Manhattan prep, when should i schedule GMAT test?

Yes, but your entire timeline could shift for a number of reasons. Start with reasonable targets and make any changes that become necessary (and can be accommodated).

The MGMAT course will provide you with the A to Z prep.
Some mistakenly think they should take the course and then do a bunch of other stuff because a course just by itself would not be enough. That's not accurate and that thinking results into a lower score:

1) MGMAT spends a lot of time and effort and money on their course to make sure it has all it needs. It would crazy if they could improve the course and did not do it or even more preposterous that someone who just started with the GMAT can figure out a better study plan/approach.

2) Thinking that you have to do more after the class and that class by itself is not enough, causes many not to perform well in class - people don't do homework, they don't read material, etc - they delay it for the "really productive time" after they finish the course. In reality they end up lost, confused, and stuck after having spent quite a bit of money.


Don't make the mistake - take the course and put the full effort in and expect to be ready by the end of the course. Average MGMAT course improvement is 120 points for an in-person class. If you hustle and work - you can hit 150 or 200 potentially points of improvement.

Good Luck!

Hi lockhartd,

It sounds like you're just starting out. Is that true? Have you done any studying so far?

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). If you want to do a bit of practice first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the general content and question types first, then that's fine - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. 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 discuss the results and come up with a study plan.

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so you might want to factor that into your plans. It's certainly possible that you might need more or less time than that, but we won't know for sure until you put in some study time and we see how you perform on your practice CATS.

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

1) 700
2) 2.5 months
3) Actually, want to apply in April for an MMS program

Hi lockhartd,

Considering the timeline you're on, you're going to have to be really 'efficient' with the time that you have. As such, you really should plan to take that first CAT sometime soon (perhaps this weekend). Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can discuss how best to proceed.

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

Thanks, but is possible?

Hi lockhartd,

Right now, we don't have the necessary information to define your current "ability level." Until we know your current skills, strengths and weaknesses, there's no way to define your chances of hitting 700+ in 2.5 months.

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