Finally Beat the Gmat 730

[stockone50]

I'm embarassed to say that it took me 1.5 years to beat the GMAT. However, its important to note that I didnt study continuously for 1.5 years. Instead, I started my prep in March 2011 and stopped in July 2011 because of lack of improvement. I restarted my prep in April 2012 and took the GMAT this morning and scored a 730. Whoever is currently studying or is about to, dont be scared by the amount of time it took me to beat this exam. My first phase of studying involved an awful tutor who did not teach me correctly. The GMAT is not about as many problems as one can do, but understanding the recurring patterns. After 1.5months with this tutor, I hired another one who was much better and my quant did improve. But with a couple of outside distractions, I stopped my studying (big mistake). I shoudlve continued and I'm confident I wouldve scored well


Fast forward to this year, I studied hard and long for it. But again, my process wasn't refined until 2 months into it.

My advice for all of you:
-If you work, try to study 2 hours each weeknight (maybe take Friday off) and study 4 hours each Saturday and Sunday.
-Dont let the first thing you do to be to take a CAT. Instead, take a CAT after 15 days of studying.
-Manhattan GMAT and GMAT prep are best tools, along with OG.

Manhattan CAT: 680 (43Q 37V)
GMATPrep #1 score: 710 (48Q 41V)
GMATPrep #2 score: 720 (48Q 41V)

Actual GMAT: 730 (48Q 42V)'

Theres so much more I can explain so please private message me and I will help you come up with an effective study plan. Theres alot of noise out there, so Im happy to focus you on the important stuff.

[yashukla]

Hello Stockone50,

Congrats for your excellent score!

I plan to start my preparation from X-mas holidays. These days I'm just gathering information from various forums. Pls address following questions:
1) You've recommended that one should take the 1st test only after a preparation of 15 days. But will this help in gauging the actual starting level ?
2) Did you refer Manhattan for Quant also ? I've read on various forums that Manhattan is good for Verbal and Kaplan is good for Quant. What is your take on this ?
3) What are the other do's and dont's that you would like to give to a starter like me who is entirely new to the GMAT community.

Regards,
Y

[gatortomba]

Great Job!

[sachinsonu]

Good Score .. Congrats !!.. I am not good in CR, any strategy or tips to improve on it.


regds
sachin

[siddharth11.sharma@gmail.]

congrats for the amazing score.

I am working professional and cannot take time out of the schedule.

i had also given several mock tests, but scored below 500 in each one of them.

any kind of suggestion is welcome.

[stewartmcm]

Congrats on your score! You shouldn't be embarrassed by how long it took, you worked hard, you should be proud of that.

[Jim@StratusPrep]

Doesn't matter how long.... Just that you got there. Congrats!