no smoke without fire...

A lot of them recommend PowerScore Bible for CR, but that's your call. Reading financial editorials from WSJ or such seems to help a lot of people. Again, I am a newbie, haven't tried it. Just passing what I found...

Lastly, one of my very good friends gave me a great advise. The books only do so much. If millions of people are buying these books, they can't be all that bad. So just pick one, and start practicing. That's all.


Hope this helps. I am in a similar position. I have narrowed down the books, but I am trying to find help on "how to squeeze in time" and also "Q or V first?".

Good luck.

-uhsa

[inmate]

When you sign up for the GMAT, how long do you usually have to wait?

[beatthegmat]

Hey inmate,

Are you asking, 'how much in advance should I schedule my GMAT?'

If so, the GMAT is offered year round at testing centers throughout the world. You can schedule as little as two weeks in advance in many places, but I would recommend 1-2 months in advance.