Where to start??? - please help

[letrader]

Hi All,

I have luckily stumbled upon this site, and have been reading through the multiple posts, and the copious amounts of info and advice. Lots, and lots of information. Feeling a little overwhelmed.

I am anticipating taking the GMAT for the first time in either January or February 2009, and want to start preparing now for it, however having trouble figuring out where to start.

I am leaning towards taking the Kaplan GMAT classroom test prep course, starting next month, but I anticipate I might need additional outside classroom help. I have been out of school for about 6 years and needless to say my test skills are quite rusty. Additionally I KNOW that the math section will be VERY difficult for me as I have never been well versed in math. I have looked into take the Kaplan Math intensive course, however the next available date does not start until Jan. 2009 - March 2009, thus not within the time frame that I have, to take the test and still apply for Fall 2009 admission.

So my question is.....where do I start, I am trying to formulate a plan of action here, and really just do not know where to begin.

Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated....thank you in advance!

[VP_Jim]

I'd advise you to take a practice test to see where you stand. We (Veritas) have a free one here:

https://www.veritasprep.com/gmat-prepara ... ctice-GMAT

If you're as rusty in math as you think you are, you should definitely start prepping before taking a class as prep courses move quickly and you'll get a whole lot more out of it if you come in with a solid foundation. My advice is to stay away from any GMAT-specific material at first - go out and get some sort of basic algebra workbook so that you can refresh your memory. Also, get used to doing lots of mental math since the GMAT doesn't allow a calculator.

Good luck!

[wickely]

I agree with Jim. If you need that much math help, I honestly would not try to rush the GMAT but instead would focus on math overall. You're going to need to be much more comfortable with it before you go to b-school. Is there any rush to start school next fall? If there isn't (there usually isn't, other than the burning desire to get started as soon as you decide you want to go!) (been there, got the rejection letters to prove it!!), then put the GMAT on the back burner and take a math class at a local community college or university. If you were never that good at math to begin with, it's going to be hard to teach it to yourself. Seriously, not being a smartypants here. If you're not ready for the math when you take a prep course, you will get behind right away.

So try that if you can. You will probably be a lot happier with the end result, both for your GMAT and your application. If you push forward without being ready for it, it can backfire. I rushed my apps the first time I went through the process and blew it utterly. It's worth taking your time, even if you don't want to wait another year.

FWIW, Princeton Review had a math boot camp option with their course, but I would still focus just on the math before doing any GMAT course.