How long to spend on MGMAT guides?

Question

I have 2 questions here: I am preparing for the GMAT since 4 weeks now and I have predominantly used the MGMAT guides(all 8 + FoM book). So how many hours/days did you guys spend reviewing these books? I know that time is a subjective factor. In my case, I could finish 3 books of Quant very easily,in 1-2 days each; But, I'm stuck with the MGMAT NP and WT book. It is taking me forever

. Finally, I gave up on the advanced section of the NP guide and now am reviewing the WT book. I find the Combinatorics chapter hard - unable to grasp basics. So,should I just forget the chapter(risky!!) or get a high School Math book and re-visit the basics? If I get through these two books, my Quant prep will be good to go....Please suggest/advice/whatever :-)

EBM · Answer

"How much time?" is a pretty vague question without us knowing more information--that would be like asking "how much should I work out?" The only answer I could give you now: as much time as it takes.

I see you got a 490 on your first GMAT--what was the breakdown on Q/V? How much studying did you do prior to it? Have you studied more and taken another CAT since then? If so, what was that score? What is your goal score for the schools you want to apply to? Are you happy getting in the middle 80% range for the school, or do you think you need an outstanding GMAT score to make up for other perceived weaknesses in your overall profile?

NP and WT are fairly important if you want a good quant score--if you can't grasp them yourself, see if you can find someone to help explain them.

lagomez · Answer

Move on when you know the fundamentals cold. NP is one of the most important books so you need to know that well. It's okay to skip around.

If I were you I would go through the GMAT Club Math Book and review the information along with your MGMAT guides. This way you will get a different perspective.

gmat-math-book-87417.html

heygirl · Answer

I got a 490 on the real test that I took a few months back. I gave myself a break and I started to prepare again now. My break down was 34Q and 18 V. I took a MGMAT CAT a week back and I scored a 540 (40Q, 26V). I'm not really sure of the exact break-up here but was somewhere like that. I need 580-600 for my programs of choice but I do have a little weak point in my application so would like to shoot for a 650

. Also, a 650 will allow me to apply to other Schools in my area. MY test date is in the last week of march. I'm thinking of picking up a high School Math book to review Combinatorics concepts :oops:

. Np - may be I need to go through the book once again.

heygirl · Answer

gmatclub math book is a good idea. I can't believe that I forgot about it

. Yes, different perspective is what I need. Some principles in the MGMAT guides don't seem to get into me,although the material is awesome.

BM · Answer

As some have already stated, the Number Properties guide is crucial for a strong performance on the GMAT. I read the book twice and don't regret doing so. I didn't find the Word Translations guide that helpful, but I'm in the minority here. I learned better through practice for WT.

Read as much as you can in a day. If you feel a little tired, take a break or switch to some verbal prep. After that, switch back to quant. This way, you might feel a tad fresher. Four hours on one specific topic killed me. But two hours on NP, two hours on verbal, and then two hours on NP wasn't as bad. Plus, I covered more in the day with this approach!

heygirl · Answer

Yeah, its hard for me to concentrate on 'reading' throughout the day, so I switch to RC sometimes :wink:

Actually, the reason for this post is that I found some members here say that they finished the MGMAT strategy guides pretty fast! This made me wonder if I'm going too slow. It took me over a week for NP book and I still owe that book another reading.

snkrhed · Answer

I don't think that how fast someone else studies should be applicable. If you take a little longer to absorb the material, then so be it.

In the end, it's what you get that matters, not anyone else.

Just take it slow and consistent :D

AmrithS · Answer

Interesting Topic!

I thought I'll share my experience with the Quant Books of the Manhattan Series.

I've 'read' all the books cover to cover... Repeat 'Read'. However, I haven't solved any of the 'In Action' problems given at the end of each chapter. Instead, I solve questions from the OG. 
 
I use this approach because I am comfortable with the concepts but I require exposure to more questions.

I haven't tested the merits of this strategy though.

heygirl · Answer

Yes, I was a little apprehensive about the time it is taking me but looks like I have to sit with it,no matter what

heygirl · Answer

Wow,3 days for 5 books

I think you were one of the persons, whose posts I was reading(about finshing the books in 3 days or so) and then I got this doubt in my mind too :-D

!! I do go through the in-action problems but only for topics that I find hard.

AmrithS · Answer

To be honest, in my opinion, the 'in action' problems are there for the readers to get conceptual clarity rather than provide practice questions for GMAT.
I learned all the math fundamentals pretty thoroughly while at school (7 years back) and of late while going through the Manhattan Guides, I see it all coming back to me! :D
That is the reason why I don't do the 'In Action' problems.

However, my English is not equally good

Therefore, for the Verbal Books I do the 'In Action' stuff too...

heygirl · Answer

AmrithS, thanks for sharing your experience

southernstunna · Answer

I have spent about 12 hours on the number properties MGMAT guide. I will probably put in about 5-8 more to really make sure I know the fundamentals cold. I haven't taken the gmat yet, but I've got to think if you put in 20 hours for each book in the series you are going to make a damn good score.

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How long to spend on MGMAT guides?

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