I've been intending to take the GMAT for the past 12 months, but have consistently delayed my test date due to irregularities at work, personal cicumstances, etc. I've finally resolved to buckle down and register for the exam in mid-April - a date that I intend to stick to this time around.
As I work a pretty demanding job, I am struggling to make sufficient study time during the week. I've registered for
MGMAT's online course, and - as anybody who's taken it will know - the work load is greuling. I'm struggling to get through the content and
OG problems each week, which leads to a downward spiral of falling behind, having to catch-up and consequently falling behind the next week.
Has anyone had a similar experience? I'd be particuarly interested in hearing from those that faced their GMAT prep under similar circumstances, wasn't a "natural" GMAT taker and managed to improve their score to the mythical 700+. (Note: my baseline score is 670, though this is from a CAT I took last June after 3-4 weeks of self-study!)
In the meantime, here is my proposed way of managing my time for the next 12 weeks:
Weeks 1-7Start earlier: as my evenings are unpredictable, the only solution (however unpleasant) is to get up 1.5 hours earlier for un-interrupted study time during the week.
Focus on content: complete all
MGMAT study guides, attend weekly courses and attempt basic
OG problems.
Facilitate quick content review: rather than taking copious notes, I'll scrap my awkward notebook in favour of punchy index cards (with one concept per card) - these can be reviewed on the way to/from work.
Bi-weekely CAT exams to track progress and identify weak areas.
Weeks 8-12Focus on advanced content: complete
advanced quant topics in
MGMAT guides and work all difficult
OG problems.
Review "basic" mistakes: re-work all incorrect
OG problems attempted in weeks 1-7.
Weekly CAT exams to ensure comfort with test format.
Sound sensible? Any suggestions?