GMAT Prep Planning.

Question

Hello Everyone,

I’m a novice to GMAT exam. I also have very less knowledge on QUANT and Verbal, so it would be waste for me to just directly give a mock Full test, which most of the people are saying help judging them where they stand.
I researched many Blogs and Found 2 interesting Preparation Approach.
1) Study Quant first, Give Assessment Exam, Track error and Improve on them. Next follows the same steps for Verbal too. After that Give Two Full assessment. AWA And IR can be focused in last 2 weeks prior to Exam. (One Topic at a time approach)
2) Start with Sample GMAT Assessment Exam. Check for the weak areas and try practicing couple of questions from various Guides and Sources for 2 weeks. Give another assessment test Check for error Log (repeat the same Procedure until 2 or more Mock test). (Test-Solve-Test Cycle approach)

So out of the two Plans which one will be more effective, Or should i try something else.
Also, is there any Starter Kit or something that can help be clear the basics (Level 0), After which I can move on to one of this 2 Plans.

My Study Plan: 2 hrs weekdays and 10 hrs for Weekend = Total of 20 hrs/Week.
Planning for Gmat Exam by Jan-2017.

Thanks in Advance...

Regards,
Arvind

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

HI Arvind,

When it comes to study materials and Study Plans, there are lots of different options to choose from. Rather than take an "all of one subject, then all of the other" approach, you would likely find it beneficial to do a mix of Quant AND Verbal each week. In that way, you'll be less likely to forget the subjects that you focused on in the early portion of your studies.

Taking FULL-LENGTH CATs (with the Essay and IR sections) is a remarkably important part of the study process - this includes taking a FULL CAT early on, so that you can gauge your natural skills, strengths and weaknesses. While many Test Takers don't do particularly well on that first CAT, that score is one that you'll build on, so you shouldn't be nervous about taking that CAT or too dismayed by the results.

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Rvnd90 · Answer

Thanks for your advice

. ->I'm looking for any nice business Schools in India that consider Gmat Score. My target is for 700+. i'll be applying by July-2017. ->So you're saying to give Full CAT at the start, But Can i just go with the basic concepts for 1 week and then give CAT. Wont that be helpful. -> For Study material I have Gmat OG 2016(Verbal & Quant). For verbal i'll be using Manhattan Verbal guide. Will this be enough. Also What would be the number of test that i need to give and within what interval ? -> Currently i'm working at a IT Company with 3+ work-exp, So i'm planning to study along with my work. (will manage 20 hrs/ Week) Regards, Arvind

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi Arvind,

Studying for just one section is never beneficial. You always run the risk on loosing touch with the other section.
Also, you should keep on giving mock CATs all throughout your preparation to keep a track of your progress.

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 preparatory companies including ours offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 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 Arvind,

If you'd like to do a little studying before taking your first CAT (to familiarize yourself with the question types and basic content), then that's fine, but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT.

When it comes to studying for the GMAT, there are lots of options. The 700+ score is the 90th percentile though - meaning that 90% of Test Takers either CAN'T or WON'T do what it takes to score at that level. Given that many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study plan end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level, you will likely end up needing more than just the books that you listed to score 700+. Taking FULL-LENGTH CATs (with the Essay and IR sections) at regular intervals is an essential part of the overall GMAT training process - you should plan to take a FULL CAT every 1-2 weeks during your studies - and you'll want to set aside enough time to do a full review of each CAT.

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

KarishmaB · Answer

Take the diagnostic test given in the OG first. You don't need to know anything about the two sections for that. It will give you an idea about where you stand right now. Then work on the little bit of theory discussed in OG and try a few questions. Once you understand the format of both the sections properly, take your first full length practice test. Thereafter decide how you want to prepare - whether some classes are required or self study would be sufficient. You do need to work on both Quant and Verbal simultaneously. One at a time usually doesn't work. You can devote more time to the section in which you are weak, comparatively. You should run through the entire curriculum of a test prep company until and unless you are already at 700+level. Thereafter, practice questions, take weekly full length tests and review weaknesses on a regular basis. Here is the link to our free practice test: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/free-g ... tice-test/

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Arvind,

I realize that you are just beginning your GMAT prep; however, the results of a practice GMAT will provide a baseline score and give you the valuable information you need to determine how far away you are from your goal score. If you want to do some basic refreshing, that’s fine, but soon thereafter you may consider taking a free  MBA.com practice exam .

I also welcome you to take my free  37-question quant diagnostic . After completing the diagnostic, you’ll be provided with a detailed analysis of your proficiency level on GMAT quant topics as well as an opportunity to discuss your diagnostic results and GMAT plan with me or another TTP instructor/coach.

In regard to how to study for the exam, you must remember that the GMAT is such a challenging exam because there are relatively few questions asked in a given exam, yet those questions come from a huge topic pool. Thus, the best way to get a great GMAT score is to have a thorough understanding of all the topics that may be tested on the exam. To develop such mastery, you want to strive for linear and targeted learning and follow that with focused practice. In other words, you want to master one topic before you move to the next.

For example, if you are learning about Number Properties you want to make sure you learn everything possible about that topic: LCM, GCF, prime factors, divisibility, remainders, etc. After that, be sure to practice a lot of questions (50 or more) just on Number Properties. The results of that practice will help you to determine how well you have mastered that topic. Although this is just one example, you would want to follow this process for all sections tested on the GMAT. With that said, you may find it more helpful to study quant and verbal in the same week, rather than studying quant one week and verbal the next. For instance, if you are studying 20 hours a week, break up the week into 10 hours for quant prep and 10 for verbal.

If you find that the books you are using do not provide for this type of focused learning and practice you may consider some more robust study material(s), such as an online self-study course.

Feel free to reach out with any further questions.

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