How to go about my GMAT preparation

Question

Hi,

I'm planning to take the GMAT test by mid March. I wrote the Official Test 1 as a diagnostic test and scored a total of 580 (Q-48, V-23, IR-2). How can I achieve my target score of 730+ and what should my study plan look like? What are the resources that I should make use of? Thanks.

shameekv1989 · Answer

Well your quant score is pretty great to start with. So you may want to focus majority of your time studying verbal.

For preparations :- 
SC - Manhattan SC
CR - CR Bible and Empower GMAT note-taking strategy
RC - tons of guides here on GMATClub. I particularly like Empower GMAT note-taking strategy
Quant - If you need to, then TTP is the best one out there.

For Practice :- 
Do only Official questions i.e. OG - including 1000 series and old 1990 OG questions for verbal

You also need to be very disciplined with the way you progress. Cement the basics - practice and get 100% in sub-600 level questions before moving to 600-700 - achieve the same in those and then move to 700 level questions.

All the best!!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

hi DD06,

I have the perfect article for you. If you have any questions after reading it, feel free to reach out. Good luck!

How to Start Studying for the GMAT: 5 Steps for Success

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DD06,

A 580 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years).

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 you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied so far? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials do you currently have access to?

Goals:
3) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi DD06,

You can go through this   article   to understand how to strategize your prep. And if you need any help with the right resource, I suggest you to check the free trials of the courses and then choose the one which suits you. You can go through this   article   to understand a  few key factors that you should keep in mind while evaluating the online courses .

And if you wish to have a detailed discussion regarding the study strategy, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

DD06 · Answer

Thank you, shameekv1989.

DD06 · Answer

Thanks, Scott. The article is really helpful.

DD06 · Answer

Sure, GMATWhizTeam. Thanks

DD06 · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DD06,

Since you are interested in some highly-competitive Schools, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement (and the more time that you have to work on those areas, the better). There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so it's likely that you just have not put in enough time and effort yet. In addition, statistically-speaking, raising a 580 to a 730+ will likely require that you commit to at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. With a mid-March Test Date, you would have no more than about 2.5 months of study time though. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Since you're not facing any immediate application deadlines, you might want to consider pushing back that planned Test Date (although you don't have to decide either way just yet).

The OG books are great sources for practice questions, but they're not designed to teach you Tactics, patterns or the little 'secrets' behind the GMAT - for those, you'll need Course-oriented materials. To that end, you might want to work on the OG a little later on in your studies. At this point, you can begin your studies however you like, but if you're looking for a Study Plan with materials and CATs/mocks included, then I'll be happy to offer some suggestions.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

My pleasure!

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