Do I need OG 2016 if I have OG13?

Question

I have OG13 with me, should I buy OG 2016 as there are 25% newer questions in that ?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NonPlus,

Beyond the new questions, the GMAT2016 includes access to some online tools that the OG13 does not. Since you already have the OG13, you don't necessarily 'need' a more recent version of that book. However, the cost of that book (and/or the GMAT2017, which is coming out in the next couple of months) is rather low, so it wouldn't be a terrible investment (especially when you consider the cost to take the GMAT, apply to Business School and ultimately attend Business School).

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

I do not have a reason as to why you should not.
The book has new questions and comes with an online access. I would also recommend you to buy the Verbal Review book.

Seems like you are starting with your preparation. 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 including ours 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

NonPlus · Answer

I am planning to take GMAT in August. Should I buy OG2016 now and stick to it or should I start off with OG13 and switch to OG2017 as and when it arrives?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NonPlus,

A planned Test Date in August gives you plenty of time to study and improve. From this post, it sounds like you're thinking about studying from JUST the OG books, but that is not likely to be enough to get you to your score goal. Many Test Takers use a variety of materials (books, online materials, courses, CATs, etc.), so you're probably going to have to do more than just jump from one OG to the next.

1) What is your score goal?
2) How long have you studied so far?
3) Have you taken any CATs yet? If you did, then how did you score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

NonPlus · Answer

I am targeting 710-750
I am just starting my preparation after graduating from college in 2010
My first GMATPrep test went bad, scored only 570 (Q47 V23 )
Apart from OG books, I am planning to use Manhattan Strategy guides, PowerScore CR, PowerScore RC and practice tests which I will take weekly.
I will apply in October this year.

thanks

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

If you are using more recent editions of our strategy guides, they will come with access to an online doc called OG Problem Sets that will refer to specific problems in the current OG. If you do end up using an older OG, we should still be able to help you, but you may need to contact Student Services to get access to the correct doc. (By the way, for the purposes of question #s, 2013 and 2015 are actually identical, so if you get a 2015 doc it will work with your 2013 book.)

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NonPlus,

A 570 is a solid first CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). While it will take some serious work to raise this score to a 710+, you've given yourself plenty of time to study, which is good. Since you're just starting off your studies, you have the time to study as you choose and make adjustments later on (which is important because many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level at some point). Since you have some materials already, you should study as you like for the next 2-3 weeks, then take a new FULL-LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) and report back here with your score. That score result will give us an idea of how well you're improving on your own.

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

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Do I need OG 2016 if I have OG13?

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