GMAT Prep: Getting Started: Review on strategy required

[yashukla]

Hi,

I'm a beginner in the world of GMAT and have very little knowledge about structure of the exam.
I plan to take GMAT in May-June 2013 for which I plan to start my preparation by the end of Dec'2012. These days i'm researching on google to gather as much information as I can. So far this is the best place where I have found answers to almost all my queries.

My questions are:
1) Based on the inputs on various forums I plan to concentrate on OG + Manhattan.
Which of the following two options is better:
a) OG(all books) + Manhattan(all books)
b) OG + Manhattan(all books)

2) I plan to take mba.com's diagnostic test on 15th Dec'2012. Whether I should prepare/study for the diagnostic test or should it be impropmtu ?

3) I want to take another diagnostic test on 22nd Dec so as to have a better idea of my current level. Which test should i choose for my 2nd diagnostic test(Manhattan or Kaplan or any other) ?
Is the 2nd diagnostic test required ?

4) What is your overall feedback on my overall plan ?

Regards,
Yash

[yashukla]

Guys,

I can see 22 views of my post but its strange none of the viewers chose to reply.

Moderator, Pls let me know if this is not an appropriate place to put up such a question.

Request the Champions to comment with suggestions on my post.

Thanks!
Y

[buzzz85]

Hi,

I'm a beginner in the world of GMAT and have very little knowledge about structure of the exam.
I plan to take GMAT in May-June 2013 for which I plan to start my preparation by the end of Dec'2012. These days i'm researching on google to gather as much information as I can. So far this is the best place where I have found answers to almost all my queries.

My questions are:
1) Based on the inputs on various forums I plan to concentrate on OG + Manhattan.
Which of the following two options is better:
a) OG(all books) + Manhattan(all books)
b) OG + Manhattan(all books)

2) I plan to take mba.com's diagnostic test on 15th Dec'2012. Whether I should prepare/study for the diagnostic test or should it be impropmtu ?

3) I want to take another diagnostic test on 22nd Dec so as to have a better idea of my current level. Which test should i choose for my 2nd diagnostic test(Manhattan or Kaplan or any other) ?
Is the 2nd diagnostic test required ?

4) What is your overall feedback on my overall plan ?

Regards,
Yash

Hi

Its actually a good plan. However, if you have 5 months, I would say give more emphasis on concepts for the first 3 months, keep the 4th month for questions (timed) and last month for full time tests.

I also liked your idea of giving a test early on (MBA.com will be a better option), to get a rough idea of where you stand. Regarding strategy, just prepare enough so that you know all the basic formulae etc like AP GP etc.

Do not take the second test so soon. Plan it in your 4th month when you are through with the preparation. Another point is that there are not many full time tests available, so save it for the last so that you can attempt them to increase your speed.

For more info, you can visit the following part of my blog - https://gmatexecmba.blogspot.in/2012/12/ ... nquer.html

Hope it helps.

[yashukla]

Thanks Buzz..!

I agree with your suggestion of not taking the second test too soon. Could you pls also comment on selection of Study Material. Is it ok (?) What is your suggestion ?

Thank You.
Y

[yashukla]

Thanks Buzz..!

I agree with your suggestion of not taking the second test too soon. Could you pls also comment on selection of Study Material. Is it ok (?) What is your suggestion ?

Thank You.
Y

[buzzz85]

Thanks Buzz..!

I agree with your suggestion of not taking the second test too soon. Could you pls also comment on selection of Study Material. Is it ok (?) What is your suggestion ?

Thank You.
Y

Manhattan is very good for Verbal but its Quant material is OK (to say the least).
OG has only practice questions but I would recommend it as a must.

Coming back to Quant, you can decide upon the strategy depending upon your Quant score after 1st test.
If you do well (40-51 out of 51), MH material + OG will be OK.
But if your score is lesser, you can refer to study material from CAT Quant books.

Also, target a score of 700+ and you will need Quant close to 49/51 and Verbal around 35/51.

All the best