Hi bb, Hi Everyone,
I just joined GMAT Club after reading your reviews of
the Official Guide for GMAT on Amazon.
I'm planning to take the GMAT in late November this year.
After reading the study schedule guide posted here, I realized that I have less than 3 months to study.
This will be my first time taking the GMAT and I'm quite worried that I won't get a good score. I am aiming for 700+.
My Background:It's been awhile since I've graduated from college. I have a B.A. from a "top-ten" university in History and a M.A. from another well-known college in Information Systems Management.
My Strengths and Weaknesses:My stronger area is probably in Math, but my weakness is in test-taking. I have trouble with taking timed tests. I take too long to think about each problem and waste a lot of time re-reading the problem or just writing out my calculations. I also have trouble concentrating on the problems after about an hour (either from boredom, distraction, or frustration). As for Sentence Completion and Reading Comprehension, I feel a bit overwhelmed because there seem to be so many study guides out on the market. I think I can write a good essay since I'm a native English speaker, but I tend to think that essays are subjectively scored rather than objectively scored -- such as math scores.
My Goal is to Join the 700+ Club!I would like to know if I stand a chance at 700+ on my first try. I'm able to study 5-8 hours a day, 7 days a week (I know that sounds drastic but I'm hardcore and I'm willing to do what is necessary!). I only work part-time at the moment, and I am also taking a finite mathematics course at a community college (to brush up on my math skills), so I've got tons of time during the day and on weekends. I'm the type who feels motivated to study when there are other people studying around me.
I've already purchased the following books:-
The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th edition (I know the 12th ed. is out, but I bought this book last year)
-
Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction, Guide 8, 4th edition (I've started reading Chapter 2 today)
-
Manhattan GMAT Reading Comprehension, Guide 7, 4h edition (haven't started yet)
- EZ Solutions Math Practice Advanced Workbook
- Any other books that you'd suggest for me to use within a 2 month study period?
In addition, I am reading The Economist every week to hone my reading comprehension, vocabulary, and "business-speak" skills.
I am also thinking of taking a
Manhattan GMAT Online GMAT course. Do you think it is worth it (for someone in my situation with only 2 months but plenty of time in the day) to take a course like this? If anyone here has had experience taking a course with
MGMAT in person or online, could you please share some of your experiences? Was it a good investment? How much of an increase in score were you able to obtain?
I realize that many of my questions have probably already been answered on this forum. I just joined and started reading all the posts - my apologies if I sound redundant.
I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks!
700+ Bound...
bambie