Cracking the GMAT: did you read it?

Question

Hi everyone, I have to take both GMAT and TOEFL :cry:

Casually, I bought the "Official Guide 2016" for the GMAT and "Cracking the TOEFL 2016" for the TOEFL. I'm studying them simultaneously but as the time passes...I'm always surer that the way is structured "Cracking the TOEFL" is 100 times helpful the way of the "Official Guide" of the GMAT :roll:

: the TOEFL book gives me a lot of strategy for getting by even when I'm totally unsure of the topic, while the official guide totally lacks of strategies. The main problem is in math exercise: I can solve most of the problem, but I need 4 minutes minimum for them and in many questions I realize I can't face them in the right way. In a nutshell I believe it's time for me for STRATEGY. Do you believe I should follow the "Cracking the GMAT", as I get along with it with the TOEFL? Has anyone tried it? I wonder if it will REALLY give me some TIP and STRATEGY, unlike the Official Guide. Thank you!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi vignuol,

The Official Guide is not a study guide and does not teach you fundamentals. You need to have a preparatory course/book for that.
You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the prep companies including ours offer a free trial of the course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits you.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides too and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vignuol,

Trying to study for 2 Tests at the same time can be difficult, so you might want to focus on just one for right now (working on the TOEFL first would likely help you to perform better when you study for the GMAT later).

1) Do you have an Official Test Date for either Exam?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

vignuol · Answer

Yes EMPOWER, it's about a month I've decided to study only the TOEFL. I'm going to take it on February 20th.
I hope to feel prepared for the GMAT and to take it within the end of March. 
Business application: August 2016

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vignuol,

If your application deadlines are not until August of this year, then you should absolutely focus on ONE Test at a time. Since your TOEFL is in 12 days, THAT Test should be your priority for now. If you can 'lock in' a strong score for that Exam, then you can spend months of proper study time on the GMAT. You will likely need MORE time than you've allotted for the GMAT though.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

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