Studying concepts before enrolling in a course? - Need advice

Question

Hey everyone!

I'm going to take the GMAT this year (hopefully before August). I would like to know if it is recommended to study the concepts first (for example, from MGMAT Guides) and then enroll into a course, or it doesn't affect so much the first step because in the course I will learn everything?

I'm planning to enroll in EmpowerGMAT but I'm hesitant to enroll first before studying and reviewing all the concepts. I want to understand everything and not be a repeating machine without understanding what I'm doing (despite if I'm doing it correctly).

I hope someone could share their experience.

Thanks in advance.

Best.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Doing some prep work on your own is a great idea. Just try not to work on so much material that you end up not doing justice to most of it.

souvonik2k · Answer

Hi
I would suggest you study the concepts first. The concepts in MGMAT guides are comprehensive and if you go through them you don't need any other resource for developing concepts. Then you can enroll for any course. The concepts in any course will not be as detailed as in a book.

MarkHanna · Answer

Thank you guys, that's what I expected.

Best.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi snfuenza,

You could certainly do some 'concept work' before starting your Course, but that work might not be necessary - and it might end up costing you a bunch of time that might be better spent on other areas. Defining your timeline in a bit more detail would be useful at this point. You stated that you'd like to (hopefully) take the GMAT before August, so would you rather study consistently for 3-4 months or for a longer, more drawn-out period of time (such as 6 months)? In addition,

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

MarkHanna · Answer

Hey Rich!

I'm more inclined to study for a max of 4 months, rather than an extended period such as 6 months as you said. Below you will find the answers to your questions:

1) Goal score is 700+.
2) Hopefully R1 or R2 this year, if not, R1 next year.
3) Columbia (J-Term), LBS (15 months), Cornell (1-year), Kellogg (1-year). If I see that applying for a 2-year program is worth the time (and money), I will apply to other schools as well (changing Cornell and Kellogg for other two depending on my score).

Thank you!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi snfuenza,

With a Score Goal of 700+, you have to be prepared to put in all of the necessary effort to learn the content, practice Tactics and hone your skills. While many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, the 700+ score is something that 90% of Test Takers cannot achieve (regardless of how long they study or the number of times that they take the GMAT). This is meant to say that we can plan for 3 months of efficient study (in which you'll learn all the concepts as you study), but it might take longer than that to hit your Goal.

You've named some highly-competitive Schools, so beyond having a strong GMAT Score, you'll also need a strong OVERALL profile AND you'll need to properly 'market yourself' to each individual School that you apply to. While it's likely a bit too early to focus on this part of the process just yet, you might eventually want to consult with an Admissions Expert on your applications. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission ... tants-124/

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

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