How much self study before GMAT Class?

[hmisgina]

Hi all,

I'm getting ready to start my gmat journey and have a question for the community. How much self study / prep do you recommend before taking a gmat class? I have yet to take an initial practice test soon so I can obtain a baseline score. With that said, I feel like I'll be pretty rusty and want to make sure I go into the class with a decent foundation.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

[[email protected]]

Hi hmisgina,

If you're talking about general math practice, then I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. After spending a little time re-building those skills, you can start your GMAT studies.

1) When does your class begin?
2) What is your goal score?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

There are a lot of great websites out there to learn basic mathematical concepts (like Khan Academy), however none of them address GMAT-specific concepts and strategies (data sufficiency strategies for one). Also, users are often exposed to concepts that are not tested on the GMAT. For example, if you look at the Basic Geometry module on Khan Academy, you'll find that many of the concepts covered are not tested on the GMAT. Finally, many of Khan's modules assume that you have a calculator available, but you don't get to use a calculator for the quant section of the GMAT.

If possible, I suggest that you stick with resources that a specifically towards the GMAT. Our free video course starts with the most basic concepts and works up to 800-level concepts. I'm sure there are other courses that do the same.

[hmisgina]

Thank you both for the feedback. Brent, I'll take a look at the free video course you mentioned. Great point regarding additional / unnecessary info on some of the sites. I'll make sure to keep that top of mind.

Rich, below are answers to your questions. I feel like I have some time, but want to make sure I'm making the most of my time. Do people usually jump into a class from the start if they know they will be taking one?

1) When does your class begin? I have not signed up for my class yet, but I'm thinking I start in March. This way I have a little time to freshen up on the basics.
2) What is your goal score? Want 700+, but a 720 is ideal.
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School? I'm planning to apply in early September '16. If possible, I'd like to make the early round for a few schools.

[hmisgina]

Thank you both for the feedback. Brent, I'll take a look at the free video course you mentioned. Great point regarding additional / unnecessary info on some of the sites. I'll make sure to keep that top of mind.

Rich, below are answers to your questions. I feel like I have some time, but want to make sure I'm making the most of my time. Do people usually jump into a class from the start if they know they will be taking one?

1) When does your class begin? I have not signed up for my class yet, but I'm thinking I start in March. This way I have a little time to freshen up on the basics.
2) What is your goal score? Want 700+, but a 720 is ideal.
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School? I'm planning to apply in early September '16. If possible, I'd like to make the early round for a few schools.

[[email protected]]

Hi hmisgina,

Since you're planning to apply for Round 1 in September/October, you've given yourself plenty of time to study and hit your score goals, which is good.

Is there any particular reason why you're thinking about waiting until March to start your class? The 2+ months you have before that time seem like a bit too much 'general prep time' to refamiliarize yourself with basic material and concepts. If you can start your studies a bit earlier, then you'll have more time later on (during the late Spring and Summer) to work on your applications - and potential enjoy that time of year without also having to work on your GMAT).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[hmisgina]

Hi Rich,

The only reason I'm contemplating a March start for my class is because of travel. I want to make sure I'm super focused and don't miss any classes and with my upcoming schedule, I'm not sure that will be possible.

Prior to confirming my class I need to take my first CAT. Once I have an understanding of where I'm at, I'll make the decision.

Thanks for your help!

[[email protected]]

Hi hmisgina,

Once you decide to formally begin your studies, it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a bit of practice first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the general content and question types first, then that's fine - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your overall study plan.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich