Best Strategy for 700+ Score?

Question

Good morning all! I'm relatively new to these forums, and am interested in beginning to study for the GMAT. I would really appreciate some input.

My target is a 700+ score, as I want to go to a Top 10 MBA program (Kellog, Booth, Ross)

What is the preferred method/time I should plan on putting into my studying?

Would an hour/day 5/days week for a month or two suffice? For baseline purposes, I have taken practice tests several months ago, and scored 580, and 620 respectively. This was without studying, and these practices were spread out. In H.S. my ACT was a 31 (with practice), if that provides any sort of baseline.

Would reviewing Manhattan's guides + doing practice exams suffice? If so, how many, how much time, etc? Just trying to get a sense of the commitment before I start!

Thanks!

BigBrownFox · Answer

That would equate to ~20 hrs for 1 month or ~40 hrs for 2 months, assuming that you dedicated time for studying every day. I think that for most people with relatively strong English and math backgrounds, 40 hrs of focused study would be enough time to raise their score from 600 to 700. If you have weak fundamental skills in one of the two sections, then it may take you longer to reach your desired score.

Depending on your strengths and weaknesses, doing OG13 problems and then reviewing the answer explanations may be more time-effective than MGMAT guides. 40 hrs I think is enough to go through OG13, the two Preptests from GMAC, and review, but leave little time to go through the MGMAT guides thoroughly. Maybe skim through the guides for the areas that you feel weak of?

Goillini13 · Answer

So you think it would be doable using the OG and online practice exams only? That would save a good chunk of money, which would be great.

BigBrownFox · Answer

I suggest using the OG first, identify any weak areas, and then refer to the MGMAT guides for your weak areas. Or stated another way, if you're limited on time, I don't see that you would spend time reading guides on areas that you are already strong on would be time-efficient.

Goillini13 · Answer

This sounds pretty doable. Also, which online practice exams are the best to do in terms of guaging your actual score?

BigBrownFox · Answer

The two official GMAC ones that you can download from mba.com. I suggest saving those for a week or two before the actual test though, since they simulate what you'll likely see on test day.

Goillini13 · Answer

Great, thanks! I appreciate your insight.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

PrashantPonde · Answer

Check below link! https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... 0-barrier/

Sinner1706 · Answer

Hi Mods/Experts,

A Question on test taking strategy??

1. At the end of a particular session (except AWA), if I dont click "Submit" will the answer be auto submitted when the time runs out, given the fact that I have checked one of the answer choices? This answer would be really helpful in the following scenario:-

Suppose I finish 15 mins early on the Quant section, then I can actually go out for a break to prep up for the Verbal Section. This way I would get 15 + 8 = 23 Minutes of break time. Really Valuable!!

Thanks a lot.

Goillini13 · Answer

How exactly does one prep for the verbal section inbetween tests? That sounds like a really bad idea.

Goillini13 · Answer

Just an update on my current prep. So far I have only gotten around to taking a practice test. Scored a 640 on a official GMAT practice exam. Verbal score was good, with a relatively weak quantitative. Will update once I take another exam.

arun@crackverbal · Answer

There is no auto-submission so you the question won't be counted till you confirm. This is legal requirement i.e. to give you a second chance at confirming the answer. As someone else said its a bad strategy to do anything but load yourself with some carbs, take a bio-break, and splash your face with cold water.

Arun

arun@crackverbal · Answer

Taking a test is like using a thermometer. It can only measure your current health. Unless you start working on the fundamentals you will not see any improvements. So ensure you do that. Let us know if you want us to vet your study plans.

Arun

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