How to structure my GMAT prep?

Question

I’ve just started preparing for the GMAT and would really appreciate some guidance. Can someone help me with all the resources and let me know where to begin and how to structure my preparation?

bb · Answer

Hi. Here is a quick post. In short, you need the Official Guide for questions and a program to follow and refresh the basics and learn the strategies. The program can come from anywhere - MGMAT has books. Lots of courses have it online if you prefer interactive. I would get free trials when you are ready to proceed and see which platform fits your learning style. More here: gmat-study-plan-217827.html

EducationAisle · Answer

This  video will quickly bring you "up to speed" on the nitty-gritties of GMAT.

Good luck!
--
Ashish.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you're new to the GMAT, consider taking an official mock after getting a bit familiar with the material. Could help give a sense where you currently stand including on the three sections. Checking out some posted debriefs in the Share GMAT Experience subforum could also be helpful. You could see which resources people have found success with and how they structured their prep.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I suggest you spend a day familiarizing yourself with the GMAT’s general structure and content, especially Data Sufficiency questions, which are unique to the GMAT. Then take an official practice test from mba.com to get your baseline score. Doing so will help you gauge the amount of work required to reach your target score.

In fact, this article will give you an idea about how many hours you’ll need to prepare:  How Many Hours Should I Study for the GMAT Focus?

Once you have a baseline score, adopt a prep strategy consisting of topical learning and practice. In other words, focus on just ONE topic at a time and practice that topic until you achieve mastery.

For instance, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects (formulas, properties, techniques and strategies) of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; be sure to follow this process for all Quant, Verbal, and DI topics.

This article outlines the different phases of your prep:  The Phases of Preparing for the GMAT

Once you have mastered all of the content, you can begin taking official practice tests. With each test, carefully review your results to identify remaining gaps in your content knowledge and work on strengthening those areas until you fully understand them. Then (and only then) take another practice test. Repeat this process until you reach (or exceed!) your goal score.

Here’s an article on how to structure your prep:  GMAT Preparation Strategy

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

Before you start studying, it's absolutely key that you get a complete understanding of the sections of the GMAT and SPECIFIC skills each section tests.

The GMAT is unlike any other test you've taken before, throw hurdles in front of you that have as much to do with having good reasoning skills as how strong your conceptual knowledge is.

Once you have that understanding, you'll be able to extract much more value from each minute you spend on the your prep.

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