New to GMAT Self Study

Question

Hello Everyone, 
I have 3 months to prepare for GMAT. I am planning to get into Virginia Tech's Online MBA. I am currently working full time. I have a total of 8 to 10 hours to prepare for the GMAT weekly. Here are my questions: 
1. If I spend 8 to 10 hours each week, although it depends on the individual, is it enough time to take the exam in 3 months? ? 
2. This is my first step taking towards taking the GMAT, where do I start? 
3. What are the best MBA programs/schools for IT Consulting professionals in VA? 
4. Would you recommend Kaplan's courses? 
5. Any additional suggestion recommendations?

Ross2018 · Answer

Have you done a gmat practice exam? It would definitely recommend it. It helps a lot to find a line to follow.

I am myself using Kaplan and what a great way to improve your GMAT score, their video or techniques are so wonderful.

Gmatclub is really good as well and I would definitely look at everything they have!

truongvu31 · Answer

1. I would recommend you to study everyday for 1-2h on weekdays and 2+ on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. Do research on general information such as algorithm, different sections and structure. Then do some practice questions just to get familiar with them. Then do a PrepExam to see where you should start.
Then use Manhattan Strategy Guides to eliminate your weaknesses.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi khatera,

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, 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 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) Do you have a specific Test Date scheduled yet (and if so, then what is it?)?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

khatera · Answer

Thank you all for the information! 
Rich, 
My goal is to take the (final) exam with the minimum score of 600 by end of July. I already applied to the business school trying to get a waiver for the GMAT, but they are pending my application for the GMAT. I will try to the practice CAT tests to see where I am standing.

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi khatera, Around 3 months is good enough to improve your score. You should start by giving GMATPREP to learn more about your performance. You can then know your weaknesses and work on them. If you are willing to study dedicatedly for 3 months, you are sure to achieve your goal. I believe you may benefit from taking a GMATPREP course. If you are willing, there are some great GMAT prep companies that can help you with your preparation. In order to make an informed decision I would highly encourage you to go to their websites and try on their free trial and decide for yourself which one do you like better. You try out free access to EmpowerGMAT, Magoosh and Optimus Prep as they have great reviews on GMATCLUB. Also I would highly encourage you to consider e-gmat verbal online or the e-gmat verbal live course. They are both amazing courses especially designed for non-natives and they are both within your budget. They offer almost 25% of their courses for free so you can try out their free trial to decide which one you want to go for. Plus the e-gmat Scholaranium which is included in both the courses is one of the best verbal practice tools in the market. You can easily track your progress in that you can identify your strengths and analyze and improve on your weak areas. You can also try out the MGMAT guides they are phenomenal and cover the entire syllabus well. I must add that if you are particularly looking to discover and improve on your weak areas in quant; a subscription to GMATCLUB tests is the best way to do that. They are indeed phenomenal and will not only pinpoint your weak areas but also help you improve on them. Further taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas. Further another advantage of taking many mocks is to build up your stamina. Apart from the GMATPREP tests, taking practise tests of any major GMATPREP company ought to do that. I would also encourage you to purchase the latest version of OG and the verbal review for some great additional practice. Here is a link that will help you with your decision. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... 68383.html Lastly, you can check out a very interesting article by Mike McGarry from Magoosh detailing a 3 month study plan https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/3-month-g ... -students/. You will find it very helpful as it gives out a study plan as per your needs. Hope this helps. All the best.

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