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Make the most of your break with the most realistic GMAT™ prep. Take up to $700 off select products.
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In Episode 4 of our GMAT Ninja CR series, we tackle the most intimidating CR question type: Boldface & "Legalese" questions. If you've ever stared at an answer choice that reads, "The first is a consideration introduced to counter a position that...- May 14
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Most GMAT test-takers are intimidated by the hardest GMAT Verbal questions. In this session, Target Test Prep GMAT instructor Erika Tyler-John, a 100th percentile GMAT scorer, will show you how top scorers break down challenging Verbal questions..
22 Apr 2014, 17:05
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi All,
I'm planning on taking the GMAT for the first time in August and was hoping to receive a critique of my study plan before I start.
I used the GMAT Study Plan as a guideline on how to approach my studying. I've outlined my plan below. I know that my verbal and critical reasoning will need a lot of work. My background is in Finance and I am generally looking at spreadsheets all day. I can't remember the last time I had to write an email longer than 10 sentences. I took a look at the GMAT recommended book list and decided to purchase either the MGMAT Verbal or Kaplan Verbal book.
Below is a brief overview of my study plan for the next 3 months.
Month 1: Math
- Take 1st GMAT Prep Exam and identify weaknesses
- Start with Math section (strongest). I was thinking about using the MGMAT books and official GMAT review as they were highly recommended on this site
- Take Math practice tests bi-weekly to gauge strengths and weaknesses
Month 2: Verbal and Critical Reasoning
- I was thinking about taking 2.5 months for the section as it will definitely be my weakest area. I've already started reading a lot over the last 2 years in preparation for this exam.
- First main focus will be on sentence structure and correction
- I'm looking at the MGMAT books and official GMAT review book for this portion of the test as well
Month 3: Practice Exams
- My thoughts for month 3 was to focus entirely on timing and practice exams.
I can offer about 1-2 hours a day during the weekdays and 8-10 hours on the weekends. I typically work 50-60 hour work weeks, however I might be able to do some review during down time at the office. One of my main concerns is stamina and being able to put in the hours during busy periods. I figured the only way around this is through strict self discipline.
I'm open to any comments or suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm planning on taking the GMAT for the first time in August and was hoping to receive a critique of my study plan before I start.
I used the GMAT Study Plan as a guideline on how to approach my studying. I've outlined my plan below. I know that my verbal and critical reasoning will need a lot of work. My background is in Finance and I am generally looking at spreadsheets all day. I can't remember the last time I had to write an email longer than 10 sentences. I took a look at the GMAT recommended book list and decided to purchase either the MGMAT Verbal or Kaplan Verbal book.
Below is a brief overview of my study plan for the next 3 months.
Month 1: Math
- Take 1st GMAT Prep Exam and identify weaknesses
- Start with Math section (strongest). I was thinking about using the MGMAT books and official GMAT review as they were highly recommended on this site
- Take Math practice tests bi-weekly to gauge strengths and weaknesses
Month 2: Verbal and Critical Reasoning
- I was thinking about taking 2.5 months for the section as it will definitely be my weakest area. I've already started reading a lot over the last 2 years in preparation for this exam.
- First main focus will be on sentence structure and correction
- I'm looking at the MGMAT books and official GMAT review book for this portion of the test as well
Month 3: Practice Exams
- My thoughts for month 3 was to focus entirely on timing and practice exams.
I can offer about 1-2 hours a day during the weekdays and 8-10 hours on the weekends. I typically work 50-60 hour work weeks, however I might be able to do some review during down time at the office. One of my main concerns is stamina and being able to put in the hours during busy periods. I figured the only way around this is through strict self discipline.
I'm open to any comments or suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help.
23 Apr 2014, 09:32
Kudos
Bookmarks
You are clearly dedicated to succeeding on the test and open to feedback - two great qualities for beginning GMAT prep. Here are my thoughts on your study plan:
I'd recommend using the MGMAT Verbal books instead of the Kaplan Verbal book. They are more in depth and if you believe Verbal is a weakness, you want to have the best resources available.
I see that you have this listed out as the first thing to do in your prep, but you should take the first GMATPrep CAT to determine your starting score and relative strengths and weaknesses. THEN you will really be able to plan out your prep.
I recommend either starting with Verbal (as it tends to take longer to improve on than Quant and it is likely to be your weakness) or learning the strategies for both sections simultaneously. It can be tough to maintain your Quant skills if you work on them for the first month and then focus almost entirely on verbal for several months.
Build in timing pressures throughout your prep. Obviously, as you are learning the strategies for a certain Topic, don't push yourself on speed. But do regularly work problem sets with the pressures of the official test built in. This is really helpful for learning pacing.
Its important to focus on quality prep, along with quantity. You are better off putting in 5-6 great hours on each weekend day than trying to hit 8-10 hours of prep. About 6 hours is all most people can prep and effectively absorb.
Finally, I've written a guide to self-study that you might want to check out: GMAT Clarity (amazon link). It provides a lot of guidance that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Best of luck with your prep! Please let me know if I can help.
I'd recommend using the MGMAT Verbal books instead of the Kaplan Verbal book. They are more in depth and if you believe Verbal is a weakness, you want to have the best resources available.
I see that you have this listed out as the first thing to do in your prep, but you should take the first GMATPrep CAT to determine your starting score and relative strengths and weaknesses. THEN you will really be able to plan out your prep.
I recommend either starting with Verbal (as it tends to take longer to improve on than Quant and it is likely to be your weakness) or learning the strategies for both sections simultaneously. It can be tough to maintain your Quant skills if you work on them for the first month and then focus almost entirely on verbal for several months.
Build in timing pressures throughout your prep. Obviously, as you are learning the strategies for a certain Topic, don't push yourself on speed. But do regularly work problem sets with the pressures of the official test built in. This is really helpful for learning pacing.
Its important to focus on quality prep, along with quantity. You are better off putting in 5-6 great hours on each weekend day than trying to hit 8-10 hours of prep. About 6 hours is all most people can prep and effectively absorb.
Finally, I've written a guide to self-study that you might want to check out: GMAT Clarity (amazon link). It provides a lot of guidance that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Best of luck with your prep! Please let me know if I can help.
24 Apr 2014, 08:10
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thanks, Thomas!
I'll look into the MGMAT Verbal books.
I want to take the GMATPrep CAT this weekend. I could technically take it anytime this week however I'd like to be well rested and have a clear mind to truly gauge my strengths and weaknesses. I'll tweak my prep plan based on these results.
Thanks again!
I'll look into the MGMAT Verbal books.
I want to take the GMATPrep CAT this weekend. I could technically take it anytime this week however I'd like to be well rested and have a clear mind to truly gauge my strengths and weaknesses. I'll tweak my prep plan based on these results.
Thanks again!
