GMAT PREP ADVICES

Question

Hi All,

I’m planning to take GMAT in 3-4 months time. Is it enough to just study on the OG 2021 and MGMAT latest version? I’ve seen comments saying the MGMAT has amended their materials and move some parts online, May I know where can I get those missing parts?

Besides that, when is it suitable for me to take my first mock exam?

Also, I would like to create a 60 days study plan. Is there a chance someone can share with me their study plans as a reference please?

Thank you very much.

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Vinodhini1803 · Answer

what is your target score ?
I have heard only OG is good for GMAT verbal. 
For quant MGMAT and gmatclub test.

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Hi Vinod,

I am aiming at 700+. The law school I’m going to apply with has an average of 695 for the last intake..

Do you know where can I get the eliminated part of the latest MGMAT version? I saw someone in the forum said that I can find it somewhere online.

Much appreciate your help 🙏

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ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Isaaclin93,

Although I cannot provide you with an exact study plan, would you like some general advice on how to improve your GMAT quant and verbal skills? Also, in the meantime, you may find it helpful to read the following article:

How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Hi thank you Scott! It’s very helpful!

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GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider purchasing all 3-6 Official Mocks by the way. There are also E-versions of the OG 2021 for Quant and Verbal

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Thanks OnlineTutorKnight! Much appreciated on your advice!

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Isaaclin93,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so giving yourself 3-4 months of study time is a smart choice! That having been said, trying to 'cram' a Study Plan into just 60 days might not be the best choice - and you might end up inadvertently rushing through materials that require a more thorough work-through. In addition, from what you describe, your immediate study plan is 'book heavy'; unfortunately, many Test Takers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. There's no harm in starting off your studies in that fashion, but you'll likely end up needing to invest in some additional, non-book resources at some point.

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 take 2 for free at 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 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have your Score, you should report back here (or you can feel free to PM me directly) and we can discuss the results and come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) Are you applying to just one Program - and does that Program also require that you take the LSAT?
2) What application deadline(s) are you facing?
3) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you for your reply and it really gives me a clear image of how I should proceed with my preparation. I would like to have a little studying before I take my first CAT as I have zero knowledge of the GMAT. Are both the Foundation Maths and Foundation Verbal by MGMAT enough for me to prep for my first CAT prior to any detailed study plan to be made?

To answer your question: 
1) Yes, I am applying to one program and it requires me to take my GMAT. The median GMAT score for the last intake was 685. 
2) The deadline is September 2021. 
3) I can put in at least 2 hours each day on weekdays and 8 hours each day on weekends.

Thank you very much and I look forward to your advice.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Isaaclin93,

That initial practice CAT Score is important, since there will likely be areas that you need to work on beyond your knowledge of Quant and Verbal content - and the sooner we can define those issues, the more time you will have to work to improve them. It's ultimately your choice as to when you'll take that first CAT, but I'm concerned that you will push it back further and further. If you wanted to work through those books first, then that would probably be fine, as long as that work would not take you more than 2-3 weeks. Many GMATers are unhappy with their initial practice scores, but that should not be a concern at this point, since you will improve on that result over time as you learn more about the content, Tactics and little 'secrets' of the Exam.

In one of your posts, you mentioned that you were planning to apply to LAW School, which is why I asked whether you were going to take the LSAT or not. Are you interested in a JD/MBA Program - and if so, will you also end up needing to take the LSAT?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

My pleasure!

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Hi Rich, 
Thank you for your advice. I’ll revise only the foundation of math and verbal prior taking my first CAT. Will post it here to inquire suggestions for improvement.

The institution that I plan to study MBA/JD will not require LSAT. Thus, there’s no worries for LSAT ATM.

Thank you for your valuable advices and it really helps a lot!

Regards,
Isaac

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tbhauer · Answer

I have been studying for several months and worked through lots of different prep materials. Here are my favorites (including links to free practice tests). Hope this helps.

Best Free Practice Tests:  
 2 Free official GMAT practice tests  
 Free Veritas practice test  
 Free Manhattan practice test  
 Free Kaplan practice test

Best Paid Practice Tests: 
 Exam Pack 1 & link to Exam Pack 2 on this page  
 7 Veritas practice tests  
 6 Manhattan practice tests  
 6 Kaplan practice tests (comes with the Kaplan book)

Best Books:  
 GMAT2021 Official Guide with additional online tools  
 Manhattan book set (includes 6 practice tests)

Best GMAT Course & Guarantee: EmpowerGMAT

Best Practice Pad:  
 Manhattan’s yellow pad

If you found this list useful, please consider smashing the +1 Kudos button!

vamshikaithi · Answer

Hi Isaaclin93, As you are just starting your GMAT prep, you might find my debrief helpful. I have included all the important things I did during my journey of improving my score from 570 to 720. Hope you find it helpful. https://gmatclub.com/forum/my-journey-f ... l#p2648110

Isaaclin93 · Answer

Yes, it helps a lot. Thank you for the recommendations. Really appreciate it.

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