Just opened GMAT prep book for 1st time. How screwed am i?

Question

i have a 3.8gpa from a good school so i was hoping to get into a top MBA program but i just opened up the book to start studying for the GMAT (supposed to take the test in 5 months) and well i'm sorta freaking out. the verbal part seems pretty easy but that might be because a lot of my major, labor studies and employment relations, has similar stuff, however my major has basically no math courses and the last time i took a math course was years ago. to be honest if i had to take this thing right now i'd probably get like 30% of the questions right on the math sections if that. i'm ready to study my ass off for this thing but i honestly don't even know where to start, it seems to cover so much different material and i'm having a hard time even remembering the basic "math rules".

i was planning on getting a tutor, etc but how much can you improve for something like this in 5 months realistically?

i was planning on getting a tutor, etc but how much can you improve for something like this in 5 months realistically?

lonewolf · Answer

You can definitely do it in five months. Consider you are already good for verbal, you just need to put most of your concentration on math.

Kaplan Math Foundations have been recommended by a lot of the members here. It covers almost all the basic math you need to know on GMAT.

Take a look at the thread for more information

gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html?highlight=ml301

fstep · Answer

thanks i plan to review all that but still if i can only get like a 1/3 of the questions right now and i remember nearly no math at all. what % of questions do you need to get right on a GMAT for whatever is considered a good score?
also how hard is the math at good MBA programs? i plan on going into a marketing concentration...

bb · Answer

Welcome to GMAT Club Fstep!

I think 5 months is a good amount of time (would actually suggest to condense it a bit to keep you from forgetting too much).
Definitely look into MGMAT Math Foundations (it came out just a few months ago and is somewhat better than Kaplan Math Foundations) before you start messing with anything else - cover it with diligence and that should set you up for success.

fstep · Answer

thanks i ordered the book

another question, how difficult is the math in a good mba program if your focus is marketing?

shaselai · Answer

you should try a diagnostic and see if you are overreacting and your weaknesses.

bb · Answer

You have to do your fair share of math - would suggest you tackle it earlier and get over this weakness. Would not you want to free yourself of this burden in just a few months of time??? Just think of the taste of freedom!

nickk · Answer

I definitely think that you're overestimating the difficulty of the exam, and/or underestimating your own abilities.

ALL of the basic math concepts that you need are covered in the books suggested in this thread, so if you go over them (carefully: taking notes, etc.) you should have no problem.

I look at it this way, when I had just started a new undergrad course, I often felt overwhelmed by the amount of material I would have to learn, but at the end of the semester when I looked back at the material, it didn't seem so tough,

TheSituation · Answer

If you need to brush up on math get the 5 MGMAT math books  .  Period . They go over all the math you will need in micro-steps with lots of usuable and relevant examples. Not to mention that this will grant you access to their online question banks and CATs.

Honestly man, you are obviously a good student and a quick learner if you got a 3.8 gpa, so you will be able to conquer this hill. You have 5 months which is plenty of time if you are disciplined and stay focused. The GMAT math isn't excessively hard, if you have the fundamentals down you will do great, its just they test it in hard ways. You'll see what I mean when you go through the OG.

But trust me, get the MGMAT books, study carefully...making notes and flashcards and if you still need help get a tutor or go to a course. But don't do either before you give yourself a chance to get up to speed as best as possible.

Best of luck.

nickk · Answer

come at me bro

TheSituation · Answer

Sure, just put down your Haterade first. :lol:

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Just opened GMAT prep book for 1st time. How screwed am i?

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