Need some advice on my preparation strategy

Question

I am planning to give my gmat exactly one month from today i.e on 16th april. 
Right now i am starting with my manhattanprerp test series and then will be moving on to Kaplan's and practicing my weak areas. 
I have not started with my IR and AWA section yet, when do you think i should to start preparing for them? because i thought i can spend some time on them in the last week and a half, do you think that would be enough?

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AjiteshArun · Answer

I hope you're doing the AWA and IR sections in at least some of the full length tests you're taking.

dabral · Answer

I am no longer active on this forum.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi achintsodhi,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies before they hit their 'peak' scores, so you might end up needing more time than you've allotted.

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 come up with a study plan.

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 apply to Business School?

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

The first advice that I would give is to postpone the date of the test (unless of course you are blessed and are an absolute test destroyer)
You need close to 3 months to prepare thoroughly for the GMAT.

Why do you need to give GMAT in a month?
When is the deadline of the schools you want to apply to?

If you do not have an option of postponing the test, here are a few tips for your preparation.

Start off with a free mock CAT from GMAT Prep and make sure you give it along with AWA and the IR.
This will help you get accustomed with the format and all the sections.

Post this, try to analyse your mistakes and see which areas are the most problematic ones.
In addition to the preparatory material you have, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

You do not need much time for the AWA, there are many templates on the net and you can use them easily.
The IR section might take some time, so make sure you take the mock CATs including AWA and IR sections. This will give you the much needed practice on the IR section.

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