GMAT 2020

Question

Hi all,

Beginning with my GMAT prep. A brief guidance on the most preferred online/offline resources for:-
1. Quant - Understand that MGMAT is relatively better and more detailed with concepts
2. Verbal - e-gmat or any other ?
3. CR - Powerscore?

OG is a given so did not mention in the list. However, I just wanted to guage which resources are worth purchasing currently whether they are online or paperback books. Offline tutor is out of the question, since do not have the time for the same. Thus the query!!

Any help/guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. Since you're just starting out with your prep, you should first take an  official GMAT practice exam . The results of that exam will give you an idea of how far off you are from your score goal and a view of the road ahead.

Once you complete the exam, feel free to report back here, and I can provide some further advice. Also, check out some of the  success stories of past GMAT students  as well as reviews of  various GMAT prep courses  to see what prep materials have worked for other test-takers.

Lastly, you may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

About 6 months ago (back in November) you posted that you were going to begin your studies. Did you do any studying at that time or did you have to change your plans?

If you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

AbishekB · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC  and  ScottTargetTestPrep

Ive been evaluating/re-evaluating whether to take the GMAT or no for a while. Now, I have come to the conclusion to take the exam. A bit on my profile - I am already an MBA from one of the top 15 schools in India. Possess 5 yrs work ex. post MBA in the investment banking and PE space.

I have already taken one practice test test: 540 (Q39/V27). I understand its pretty much because of the fact that I literally fell short of time while reaching the last 10-12 questions in each sections. The format is new for me, thus taking some time. Need to brush up concepts and devise strategies accordingly. I have prepared for exams in the past while getting my MBA, so the process is not new to me. However, to begin with I have few issues of mine to deal with as follows:-
1. Get bogged down on one question till I find the right answer - time management
2. Refresh and clearly go through concepts/strategies - have the habit of doing everything in a hurried manner
I want to go about patiently, strategising properly for every section. Rather than going through 20 resources might want to go focus on a few books

Target score: 720+
Target schools: top 10 colleges globally, in asia - probably HKUST/NUS/INSEAD
Time period to study: 4-5 months. I have a busy schedule, long hours at work so need to strategise my time for the various sections followed by tests accordingly. I have gone through the forum in quite a bit of detail over the past few months, however since the gamut of resources available is quite big, thus thought of checking in so that I can narrow down a bit and start my prep immediately

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you can consistently study for the next 4-5 months, then you could potentially improve a great deal in this initial 540. That having been said, you will have to make some significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections - and since the 720+ Score is above the 90th percentile, clearly most GMATers never score that high (regardless of how long they study). This is meant to say that while your Study Plan will certainly need to include all of the necessary content/knowledge, you will ultimately need to focus on honing the necessary Tactical skills needed to earn that higher Score. Remember that the overall GMAT is NOT an "IQ Test"; it's a 'critical thinking test' that requires specific skills to score at the higher levels.

1) How long ago did you take that first practice CAT/mock?
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

AbishekB · Answer

I agree with what you said totally.

I took the test 4 days back. Besides, last time I prepared for competitive exam was pre my 1st MBA i.e. in 2012-13. Thus, indeed a lot work needs to be done in all the sections. With regards to timing, I guess on workdays 2-3 hrs can be taken out and on off days 5-8 hrs shouldnt be a problem.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them, then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

1) When you took that first practice CAT/mock, did you find any of the question types to be more challenging than the others? For example, how did you feel about DS in the Quant section or RC in the Verbal section?

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

AbishekB · Answer

Sure. My initial thoughts were Manhattan books for concepts, OG for questions, Powerscore for CR followed by tests. Any other specific suggestion?

I just took too much time on the 1st 6-8 questions in quant and too much time to go through the RC. Need to brush up quite thoroughly on concepts start practising.

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

From what you describe, your immediate study plan is 'book heavy'; unfortunately, many Test Takers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. There's no harm in starting off your studies in that fashion, but you'll likely end up needing to invest in some additional, non-book resources at some point. If you'd prefer to work with the study materials that you current have, then I suggest that you study as you like for the next 1-2 weeks, then take a new, FULL-LENGTH CAT - and make sure to take it in a realistic fashion (take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, take it away from your home, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, etc.). Once you have that score, you should report back here and we can discuss the results and how you might adjust your studies going forward.

To score at a high level on the GMAT, you have to have a variety of skills (more than just content knowledge) and the only way to properly assess whether you have those skills or not is to take FULL-LENGTH CATs under realistic conditions AND at regular intervals. Each CAT is a 'measuring device' - and will help to define some the 'weak spots' that you might need to work on - including pacing, endurance, focus, note-taking, stress, ability to 'let go' of a question, etc. If you're waiting until the 'end' of your studies to start taking CATs, then you'll have a lot less time to 'fix' any of those issues.

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

AbishekB · Answer

I am actually open to suggestions. I can move forward accordingly. Not too hell bent on the book heavy structure. So if you could let me know, it will be of great help.

Posted from my mobile device

EducationAisle · Answer

Hi Abishek, an extraordinary effort (in both Quant and Verbal) needs to go in, for you to bridge the gap between your current score and your target score. From your posts, it sees that you are willing to put in that kind of effort.

If you are wondering whether you should (or should not) go for structured classes, this blog might help you decide.

If you are wondering whether you  should  (or should  not ) go for structured classes,  this blog  might help you decide.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

I've sent you a PM with some additional notes and questions.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi AbishekB,

Did you have a chance to take a look at the links I sent you? Also, would you like some general advice on how to improve your verbal and quant skills?

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