GMAT preparatory guidance

Question

Hello Guys,
 I'm Sreeni, who plan to do an MBA abroad, and just started my GMAT preparations. I have doubts on where to get the guidance to crack the GMAT score 730+. I attended a free test coldly and scored 360. As I said before, I need to push the score. So, anybody can suggest me some books and subscriptions which are best, and also affordable. 
 Any guidance from anyone will be much helpful and appreciated, since I'm a beginner.

Best
Sreeninvasa Chakravarthy

GMATinsight · Answer

Hi SChakravarthy You target score (730+) is too far from current score (360) so you need to prepare a sound strategy to work on your weak areas first Which reminds me of "Weak Areas"

You didn't mention whether you could identify what your weak areas are? How much time do you plan to invest in perp? (Ideally it should be between 3-4 months in cases like yours) What are your strong areas (Quant or Verbal or None or both)? For Quant I can suggest you a refresher course which is detailed and is in modular form which will suit best to your requirement as you need to focus on each module instead of focussing on each unit. CHeck the links below And yes, don't forget to watch videos on youtube from OG playlist as those questions would give you an idea of how to handle some easy level questions to begin with. For any expert help, you may reach out to me personally if you want. We have had plenty of cases who made an enormous jump in their score as you aspire. BEST On-Demand QUANT Course: Topicwise Modules | 2000+Qns | Official Qns. | 100% Video solution . Two MUST join YouTube channels : GMATinsight (1000+ FREE Videos) and GMATclub

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Getting familiar with the fundamentals is probably a first step.

To get a flavour of what to learn, consider checking out the gmatclub in-house math guide:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-math-book-87417.html

Here is a blog with some suggestions/tips for the GMAT:

https://www.gmatknight.com/blog

SalahT · Answer

Read this guide to get started  https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-plan-217827.html

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi SChakravarthy,

I'm glad you reached out, and I'm happy to help. Regarding prep courses, in addition to seeking advice in this thread, take a look at the GMAT Club reviews for  the best quant  and  verbal courses , and also read through some  GMAT success stories  to see what materials have worked well for other test-takers.

Also, would you like some general advice on how to improve your verbal and quant skills?

You also may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

Good luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Sreeninvasa,

Many GMATers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but you really shouldn't be. That 360 is just a measure of your skills right now - and you'll improve on that result over time as you learn more about the content, Tactics and little 'secrets' of the Exam. That having been said, you will have to hone a number of different skills to get to the point that you can consistently score 730+ (and that training will take some time).

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how your timeline and your goals:

1) What study materials do you currently have access to? What “brand” of CATs/mocks did you recently take?
2) Did you finish all of the sections of this initial CAT or did you leave any questions unanswered? If you had to 'rush' to finish any of the sections, then approximately how many questions did you rush through? 
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

760+: What GMAT Assassins Do To Score at the Highest Levels

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

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

Hi SChakravarthy

At the outset, we are glad you have taken a test and now you know that you need to work on concept gaps first, close them and move ahead to build on the advance level prep.

When it comes to resources, pls ensure the following:-

(1) Complete the official Guide and analyze the errors you make. There is always a pattern to GMAT errors and once you have identified them start working on them to close them. For example, you may be repeatedly making errors of concepts indicating conceptual gaps. You may be making errors of breaking down the question stem or analyzing questions. You may then have to practice more of such questions to close the gap. Either ways please ensure an active error log to close the errors.

(2)Though not mandatory but you may add QR/VR(Quant & Verbal Review) to your practice and close your GMAT essential application gaps.

(3)Once you have created a foundation, you may think of using the Advanced Questions and build up on a 700+ score from the Advance Doc.

(4)Take official mocks to gauge your standing and retain at least 1/2 of them for a reattempt if necessary.

You may also visit the following link to check out our free resources https://www.crackverbal.com/resources/

Plan your prep well, study with focus and make sure you ace the test in one attempt!

Also ensure atleast 1 break day in a 7 day test prep to unwind. Shutting down the system is as important as working.

And feel free to connect with us for any disclarity.

All the best!

D.S
GMAT SME

And feel free to connect with us for any disclarity. All the best!

D.S GMAT SME

MathRevolution · Answer

Hello Sreeni,

Welcome to the GMAT club. It is one of the great platforms to get information about the GMAT official test, Study plan, Section wise instructions, and many more. You are recommended to visit various posts and utilize this forum in the best efficient way.

Learning is a continuous process, and it shines with practice. Math is a very tricky subject that is easy to understand and difficult to apply.

Success in GMAT Math is entirely based on vital concepts, rigorous practice, complete knowledge of math question types and patterns, quick approaches, and time management.

You can schedule a Counseling(https://calendly.com/mathrevolution/1-on-1-session) session for 30 mins with one of our experts to have detailed advice on your current study plans.

A score of 360 in the cold mock test is far indeed from the target score. It is all about raising 350+ pointers. We would like to recommend specific vital points which will be helpful. Both Quant and Verbal sections have to be taken care of simultaneously. To improve, you will require consistent learning and practice. Also, keep your motivation high to learn.

Since we are a math experts, we will recommend you go through our post on the GMAT club, which gives a complete Breakdown of GMAT math questions and types: https://gmatclub.com/forum/overview-of-gmat-math-question-types-and-patterns-on-the-gmat-211809.html#p1641411

Also, make a note of various possible combinations to achieve your target score. The possible scores will help you track your performance after taking the mock or practice test. It will also help you maintain balance in both the sections, and you will always be in a great position to allot the study hours to a specific area accordingly.

After visiting the post, now is the time to start with the basics. To strengthen the basic concept on various topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems, you may refer to many free materials available in GMAT Club. Our website also helps strengthen the necessary "skills of math”.

Solve as many questions as you can relate to different topics, and it is recommended that you try to connect with many proven experts. You can visit the Math Revolution and get access to our 7-day full on-demand course (27 topics, 490 subtopics, and 1,500 questions) for free trial lessons.

While concept learning, try solving 600 level questions by topic and be habitual of creating the error log. Prepare a list of all the doubts you face during solving and practicing questions. This practice will help you assess the topics in which you need more time to prepare. After solving as many questions as possible, take the 1st mock test and assess your performance. You may try our free diagnostic test once. Let some experts evaluate it to make you understand it better.

Continue the process with 650+ level by topic and then 700+ level questions by topic. The entire mock test should be completed in a disciplinary manner. Since this is a bit long journey, 1-on -1 tutoring can also be helpful to shorten the study period if your study budget is affordable.

Regular tests will reflect the positive change in the score, and hence, your confidence will boost up. Gradually, with the help of mock tests, you will be able to compete with time and hence will be able to learn time management.

We appreciate your time and patience in reading this reply.
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can reach us at [email protected].

Success is within your reach.

Good luck!
Math Revolution Team

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

Hi Sreeni,

Lots of good advice here already but I'd add one thing: Make sure you keep an equal focus on your GMAT Test Taking Skills as on your study of core content in quant and verbal.

Depending on how long you want to spend prepping, you might want to reach out to a coach who can provide. guided self study program that continually assesses your progress in live practice test assessments.

That will ensure you don't face the problem that many test takers face: 20% study time effectiveness. ie. gaining only 2 hrs of effective study towards your target score for each 10 hours of study time spent.

Not ideal right?

Reach out if you want more personalized guidance.

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