Choice between working with more time or no with less time

Question

I am in no rush to take the GMAT. I need to work for the next 2-3 years before I apply B-schools. I was just curious on what you guys think my best option is, take the test soon or study at a steady pace while working. As of right now I am in the process of finishing up my math studies but I am realizing that while I'm doing really well maybe practicing over a longer period of time could help me a lot more and maybe I should just get a job and study slowly and steadily. The situation right now is that my rents covered until the end of October so if I don't work and only study, then I'd have to take the test before October 15 , and I was wondering if you guys think it would be better to just study hard and take the test by October or delay my GMAT and study slowly over the next year or so (whenever I know I'm ready. Thanks

cecelia · Answer

I too have a similar situation.The posted guidelines detail a three month study plan. I fared excellent on the verbal prep S/C and C/R with help from some great downloads found in the forum section. But I have had more difficulty with the maths this has slowed my development considerably. Realistically I know I will most likely need to take instruction at a lesser level. I am testing out on the third to bring myself up to par before attempting the challenge.My strength is verbal.Yet I am not discouraged The wealth of support and information gained here keeps me focused. My interest is a degree in Arts with a focus on communication in Hotel Management. I have set a goal of six months for the GMAT as I feel it enhances my academic options and benefits me immutably showing me my strengths and weaknesses. The added instruction tips and insights serve as a major catalyst to understanding and expose me to different thought processes. Set goal time frame for your pre-pre prep. Though I may not be Harvard I am dedicated to a lifetime of learning and the GMAT is a personal quest metric that I feel strongly about.

anhnguyen990 · Answer

The advantage to taking it soon is that your academics will be more fresh than if you were studying slowly while working. If i were you i would just get it out of the way before work gets too stressful.

BM · Answer

The first thing to do is take a diagnostic test from GMATPrep and mimic test conditions as much as possible. This will tell you where you stand. If you consider your score respectable, then by all means go for it!

Another thing to consider is that GMAT burnout sets in usually around the sixth month. I have come across a few accounts of people studying for one year and then performing poorly on the test. And at that point it's nearly impossible for these individuals to rebound and retake. Mentally and emotionally drained, they simply have no energy left. This is a very real possibility for anyone who overextends their studies.

Another problem is that with a "one year" mentality, you may become lackadaisical and passive about your studies. You need to be determined, focused, and energized. Very few can do so for a whole year.

I'm leaning toward the October plan. Also, you will probably start to wind down your GMAT preparation during the last two weeks, so you can balance work and study at the same time. In other words, I think that you could extend your study schedule to early November and be fine.

But, in the end, it all depends on you. Whichever path you choose, here are some books and other resources that you will need for a top score:

1.  QUANT :  All five Manhattan math books.
 2.  VERBAL :  Powerscore CR, Manhattan SC.
 3.  QUESTIONS   OG Verbal, OG Quant, OG 12th Edition, GMATClub Tests.
 4.  PRACTICE TESTS :  GMATPrep, Manhattan online tests.

bb · Answer

I agree with Bmillan01 - stretching your studies over a long time (longer than 6 months) is not effective. Think of it as a sporting competition - you can't spend a long time leisurely preparing. It has to be intense for a good result. By default we forget things (built in protection from going nuts) and you will forget a lot of what you have learned 3-4 months ago unless you constantly refresh and stay on it. Also, much harder to keep the commitment.

YOu are welcome to do whatever you want but I would recommend against it.

YOu are welcome to do whatever you want but I would recommend against it.

BM · Answer

Just a quick addition. If you think that all five MGMAT books will be too much for your schedule, another option is to combine the MGMAT Number Properties with the Kaplan Math Workbook. This is a fairly common combination.

Jayanth2689 · Answer

This is just the topic i was searching for..what about people who work and study for gmat at the same time? Frankly speaking if i prepare according to the 3 month study plan i might get anywhere between 650 to 700..but what abt 750 plus? i was thinking of having a 6 to 7 month study plan (Looong..i know)..but at the end of the day if im able to get a 750plus score..would that not make my day?? Im asking this cos i want to have a realistic target..and not blow the $250 just because i had a lot of time to spend on the gmat..

Suvorov · Answer

I decided to work first. Sure, the study pace is fairly slow when working (really depends on profession, but it is rather slow for me), but I can allocate a certain subset of my free time and keep a schedule. At this rate, for me, its quality over quantity.

I couldn't do it in three months, just not enough time when you only can study ~1-2 hours per day and on weekends.

I got myself all of the MGMAT guides, Powerscore LR bible, OG12 and verbal/math review + untold amount of LSAT LR/RC questions.

So far with my abysmal schedule I can do 1 MGMAT guide per about 2.5 weeks. Including reading the guide and doing every single question/going over it. So far so good.

p.s.

Not much time for social time left...

Bradrs24 · Answer

Thanks for all the responses, they've helped. It's a tough call but what scares me is finishing the GMAT in October but it taking me 2 to 3 months to find a job that will actually help build my resume. The job market in Las Vegas is horrible and I really don't want to have a job that's worthless for my resume but pays the bills (even if I can get one of those). I think I'll be done with math in the next week (perfecting combinatorics/ going over error-log) but that still leaves 1 month for Verbal and 1 to 1 to 1 and 1/2 months to perfect everything, take tests, go over GMAT club tests, etc.

Right now I'm inclined to take the first decent job that comes my way unless it comes 2-3 weeks before my test date.

Or

Do you think it is in my best interest to just wait on the job, take the risk of passing up on possible jobs that may not be available in October, and just focus on studying and taking the test?

Right now I'm inclined to take the first decent job that comes my way unless it comes 2-3 weeks before my test date.

Or

Do you think it is in my best interest to just wait on the job, take the risk of passing up on possible jobs that may not be available in October, and just focus on studying and taking the test?

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Choice between working with more time or no with less time

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards