My GMAT journey - 12 weeks to go

Question

Hey guys,

I'm new hear and just starting my GMAT journey. My plan is to apply for MBA Programs starting 2016 and my goal is to get a score above 700, at least 630. I just want to share my experience with you. What my plans are, how I'm progressing during the next 12 weeks and I will share my final score with you.

I'm planning to take the GMAT beginning of September.
Currently I'm working full time 50 - 65h per week, but I got 3 weeks leave right before test day. So my plan is to invest 0,5 to 1h per work day and 6 to 10h on saturday, sunday and on leave. To be realistic, I will have around 250h in total to invest in GMAT prep.
  Do you think this could be enough prep. time?

I got the following prep. Books:
- Kaplan GMAT Premier 2016
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2015 (Official / Verbal / Quantitative)
- Manhattan Strategy Guide Set 5th Ed.
  What do you think about this books? Is Kaplan a good start? Do I have enough time to work with the Manhattan Strategy Guides?

My plan is to take a practice test this saturday to identify my strenghts and weaknesses. In the next 2 weeks I'm planning to work through the Kaplan GMAT Premier 2016 to get a good overview and basic knowledge. Following that I will focus on the Official Guides and will repeat a practice test every two weeks. I think, I have not enough time to work through the Manhattan Strategy Guides, so I will just look at specific chapters.

I will keep you updated guys...

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi SoiNawin,

Your overall plan seems fine and it looks like you've given yourself enough time to hit your score goals. I'm a bit concerned that you're taking a "book-heavy" study approach, since many Test Takers get 'stuck' at a particular scoring level when approaching the overall process in that way. You can start off with the books though and we can gauge your progress over the course of the first month (then we can determine if any adjustments are necessary). I also recommend that you plan to take the FULL CAT each time (including the Essay and IR sections), so that we can see how you handle every aspect of Test Day (including overall pacing and endurance). Once you have your first CAT score results, you should post them back here.

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

SoiNawin · Answer

Update

I did my first GMAT Test today, with nearly no experience on those question types. Nevertheless I was a bit shocked during the test and after getting the result. Total score 480 (Q29 - 22nd percentile / V28 - 48th percentile).

During the test I had real time problems and had to guess nearly 5 questions at the end of each section to finish on time.

What do you guys think, is it possible to boost my score over 600 in 12 weeks part time?

Nic

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Nic,

This initial score isn't too bad (the average score on the Official GMAT is 540-550 most years), but it does point out that you have some work to do to hit your score goal. The good news is that 12 weeks is plenty of time to study and a 600+ goal is completely reasonable.

When you describe your future studies as 'part time', what does that mean exactly? How many hours do you think you'll be able to commit to your studies in a typical week?

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

SoiNawin · Answer

My plan is to invest half to one hour per week day. It really depends on how busy the projects are at work. On the weekends I plan to invest around 8h.
Like I said above, first I will try to work through the Kaplan Premier 2016 to get a good overview, basics and getting familiar with the GMAT questions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Nic,

Since you have the basic plan for a study routine in place, you should proceed with it. You should also plan to take another FULL-LENGTH CAT in about 2-3 weeks and report back here with your scores. That result will provide some vital information about whether your plan is 'working' or not and we can make any adjustments as needed.

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

jamescarey86 · Answer

Hi Everyone,

I am also planning on taking my GMAT test in September and I am currently in preparation mode. I am feeling confident with the verbal section of the test but I will prepare for this as well. In addition, next week I plan on completing my first test.

I purchased the OG 2016 and MGMAT strategy books, however my math skills are not the best so I will be spending the next 2-3 weeks on the MGMAT Math Foundation book in order to grasp the basic math skills.

I was wondering, where are the different places that I can go to get full length practice GMAT CAD TEST?

Thanks,

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jamescarey86,

There are a variety of sources for reputable CATs - the most prominent of which is www.mba.com (you can download 2 CATs for free along with some extra practice materials).

How long have you been studying?
Have you taken any CATs yet (and if so, then what were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

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

jamescarey86 · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have only been studying for 1 week so far. I usually study 2-3 hours a day and 5 hours over the weekend. I have not taken any CATS yet, right now my main focus are my math skills as I am not very strong in it.

I been out of high school now for over 10 years, so I am having to go over all of the basis like good old Algebra.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jamescarey86,

Since you've been studying for just 1 week, it's interesting to see you describe how you 'usually' study - if you can stick to this schedule on a consistent basis though, you'll end up putting in plenty of study time, so I like your chances to improve.

Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org) is a great free resource for additional math practice/help - while there are a lot of materials, I would suggest that you limit yourself to the basic Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry sections of the site.

Once you take that first CAT, you should post back here with your scores. That data will help to assess your strengths and weaknesses and we can then talk through your study plan.

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

saharmohamedali · Answer

I did my first GMAT Test today, with nearly no experience on those question types. Nevertheless I was a bit shocked during the test and after getting the result. Total score 480 (Q29 - 22nd percentile / V28 - 48th percentile).

saharmohamedali · Answer

I did my first GMAT Test today, with nearly no experience on those question types. Nevertheless I was a bit shocked during the test and after getting the result. Total score 480 (Q29 - 22nd percentile / V28 - 48th percentile).

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