What do I need for the Next level, 700+

[GoBruins]

So I just started studying for the GMAT's haven't chosen a date yet. But I think I will take it in End of April.

So far my scores are.

Kaplan Gmat Software test 600. 50Q/29V
Kaplan Intro Exam at the Kaplan Site, 680 (45Q/39V)
Gmat Prep ??? (50Q/39V).

So I have a couple of questions. First off I don't know which one is a good judgement of math. with the software, I got 37/37 Q questions and only got a 50? on the Intro Exam, I recieved 34/37 and got a 45. On Gmat Prep I only got 30/37 and recieved a 50. Is there something I'm missing? I don't quiet see a pattern.

Secondly, First exam I got 40%/45%/85% for SC/CR/RC respectively. Into Exam I got a 60%/93%/85%. Gmat Prep 40/93/90. So I kinda know where my weakness is. But now how should I study. I think I should be able to 700+ but what materials should I look at to get that extra push. I see people saying GMAT800 or different things with 800 on it. And how much should I follow the "strategies" because I don't know does that confuse people more or less.

Also what should my target range be. what can get me to 51Q, and 40V. One of my problems I am fearful of is that when taking the practice test i am doing it now too seriously, like I will finish with time left because I am just looking at it and guessing, but in the real test if I was to analze every since one I will run out of time. How should I prep for real test situations? Also I haven't done any essays yet, how should I prep for that. Time frame of when I should take the exam would be helpful. I am not in a rush, since I am planning for MBA 08 or 09 after I have 4 years work experience.

Any Suggestions?

Books/Material/Strategy/SC help?

[beatthegmat]

Hi GoBruins:

The first thing you need to do is to form a strong study strategy--judging by the questions you've raised, I'm assuming that you are pretty early in your prep.

Take some time to read through my GMAT Blog: https://beatthegmat.blocked - this is an example of what one successful study strategy can look like.

For other great resources and book recommendations, please check out the GMAT Resource Wiki: https://www.beatthegmat.com/wiki/

Best of luck!

[Stacey Koprince]

Just a couple of things. Most people prep for between 2 and 4 months, depending upon how they study and how much of an improvement they want to see.

The one thing to decide right away is whether you want to study on your own or with a class / tutor. There are positives and negatives to all of the possible ways to study, so you just need to figure out what is right for you.

The potential negatives to studying on your own:
- procrastination (yeah, we all do it... )
- harder to improve when you're really struggling with something (because you don't have an expert to answer your questions)

The potential negatives to a class:
- rigid curriculum (can't just focus on your own needs)
- more expensive than studying on your own

The potential negatives to a tutor:
- most expensive option

If you do choose a class or tutor, make sure your teacher really knows the test AND really knows how to teach. You won't learn much from someone who doesn't really know what s/he is talking about, or someone who can't actually convey that info to you in a useful way.

Good luck!