Starting GMAT Prep

Question

Hi guys, I am just starting out and wanted to make sure I was best equipped for my GMAT prep. I just ordered the OG 2016 edition as well as the Manhattan Prep Guide set 6th edition. I also saw the main thread for error logs but was wondering if there was an updated one for the latest editions of the OG and Manhattan guides. If anyone can direct me to one that would be much appreciated. Also, what are your suggestions for plan of attack on these books? I was thinking of going through the manhattan prep guide book one by one (alternating between verbal and quant) and also doing practice questions from the OG based on what I reviewed in the Manhattan books.

I know most people recommend taking a full diagnostic test before starting but I wanted to study for ~2 weeks to review some basic concepts first before taking one and then take the exam and address any strengths/weaknesses since I haven't reviewed any basic math/verbal concepts in a long time. I would appreciate any and all advice on my next couple months of studying! I plan on taking the GMAT late May/early June for fall 2017 admissions.

Thanks,
Jon

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

The idea of going through the guides first and then solving OG is perfect and so is the idea of alternating between verbal and Quants. It is perfectly fine if you want to understand a bit about the GMAT and then give the mock CAT. Below are some general tips:

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Since you have already decided to go for a book heavy approach, there is not much to chose here. I would recommend you to follow a study plan so that you stay on track for the full duration of your preparation and have set targets. You can find study plans here: gmat-study-plan-how-to-start-your-gmat-prep-80727.html?fl=menu

In addition to the preparatory material, 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.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jon,

Since you're just beginning, doing a bit of studying so that you can familiarize yourself with the general content and question types is fine, but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test. If you have not done so already, then you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). 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

jyii07 · Answer

Thank you for your responses. I just completed my first CAT exam and I scored Verbal- 34, and Quant- 26; Total 510, 34th percentile. Although this is disappointingly low I'm confident that I can bring my scores up. I'm actually fairly comfortable with math but I just need some time to review the basic concepts as Ive been out of the game for a while. I'm sure the verbal will go up after some studying as well. My goal score is to break 650, preferably in the high 600s. I'm planning on taking my GMAT early June and apply for business school for the fall 2017 term. My undergrad gpa is not very high so I am trying to receive high marks on my GMAT to mitigate that.

To begin studying I am starting the first book of the Manhattan prep guides on Math. I'm planning on sticking with math only for the first couple weeks and then alternating between math/verbal.

To begin studying I am starting the first book of the Manhattan prep guides on Math. I'm planning on sticking with math only for the first couple weeks and then alternating between math/verbal.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jon,

To start, a 510 is a decent score for an initial Diagnostic CAT (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). With an early June Test Date, you've given yourself about 3 months to study, which is good.

For free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry.

1) Which Schools you plan to apply to?
2) Are you thinking about any particular application Rounds?

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

AjiteshArun · Answer

The V34 looks good. You'll need a Q46 (approximately, with V34) to get to 650.

By the way, did you take a GMATPrep or some other test?

jyii07 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Hearing that 510 isn't too horrible a score before any studying is very reassuring and I don't feel as terrible now. Either way, I know I'll be diligent in my studies to bring it up to my target score. I've actually used Khan Academy back in undergrad and I agree they do a great job of teaching the concepts. I just made myself a new account and will definitely use it as a resource to learn the math fundamentals.

I'm planning on doing mba part-time starting fall 2017. I live and work in the NYC area so I'm limited to which schools I can actually apply to. The part time programs that I'm looking into are: NYU (my reach I guess, but I probably won't be able to attend because of money issues), Baruch, Rutgers, and Fordham. I went to Rutgers for undergrad and my GPA is very low so I'm aiming for high 600s GMAT score so I can get into a school. I'm not sure of any other decent part-time mba programs in my area but those are the schools I've found in my initial search. If you know of any other programs I'm more than open to suggestions!

I'm definitely looking to get my applications in as early as possible so Round 1s for most, if not all, of my applications is the goal.

AjiteshArun,

I actually took one of the CATs provided when you buy the Manattan guide books.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Jon,

The Round 1 applications are far enough in the future that you have plenty of time to train for the GMAT, take that Test (multiple times, if needed) and complete your applications beforehand. That having been said, it sounds like you're defining your 'big goal' as "get all the applications out by Round 1." That should probably NOT be your actual big goal though. The process of putting together a strong overall application, applying to School and ultimately attending School requires a significant amount of time, money and effort on your part. As such, you really should be sure that you're applying to a School (or Schools) that really line up with your overall career goals. From your last post, it sounds as if you would attend any part-time Program that was reputable and reasonably close to your current location; if that's the case, then you might want to put a bit more thought into what you ultimately want out of your Degree (and it might end being better for you overall if you consider the Round 2 deadline(s)).

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

AjiteshArun · Answer

It's quite difficult to recreate the "feel" of the GMAT. Do use other tests, but don't worry too much about the scores you get (on those tests). It's possible that your quant is already better than your CAT result indicates.

If you plan to stick to 2 months (your first post), I'd advise you to take the first  GMATPrep  quite soon (within 2 weeks). But if you're considering a slightly more relaxed timeline, there's no real rush to take another CAT.

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