mkhan98
Hello everyone,
I am just beginning my journey to study for the GMAT and I have looked into various videos and forums before taking the initial steps. I have purchased the Official Guide to the GMAT 2021 and 2022. I plan to take a diagnostic test this weekend as everyone recommends, however I am unsure of how to proceed afterwards. Should I only focus on the questions I get wrong? The way the books seem to be formatted is that there is a large section of comprehensive review followed by questions. Should I go through the review and take notes on each part and then answer the questions? Or should I answer questions first and then revert back to the material? Is it too tedious to take notes on each part of the review? I know this may sound like a very simple question, I am just having trouble in these beginning stages. I am unsure of how to go about studying through the book. I hope to score at least a 700 and would like to study in the most effective way possible. If you have any suggestions please let me know! Thank you!
Hi !
Great to hear that you are starting your GMAT journey. As for the prep time, it would depend on a number of things.
1. How much time can you devote each week. (generally 20-25 hrs can help you get ready in around 3 months)
2. What resources you use?
3. When do you plan to take the final test?
As for the prep, I'd recommend going about it in a 3 phase manner.
1. Start with learning the concepts of each topic. For verbal I'd recommend the order - SC->RC->RC. This is because each of these question types tests a certain skill, and by moving in this manner, the natural progress is the most efficient.
2. After getting the concepts right, move to learning the approaches for solving each question type. This is key and will make the difference between a score in mid 600's or 700+.
3. Once you're past steps 1&2, start practicing questions. Start with a focus on accuracy. Move up in difficulty level only when you've got at least 90% accuracy at a particular level. And then move to improve your timing.
You can check out this link for some very insightful lessons on how to tackle the GMAT and score 700+.
For more detailed advice, you can schedule a call using the link below