High School Student: How Should I Approach the GMAT?

Hi BoyX,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores. The key there is 'consistent'; there's little evidence to support the idea that a longer, more drawn-out study routine (over the course of 2 years) would be beneficial, so I wouldn't recommend it - and again, we've worked with 1000s of Test Takers over the years who've hit their score goals in 3 months or so - so purposely planning for a much longer study period doesn't make much sense.

Many of the skills needed to score at a high level on the GMAT are likely ones that you already have - although you will likely need to (re)learn some specific math formulas and grammar rules, as well as train in specific Tactics that are beneficial on Standardized Tests such as the GMAT.

If you're certain that you will be applying to Harvard's 2+2 Program (or something similar) in 3-4 year's time, then studying for the GMAT now would make a certain amount of sense. That's the 'catch' though - if you take the GMAT this year, then those are the ONLY Programs that you'll be able to use your score to apply to. Note that there's likely no risk in waiting a couple of years to study - and if there's any chance that you might end up changing your plans, then you'd have a GMAT score that wouldn't expire until a later date - and that would still allow you to apply to a 2+2 Program (if that's still something that you want to do) OR enter the work force and have the opportunity to apply to any other MBA Programs later on that might interest you.

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