My GMAT Journal :: Exam Date - October 19, 2012

07/15/12 Update: No excuses. I lost track of all of my responsibilities. Here's one tip, though. If you want to succeed, you'll have to plan life around the GMAT and not the other way around. Restarting my plan today. 14 weeks until my 10/19/12 exam.

08/14/12 Update: Guys, I'll have to stop posting right. If anyone cares, I'm doing pretty well on my practice exams (breaking 600). With two months left, I feel comfortable aiming for 700+. I've also subscribed to Magoosh so I will leave a thorough feedback for everyone to observe. I'll make sure to leave a thorough feedback on my GMAT experience immediately afterward. Wish everyone luck.

The purpose of this post is to document my weekly goals and to hold myself accountable for my plan. Furthermore, I hope that this eventually becomes a resource for those who want to figure out an 12-15 week plan.

Hours: 2-3 hours per weekday, 10-15 hours per weekend.
Application: Looking for 1st and 2nd RD applications this year depending on GMAT.

Week 1: 07/15-07/21
Goals: FDP and RC Strategy Guides
CAT Results: N/A
Notes: FDP taken care of pretty quickly. I haven't started RC as scheduled so will have to take some time off of work to get through it in addition to my Week 2's study plan. Also purchased "Your MBA Game Plan 3rd Edition" (finished in one night) and "Great Application Essays for Business School" to facilitate my application process. I'll do a full review for these later. The MBA Game Plan was good, but the Great Application Essays is easily the best thing I've done for myself the past few months. Get it!!!
Tips: Print out the common FDP Equivalents (pg. 66 in the Study Guide) and memorize the numbers.

Week 2: 07/22-07/28
Goals: RC and NP Strategy Guides, GC QOTD problems
Notes: Finished the GAE book. GB QOTD problems definitely provide a nice way to practice concepts.
Tips: I'm having a really tough time getting enough sleep. I know that I'll have to give up some extracurricular activities. Remember, you have to centralize your focus on the GMAT and plan everything else around the test. This is a tough experience and I would highly recommend any potential MBA applicant to take care of the exam way ahead of the time. I'm doing my exam and applications at the same time and it's definitely a time strenuous process. Start early!

Week 3: 07/29-08/04
Goals: Catchup and work more practice problems on FDP, RC, and NP. 1 CAT Exam (Q/V only)
CAT Results: MGMAT Q42, haven't completed verbal
Notes: I have to make a 4 day out of town trip to pick up my mother. Regardless, I'll find time to catch up and get another CAT in.
Tips: I couldn't sit through an entire practice exam. Don't underestimate the endurance and agility required to remain focused throughout the exam.

Week 4: 08/05-08/11
Goals: Catchup. 1 CAT Exam (Q/V only), clear out my inbox of all GC QOTD questions
CAT Results:
Notes: The mother is staying with me so I'm going to take it slow this week.
Tips: While focusing on the GMAT is important, do not forget to treat your body well. Eat good foods, stay away from junk, and exercise when you have the time.