GMAT Study Plan

Question

Hi Everyone,

This is the first time I am using this forum and I hope to find it very useful in my preparation for the GMAT. I'm in the process of putting together a study schedule for the GMAT. I have the following books:

(1) Kaplan GMAT w/CD
(2) Kaplan 800
(3) Official Guide

I plan to study for about 2 1/2 months by first working through the Kaplan GMAT with CD and the intermingling the Kaplan 800, Official Guide, and practice tests. 

Do you guys feel that any other books will be of additional help? I've seen some people use the Verbal and Math Workbooks by Kaplan -- not sure how good these are, but I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

maybeanoop · Answer

I think the OG and Kaplan combination is the best. But even I have doubt as to what all kaplan books should one read.
There are so many -
Kaplan 2005 with CD
Kaplan workbook
Kaplan 800
Kaplan verbal,etc

Given short timeframe for preparation, it would not be a good idea to duplicate effort.

Paul · Answer

From my own experience, OG, Kaplan CD and Kaplan800 would be a good set. Forget about the other Kaplan spin-off products for now. Besides that, you could buy PR2005+CD if you'd like. Last but not least, practice a lot from this forum

chihao · Answer

Paul, I don't think that Kaplan is good for preparing GMAT because its question is a little different from real questions out of ETS. So, I think OG is only materials for preparing GMAT. After all, OG is produced by ETS.

bozo190101 · Answer

Paul, 

I agree with you that this forum will be the best practise. here are key problems I am still facing. 

1. Nailing the timing for Quants. I take longer for DS problems. I think I know the problems and have practise but I still get problems wrong and am not upto the 700 plus mark. What are the steps I should take. Something isn't working for sure. 
2. Verbal: Strangely I have only 2/3 errors when i practise OG but on the computer I mess up more and take longer. Written I finish 12 minutes ago..don't know how that can be corrected. 


Your input would be greatly appreciated. 
Thanks

HongHu · Answer

Depending on how much time you have for the preparation. If you have three months, I don't think OG only is a good strategy. In fact I would start from the other materials, and leave OG to the later stage when I'm more uptodate with my skills. This way I would be able to ensure the freshness of the OG questions for it to have the most impact.

Jesse · Answer

HongHu,
 I am new to the forum.What would you recommend for a person who works full time and has to give the test by 04/28/05.Please advice.
Thanks.

JoshSackett · Answer

as a begginer which material is best and what will be the cost for that.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi JoshSackett,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. First off, you are responding to a thread from 2005, so you may get more responses if you create a new thread. In any case, since you are a beginner, before determining which prep materials to use, you should get a baseline score. Thus, in short order, could you familiarize yourself with the GMAT   and then take an  official GMAT practice exam ? Once you complete the exam, please report back here, and I can provide some specific advice.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi JoshSackett,

Since it sounds like 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?

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

NakulChicagoBooth · Answer

Hey Josh! With some MBA friends from M7 schools I helped create this free GMAT Strategy Guide . We have shared all our tips and best practices to get 750+. We have also included the best resources and strategies to prepare each section of the test. I hope it helps you crack the GMAT! If there is something you feel it’s missing, please let me know so we can include it

All feedback welcomed. You can download it here: https://mymbacircle.com/gmatstrategyguide

JoshSackett · Answer

Thank you very Much for all who given Details and advice on this. 
I ill check all your Related Notes and get back here.

Sobes4life · Answer

I wouldn’t worry about the cost of materials. It’s an investment. Go with what works best for you to help you get a high score. High scores can be worth 10s of thousands of dollars in scholarship (not to mention help you get a top banking or consulting job, if that’s your jam)

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