60 Day Guide and Additional Books

[anuprajan5]

Hi,

I started with my prep at the end of June but gained traction only over the last week. (because I was lacking in motivation). Right now I am at day 19 of the 60 day guide and though I suck on some topics, I seem to be getting a rush at seeing that I can do most of it right and also through tackling the tougher questions. My questions are:

a. Do I stick with the 60 day guide right upto day 42 before contemplating getting any additional books? I am only using OG 13 and the video guides.
b. After learning a topic, I try the OG 13 questions and try to simulate the 2 min limit with each question. It's tricky considering that sometimes I end up getting flustered. But should that be the approach from the start?
c. I was thinking about signing up for the Manhattan GMAT tests and question bank - for reinforcement. Is that a good idea? Also there doesn't seem to be a BTG discount specifically for that. It seems like you either buy the whole deal or you don't get a discount.

Would appreciate any insight.

Regards
Anup

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Hi,

I started with my prep at the end of June but gained traction only over the last week. (because I was lacking in motivation). Right now I am at day 19 of the 60 day guide and though I suck on some topics, I seem to be getting a rush at seeing that I can do most of it right and also through tackling the tougher questions. My questions are:

a. Do I stick with the 60 day guide right upto day 42 before contemplating getting any additional books? I am only using OG 13 and the video guides.
b. After learning a topic, I try the OG 13 questions and try to simulate the 2 min limit with each question. It's tricky considering that sometimes I end up getting flustered. But should that be the approach from the start?
c. I was thinking about signing up for the Manhattan GMAT tests and question bank - for reinforcement. Is that a good idea? Also there doesn't seem to be a BTG discount specifically for that. It seems like you either buy the whole deal or you don't get a discount.

Would appreciate any insight.

Regards
Anup

Hi Anup,

These are all very important questions, and I'll do my best to answer them.

A. I suggest that you stick with those resources for now. I'd at least wait until you take your next practice test (Day 22). If you've done all of the math questions in the OG13 and, based on your test score, you feel you need a lot more practice, then at that point you might consider getting additional resources. Conversely, if you're already close to your target score, there's no need for extra resources.

B. Don't worry about the 2-minute goal too early in your studies. Be sure to get an idea of how fast you're answering questions, but don't let this guideline throw off your studies. Now is the time to carefully analyze questions, look for multiple approaches, and apply newly-learned strategies. There will be lot of time to work on your speed later on.
If you're interested, I wrote two article about this:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/06/ ... mat-part-i
https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/07/ ... at-part-ii

C. I'll refer to my answer to question A for this one. Perhaps wait and see if you need any additional resources. If it turns out that you need only extra CATs, you can get 6 practice tests with the purchase of any one MGMAT strategy guide.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Brent

[anuprajan5]

Thanks Brent!

The articles were helpful. This might sound stupid, but on Day 22 I am taking the GMATPrep after having tackled only the Quant topics. How would I gauge where I stand basis 50% prep?

I assume this would be by looking at specifically the Quant score.

Regards
Anup

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Thanks Brent!

The articles were helpful. This might sound stupid, but on Day 22 I am taking the GMATPrep after having tackled only the Quant topics. How would I gauge where I stand basis 50% prep?

I assume this would be by looking at specifically the Quant score.

Regards
Anup

The one test won't be a perfect indication of your abilities, but it will give you an idea of how your math skills are progressing.

You can also wait until you've covered all of the concepts (Day 42), and then make a decision regarding additional resources at that time.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Brent