Questions on how to start

Question

Hello

On and off, I prepared for GMat, taking varying breaks between the preparations. Therefore my position is tricky.However, my latest mock test gave me 600 score. My questions are if it is possible for me to reach 99 percentile? And if it is, how long would it take me?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

I'd like to know a bit more about how you've studied so far, as well as your timeline and goals:

1) How long have you studied for the GMAT?
2) What resources have you been studying with?
3) When you took this CAT, what were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores?
4) When you talk about the 99th percentile, do you really mean a 750+ score overall?

5) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
6) Do you know what Schools you plan to apply to?

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

ReasonTestPrepBP · Answer

I think it's really more about total number of hours that you put in rather than number of weeks or months. Some people who study for 6 to 8 hours a day can accomplish in 3 weeks what it would take someone who has a demanding job 3 months or more to accomplish. But consistency is important so if you keep having breaks in your prep that will definitely kill your momentum.

HamzaSyed · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

I'd like to know a bit more about how you've studied so far, as well as your timeline and goals:

1) How long have you studied for the GMAT? – > Several years on and off
2) What resources have you been studying with? – > Official releases, Magoosh, Manhattan GMAT
3) When you took this CAT, what were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores? – > Mathematics: 40 (59% correct), Verbal: 32 (61% correct)
4) When you talk about the 99th percentile, do you really mean a 750+ score overall? – > Yes

5) When are you planning to apply to Business School? – > It is not decided yet – timeline is not decided yet., But I think that I would probably apply in 12 to 18 months and my education would start after that.
6) Do you know what Schools you plan to apply to? – > I have done some search and pointed out some institutes, however, my criteria is that the education be funded (I will be applying for PhD and not MBA (I am already an MBA))

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

PhD-level programs are often highly competitive since the number of 'spots' is so small and each of applicants is often really qualified. Beyond earning a high GMAT score, you might want to work with an Admissions Expert on your applications. There is a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

As far as your studies are concerned, what have you done RECENTLY (in the last 1-2 months)?
When did you take your last practice CAT?
Did you take the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?

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

HamzaSyed · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

PhD-level programs are often highly competitive since the number of 'spots' is so small and each of applicants is often really qualified. Beyond earning a high GMAT score, you might want to work with an Admissions Expert on your applications. There is a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

As far as your studies are concerned, what have you done RECENTLY (in the last 1-2 months)? – > Nothing. I got busy .
When did you take your last practice CAT? –> Three months ago
Did you take the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)? – > No. I have never taken mock test that includes these two sections.

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

Since your studies have been inconsistent, and you have not done much studying recently, it's difficult to assess how much time you would likely need to study. Since you did not take the FULL CAT, your 600 is likely a bit 'inflated' (so we can't assume that it's accurate). A 750+ score is one that most Test Takers can never achieve in their lives, but I doubt that you actually 'need' that score (you just really *want* it).

At face value, I'd have to assume that 3 months of consistent study time is what you would require (although it might be longer than that). You'll also likely want to invest in a GMAT Course of some kind (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). Based on your timeline, you have plenty of time to investigate your options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at out site (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one(s) that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then just let me know.

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

HamzaSyed · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

Since your studies have been inconsistent, and you have not done much studying recently, it's difficult to assess how much time you would likely need to study. Since you did not take the FULL CAT, your 600 is likely a bit 'inflated' (so we can't assume that it's accurate). A 750+ score is one that most Test Takers can never achieve in their lives, but I doubt that you actually 'need' that score (you just really *want* it). –> Thank you very much Rich for your help and feedback. Just one last question, what you think is achievable score for me, or for a person like me? My criteria for now is to get admission in Ph.D. which is funded.

At face value, I'd have to assume that 3 months of consistent study time is what you would require (although it might be longer than that). You'll also likely want to invest in a GMAT Course of some kind (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). Based on your timeline, you have plenty of time to investigate your options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at out site (https://www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one(s) that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then just let me know.

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

Since you claim to have never studied consistently, I have no idea what score you are capable of. Your Scaled Scores from your last CAT are strong enough that I think that If you can put together 3 months of consistent study, then you would have a good chance at scoring 700+. We just don't have a basis for comparison though.

Since the application process involves far more than just a GMAT score, you'll want to consult with an Admissions Expert about your application questions.

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

HamzaSyed · Answer

Hello Rich

Thanks for your feedback. When you say consistent study for three months, how many hours you are considering per day?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi HamzaSyed,

You wouldn't have to study every day, but GMAT material is best absorbed in "small pieces", so it's generally better to study throughout the week than to try to 'cram' everything in on the weekends. As such, I typically advise taking one day 'off' per week and studying the other 6 days. You can decide how much time that you want to put in on any given day, but usually a couple of hours a day and 4-5 hours on days that involve a CAT would be advisable. Of course, this is all dependent on how quickly you absorb the material and improve. Certain areas might require more or less time of you.

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

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