When should I take the GMAT?

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finicky16: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 2; Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2011 12:26 pm

by finicky16 » Tue May 01, 2012 9:59 am

I am a business graduate (BBA) from India and I passed out a month ago. I am planning to apply (probably) for the class of 2016 and will be applying around August in 2013. I am yet to start my preparation for the GMAT.

1) So how long does it take (on an average) to prepare for the GMAT?
2) Considering my application timeline, when should I ideally give GMAT?
3) Should I start narrowing universities before or after my GMAT?

And most important

4) Is it possible to get a good GMAT score (say above 730) only through self study without going for any classes whatsoever?

Thanks!

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Tue May 01, 2012 9:59 am

myEssayReview: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 341; Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:55 amFollowed by: 10 members; Location: Phoenix, Arizona; Thanked: 63 times

by myEssayReview » Tue May 01, 2012 9:07 pm

I would say give yourself at least at least six months before you apply.

1.For a decent score, you would need 3-4 months for your GMAT and another 3 months for the application process- resume, recommendation letters, and essays etc.

2.You can take the GMAT when ever you are ready - six months before you plan to apply.

3. You may begin narrowing universities after GMAT.

4. As for 730+ GMAT score, it is advisable to take extra help ( in-person classes or online coaching)

And most importantly, you need 2-3 years of work experience which will not be possible if you plan to apply in the Fall of 2013.

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Tue May 01, 2012 10:52 pm

Hey,
I agree with Myessay that about 3-4 months is about right for GMAT Prep.

As for when to take the GMAT, Ideal is to have your test score by May of the year that you want to apply at the latest (in an ideal situation of course!

) Because this gives you another month and a half to retake the test should you not get the score you are seeking. Then come mid-June you are going to want to start working on the essays which will begin to be released about then. That is more or less an ideal schedule. And in the meanwhile you should at least research the universities that interest you. It's maybe a bit early to start thinking about strategy, but at least you can get know the schools and the programs and start thinking about where you want to apply, and where you might fit.

And yes, you CAN get a 730 without a course, but most people do better with one. Depends on you, how good a test taker you are, how disciplined, etc. But still a course can be very helpful.

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