Starting Again After A Break (2 Years)

Question

Hi All,

1st time poster here. I started studying around 2 years ago and stopped because I decided business school just wasn't in the cards for me. This thinking hsa now recently changed dramatically - my first diagnostic was absolutely terrible (540?) and then I slowly and gradually improved to my last practice test which was a 710. My main weakness is quant - I was consistently scoring above the 90% mark on my verbal.

This is a pretty broad question, but how do I start studying again? I'm hesitant to take a CAT right away because it seems likely that I'll get a low score and get discouraged. Is a better alternative to review the fundamentals through the quant MGMAT books that I still have and then work on the CAT? Broadly, my study plan is 2-3 months with a heavy focus on quant.

Thanks

chetan2u · Answer

Hi

It is better that you brush up your fundamentals in both Quant and Verbal and then take your mock test..

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 362jackson,

Since you're restarting your studies after a significant amount of time 'off', 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 little studying first, so that you can re-familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. 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 take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

362jackson · Answer

Hey Rich,

Thanks for the response! My target score is 730/740 ish (I have a 3.55GPA so that would put me at the average for both in the top 10 schools), my target GMAT date is mid-May, and I'm planning on applying either next cycle (September) or the one after that. I am planning to study for ~3 months.

Right now, I'm planning on reviewing the MGMAT quant guides for about a week to familiarize myself with the fundamentals (my math is a bit shaky on a few practice questions I've done). Does that fit with your overall recommendation?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 362jackson,

Yes, what you've described is fine. We'll still need that initial CAT score to properly define your current skills though (and plan out the proper Study Plan) - so you should not put it off for too long.

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

362jackson · Answer

Hey Rich,

So spent the past 7 days reviewing the books/test structure and took the CAT this morning. Felt very uncomfortable on the quant (didn't know basic principles for a lot of things) and ran out of time so had to guess on the last 5 questions. That being said, the CAT score was 650 (41q -54th percentile 39v -88th percentile split) so not too disappointed in where I ended up. I think a 730/740 will be hard but attainable just based on eliminating dumb mistakes/getting more comfortable with/learning basic principles of quant.

Basically what I'd like to know (and feel free to PM me) is what is the best study plan for me that has a quant focus? I want to take the exam in late April/early May.

Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 362jackson,

After taking each CAT, it's important to do a full review of the results, so that you can define WHY you got questions wrong (and if there are other 'issues' that you need to improve on - such as endurance, pacing, etc.). Since you're early-on in your studies, it's certainly fine if you're a bit 'rusty' on certain Quant concepts, but we need to dig a little deeper to define what you need to focus on.

After reviewing the Quant section, how many questions did you get wrong....
1) Because of a silly/little mistake?
2) Because there was some math that you just could not remember how to do?
3) Because the question was too hard?
4) Because you were low on time and had to guess?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a predictable, standardized Test, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

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

362jackson · Answer

Hey,

So looking over the quant aspect, I had 7 errors on things that I knew how to do (including extremely easy quant problems with incorrect calculations), 3 errors on math I didn't know how to do (mostly geometry) and 2 errors due to running out of time. I think the biggest problem I had was just getting flustered mid test and losing steam as I tried to reset after questions that got harder and harder. Right now I am in the phase of designing my quant study plan - I think where I am weakest is in my familiarity with FDPs and Word Problems, so I plan to go book by book with the Manhattan doing multiple drill sets for each trying to simulate the feeling of the test.

Any recommendations for a study plan? How many hours a week? Should I be switching topics every day? What is a good cadence for practice tests? Anything helps, also I would potentially be interested in tutoring, so if you offer that, please PM me.

Thanks

Nevernevergiveup · Answer

First rule of GMAT exam is not to bother about number of errors and Quantitative section is quite liberal. It does not punish you the way verbal section does so RELAX.

Just grasp the concepts as of now. Your nature should be like " Wow I have got the problem due to unknown concept, Great I have got to learn a new thing today. I learnt this from our gmatclub members here only. You can go through numerous study plans everyone on internet. Just browse the internet. Give it a try.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 362jackson,

From what you described about your performance in the Quant section of this CAT, the primarily issue that you need to focus on is your 'precision.' If you know how to correctly answer a question, but you don't actually answer it correctly, then you need to work on doing the necessary 'steps' ON THE PAD so that you keep the little mistakes from happening. To that end, you might be able to 'drill' your way to a higher score level. While that process might not be enough to get you to a 730+, it's a logical next step for your studies - so I suggest that you start there. You should study as you see fit for the next 2 weeks or so, 'drill' questions, work on your note-taking and then take a new FULL-LENGTH CAT. We'll use that score result to assess how well your studies are progressing and make any necessary changes.

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

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