Too Late to Start for Pre- Integrated Reasoning Test?

Question

Hello, (first post!)

I recently decided I need to start aggressively making some changes in my life, one of which is to take the GMAT so that I have the ability to apply for B-School if it makes sense in the next couple of years career-wise.

I found this site tonight as I was researching GMAT prep books, and found some great threads (by Nink and others) regarding preparation.

My question is if I should even bother trying to register for a June 2nd test (found at least one time available via MBA-dot-com), or if I should instead prep on a slower pace and take the test later in the summer once the Integrated Reasoning information is more widely available?

I probably can devote 8-10 hrs/week to the exam prep. I scored very highly on the SAT and GRE and any other standardized test I have taken, if that helps. But I don't want to over-estimate how well I'll do on the GMAT and sign up for a test in 2.5 months.

I suspect advice will be, "Take one of the sample tests"... is there a specific sample test I can take in the next 3-4 days (tomorrow, Monday, night is pretty free whereas I have previous commitments other nights this week) to get a solid idea and make this decision? I know I'll have to accelerate the accumulation of books.

Thanks for any advice from experienced people!

nsspaz151 · Answer

GMATPrep software is free and readily available at MBA.com. I'm sure there are other alternatives out there (some will say not to "waste" a GMATPrep exam too early). Even OG12 has some diagnostic test in the beginning I believe (already sold my book, so can't confirm).

~3 months is enough time for some, not enough for others. I think I put in 7 weeks (4 prior to first exam, 1 week break, 3 prior to second exam) total of hard preparation - 2-3 hours / weeknight plus 5-8 hours on most Saturdays and Sundays. Also may be useful to note that 99% of my prep was Quant.

I would also recommend reading the "debriefs" or "journeys" on this forum. Perhaps you'll get an idea of how much time you may need to put in to give yourself the best chance at the score you want.

Good luck!

ohsballer · Answer

I'm in the same position as the original poster. I'm not in a rush to apply for business school (already have a comfy job) but I want to knock this thing out before the IR comes. I got a 580 on the kaplan CAT but i wasn't familiar with the GMAT at all.

To answer the OP's question, i think if you're serious enough... You have an adequate amount of time to prep for this thing. (at least that's what I'm telling myself everyday!)

doc7 · Answer

So would a GMATPrep test be something I should download and take tonight after work to identify which books to order first to beef up on? Or another online test to get a better feel for my weak areas?

Thanks again

Posted from my mobile device

gladiator999 · Answer

You should go for the GMATPREP1 as this test is much more closer to the actual GMAT and you will be able to identify your weaknesses after the test. Download this test from Mba.com and it is freely available on the site. You can then base your decision of giving gmat on june 2 or thereafter. Hope it helps :lol:

mikemcgarry · Answer

Hi, there. I'm happy to add my 2 cents to this discussion.

I would recommend looking at Magoosh test prep. We have 200+ video lessons, covering all the content and strategy you need for the GMAT. We have 800+ practice questions, each with its own video explanation. We will answer any question from any GMAT test prep source, so a Magoosh membership is a perfect complement to whatever other materials you are using.

Particularly relevant to your inquiries here:
1) A six-month study plan:
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/6-month-gm ... -schedule/

2) IR questions --- this blog gives an overview, and if you click on the links, it will take you to practice questions of each kind.
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/new-gmat-i ... reasoning/

For free, here's a sample math lesson:
https://gmat.magoosh.com/lessons/334-lis ... d-counting

For free, here's a sample CR question:
https://gmat.magoosh.com/questions/1303
When you submit your answer, the following page will have a complete video explanation.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck to you.

Mike

doc7 · Answer

I hope that the GMAT Prep software on the main site is somewhat representative. I took GMAT Prep Practice Test 1 tonight and got:

760
Q50
V44

I think I am going to go ahead and register for the June 2nd, and get the Manhattan set and OG.

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Too Late to Start for Pre- Integrated Reasoning Test?

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