GMAT Advice, Please?

Question

Hello Everyone,

I been studying "part-time" since February 1st for the GMAT and in the last week have been scoring 420-490 consistently on my practice exams. I took the actual GMAT exam today and scored 420. I'm thinking of quitting work for 2-3 months to fully focus on this exam, but I'm not sure if this is the right approach.

Anyone out there that has been in my shoes, can you provide some advice or feedback?

I'm pretty down about the results after committing the last 2 months to studying everyday and full time studying on weekends. Maybe my studying schedule is not right?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

-mschristineto

chetan2u · Answer

Hi,

The quantity, TIME here, is not the only factor. Equally important is the quality, resources here..
If you were scoring in 420-490 range, you should have worked on the weak areas and then given the actual GMAT..

if you can manage your time well, pick up proper resources and your job offers you some flexiblity, it would be better to study while doing the job..

Quitting a job can work two ways for you-
1) motivate you to do everything for the exam and go for the kill..
2) But equally possible is the stress that can accompany not having a job.. and stress can make a very simple Q look like a very difficult uphill task..

You may have to take a call on the job, but do look into proper resources and make an error log on your weak areas and work towards improving them..

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mschristineto,

To start, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies before they hit their 'peak' scores, so it's likely that you have not put in enough time and effort yet. By extension, you'll likely improve just by continuing your studies. That having been said, before I can offer any additional advice, I'd like to know a bit more about your studies so far and your goals.

1) When you say you studied 'part time', how many hours were you typically studying each week?
2) What practice materials have you been using?

3) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on your Official GMAT?
4) Did you have to rush to finish any of the sections?

5) What is your goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Quitting your job to study for the Test is a rather extreme decision and is likely NOT necessary.

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

BrentGMATPrepNow · Answer

It might be HOW you are studying. I suggest a systematic (even methodical) approach, in which you take the time to master each topic/concept (e.g., percents, ratios, assumption questions in critical reasoning, comparison questions in sentence correction, etc). So, for each topic/concept, you should: 1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.) 2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic 3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic. 4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it Then, and only then, move on to the next topic. To help you focus on one topic at a time, you can use GMAT Club's tagging feature. I also suggest that you spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site, since they often model the steps you should be taking when answering questions. Finally, in addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244 Cheers, Brent

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi mschristineto,

Your score shows a clear lack of fundamentals. In your preparation so far, how did you study? What materials did you follow?

1.. Did you complete both the sections? (There is a high penalty if you do not complete a section)

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems . You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the preparatory companies offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.
In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 and the 6 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

1. Understand the concepts and fundamentals before jumping into problem solving
2. Solve full length CATs including AWA and IR. You can get two free GMAT Prep mock CATs and can purchase two more from mba.com
3. Make sure you solve the official questions from the Official Guide

Coming to the question of leaving the work, you should certainly not leave the work. There are numerous number of people around the globe who prepare for the GMAT while working and you also can do it. Moreover, it will not put your application in a good light and you might have to cook up stories for your absence from the work, which again is not a good idea.

GMATinsight · Answer

1) Quitting job is certainly a bad idea

2) Time is not the only factor that affects your learning the way to deal with GMAT. Instead you need to work on discipline and routine to study everything (Quant and Verbal) with the focussed approach

3) The best possible alternative for you is to join the GMAT classes with expert and the follow the instructions as told. Identify the problem areas and keep working on them

The score that you have at the moment is at the stage where all you have is SCOPE OF IMPROVEMENT.

The improvement in beginning of your preparation will be very quick if you catch the right things to refer to and later it will require more of your brainstorming rather than just plain understanding.

I hope this helps!!!

Feel free to write us for your assessment of problem areas and to work on preparation strategy. The trial Class is available for FREE.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

GMAT Advice, Please?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards