Just passed all of the CFA exams, now need help w/GMAT starting point

Question

Hi,

I'm new to the forum but plan on soaking up and providing as much help as I can. I recently passed the three levels of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program. I passed all three levels on my first attempt, and completed it in 18 months. I don't think this means a 700+ score will be a layup, I just think it means I have developed a pretty good study plan of 15-30 hours/week over the past 3 years. I know that I want to take an online prep course, like Manhattan prep, but I want to make sure I get the most out of it. I want to feel prepared when I start the course, this way I am using it to push me to the next level and not using it as my intro to the GMAT.

Basically I need some help getting started. I have done absolutely nothing to prepare yet, and have no practice tests under my belt. What books/guides/etc would you all recommend as a pre-prep course prep so I can jump right into it.

Thanks!

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

Hi Welcome to GMATCLUB. Starting the prep: gmat-study-plan-how-to-start-your-gmat-prep-80727.html Best GMAT books: best-gmat-books-latest-update-118706.html Best verbal books: best-verbal-gmat-books-120308.html Best Quant books: best-gmat-math-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-77291-180.html#p584228 List of GMAT Courses: best-gmat-courses-169396.html The best way to start your prep will be to download GMATPrep software from https://www.mba.com/global/store/downloa ... tware.aspx and take the 1st mock and see what all sections are problematic/difficult. Finally, there are debriefs of students who have been successful at 'killing' the GMAT: best-gmat-stories-period-98512.html?fl=menu Hope this helps.

gatorguy47 · Answer

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll take one of those mock exams and see what areas I need to work in order to pre-prep.

I'm loving the debriefs, thanks for pointing me over there. It's nice to see a diverse mix of people saying what did and didn't work for them.

In regards to the Manhattan prep courses, I have seen a lot of good reviews for the books. Do you know if the pre-course goes over those books? Or kind of uses them as a reference point to build on?

ENGRTOMBA2018 · Answer

Even I can vouch for Manhattan Books , I used them (all 10 guides, more so verbal ones than the quant ones) to brush up the basics and to see what types of questions do we get. I have not taken their online or in class course so can not really say much about it. The other option for you will be check out the free trial versions of various "online" courses that you can tailor to your schedule : free-trials-master-list-of-all-free-gmat-course-trials-196374.html

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gatorguy47,

Barring a really strange scenario, you probably will NOT need 15-30 hours/week for 3 years to properly prepare to score at a high level on the GMAT.

If you're just beginning, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your plans. If you want to do some light study first, to familiarize yourself with the general content and question types that appear on the GMAT, then that's fine, but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

gatorguy47 · Answer

After spending the last few weeks running around moving to a new place, I finally was able to sit down and take the CAT from MBA(dot)com. I ended up with a disappointing 560 (37Q, 29V). There were a couple of take-aways that make me feel a little better about the score.

-I have spent zero time studying for the GMAT, so my scores are as raw as they get
 -On the quant section I recognized a lot of they types of questions they were asking, but I just couldn't pull the formulas out of my head
 -I was really weak on the couple of sections for RC, and ended up guessing on a lot of them (I just couldn't focus on the passage)
 -I had A LOT of time to spare, on both sections I ended up with over 20 minutes left! (I know that means time not well spent)

So my goal is to get into a top business school, which means I need to get a 730+. I want to start my MBA program in the fall of 2017, and was thinking about taking my first actual GMAT test this December... and then in quarterly intervals from there.

As far a work ahead of me, I know I have a steep hill to climb. From what I have come to understand, great GMAT scores can come with determination and a proper study plan. I have purchased all of the Manhattan Prep study guides and the three OG 2016 books. Since I know my weakest area is verbal, I am going to start studying there. Though I'm not sure if I should go SC or RC first...I'm leaning towards SC.

Any thoughts from seasoned experts on how I can maximize my study efforts?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi gatorguy47,

First off, a 560 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). It sounds like you've thought through your overall timeline with a real focus on giving yourself the proper time to hit your score goals, which is good. Without the pressure of a looming admissions deadline, you can set your own pace and have time to make whatever adjustments are necessary.

You also seem to have a pretty good sense of what you need to work on, so for the next few weeks, you should study as you see fit (with the resources that you have) and then plan on taking another FULL-LENGTH CAT (including the Essay and IR sections). Once you have that score, you should report back here. Based on that set of score results, we'll have a better idea of how well you can absorb the material from 'book resources.' It is worth noting that many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study plan end up getting 'stuck' at a particular scoring level, but we can talk through how to deal with that situation if/when it happens.

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

gatorguy47 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for the solid advice, I'm definitely going to take it to heart. Over the next few weeks I'll try and crush some of the MGMAT books and OG problems. I have been worrying a bit about the book heavy study plan as well. I am thinking that understanding the ins and outs of each practice problem I attempt (reviewing problems thoroughly after), as well as keeping an error log, will help bridge that gap.

Thank you for your help...I can't wait to help others once I assassinate the GMAT! I'll post my latest CAT scores when I take the one from Manhattan in a few weeks.

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