can I take gmat in october and join in fall 2013

[krgupta]

Hello,
1. I have 1 year of work ex in IT industry as of now.By when should I take gmat for getting admission in fall 2013 session? I havent started preparing for it yet.

2. How much the preparation for CAT(as per the latest pattern)help in the preparation of GMAT>???

[Jim@StratusPrep]

You will be a bit early given your experience, but you can take the exam up until the close of the admissions rounds. Round 1 is roughly in Sept/Oct, round 2 roughly in Dec/Jan and Round 3 (although I do not recommend this) is roughly March/April.

Preparation time depends on the individual, but 2-3 months is a standard period of time.

[krgupta]

Thanks Jim ,,, Just need some clarification regarding your reply,..
do you mean to say that even if I take GMAT in FEB 2013 I will be eligible for Fall 2013 session???

and still my second question remains unanswered. If anybody can let me know how much CAT preparation helps in GMAT, I'll be grateful

[myEssayReview]

Hi KrGupta,

Here is my answer to your second question:

CAT and GMAT are pretty different exams.Still, if you have already prepared for CAT, you may have some advantage when you prepare for GMAT.

1. GMAT Quant may be at a slightly lower difficulty level than CAT Quant. However, you will definitely need to review the official material from GMAT to make sure you familiarize yourself with the question types. Also, the adaptive nature of GMAT exam adds another layer of complexity.

2. Likewise, there is some overlap between GMAT verbal and CAT verbal. For example, reading comprehension sections test the same basic stuff. But the questions styles are different enough that you will need to specifically prepare for these for GMAT.

In essence, basic stuff tested may be the same between the two tests. So if you have already prepared for CAT, it should help with GMAT. But you do NEED consolidated effort to prepare for the GMAT.

Hope this helps.

If you find my post helpful, please let me know by pushing the thank button.

Poonam

[PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal]

Most folks admitted to quality MBA programs are applying with more than one year of work experience. But to answer your question about when to take the GMAT, you should take it in September or early October to be ready for most Round One deadlines. Keep in mind that you can also report unofficial scores if you submit your applications before your official gmat score is sent to you/posted. You will get an unofficial score 2-3 weeks after the test.