Hi all. I finished my second attempt of GMAT a few days ago and want to share my experiences. Hope it will be valuable to someone, as it was for me when I was preparing.
Just a little background about myself: bachelors in Management, not a very strong quant background, English is my second language. Working full time.
Since I did not have much time to study on my own, I decided to follow a structured plan to take exam 3-4 months later. I have found out about EmpowerGMAT through my friend (scored 680 with only 1 month, 2 of which she had to work full time). I have taken trial versions of different prep companies before finally deciding on one. Two things that I really liked about Empower when choosing prep company: 1. GMAT is also a mental exam, and they prepare you for that as well. 2. They do not spend crazy amount of time to teach you questions that might not even appear/appear only once/do not matter to your score. EmpowerGMAT is a very efficient way to study.
So my journey took around 4 months. I have taken 3 months study plan of EmpowerGMAT and followed it. My first attempt was not good - 590, V27. None of my practises so bad. So I knew I can score much higher. The reason for that is I got too tired on a test day... I did too much study the week before. You should only do some light preparation. and thanks to advices of EmpowerGMAT I have regifted for my second attempt on 8 Feb and scored 710 (Q48,V38). I could not believe my score as no one of CATs was higher than 680. What helped me? I think a bit of luck for sure, AND EMPOWERgmat tactics.
Why EMPOWERgmat is amazing:
1. Structured plans to follow.
2. Access to Official CATs.
3. AMAZING QUANT tactics. This is where I have to explain a little more. Their approach to quant problems is unique. I do not have a strong quant background, and they will teach you how to attack questions that matter. I have triaged 2 questions with CRAZY set ups and that helped me to spend time on questions that will actually boost my score. If EmpowerGMAT tells you the question does not matter - it really does not.
4. RC and CR tactics are great. They really improve your comprehension. There are many answers that make sense, but you have to answer the correct question and EMPOWERgmat tactics teaches you that. for RC, try to also read more from other sources following the advice from EMPOWERgmat.
5. The other advices they give you really work (posture, study time, general tactics). GMAT is also a mental exam. Preparing for it is not easy and they understand that. They give you advices for mental preparation and how to behave on a test day so that you can have a great score.
6. Amazing customer support on emails. They will reply within a day with any question you may have. Their approach is truly customised.
7. Their time management is great. For my first attempt I did not follow their tips (my bad....) Some questions will take less than 1 minutes. Some questions that you have to get - takes 2-3 minutes.
Some additional tips:
1. Practise, practise, practise. I have done
OG 2-3 times. Redoing the questions is important and that is what EMPOWERgmat teaches you as well. Quantity of the questions does not matter as much as quality of your study and review process.
2. GMATclub forum is amazing. For my second attempt I wanted to know more Number properties and that is where I learned them. I have done 20-30 questions for each topic for PS and DS. Bunuel posts are great also.
3. Use mistakes tracker. EmpowerGMAT's one is really good. Come back to those questions you failed (from CAT's or
Official guide).
4. Use ear plugs on a test day. It really helped me to focus. Practise it when studying and doing CATs. They will give you ear plugs there.
5. Do the CATs in the simulated time and space. Also wear your face mask if it is required by your test center.