Test on January 3, just started to prepare

Question

Hello,

i have just started with preparing for my Gmat Test, which will take place on the 3rd of January.
I am aiming for a score 650+.
I know, it's not a lot time to prepare, but I am confident that I will achieve this.
I took the Manhattan prep pratice exam today and scored 580 (35 Quant, 34 Verbal).
I am actually very good in match and logic thinking, and I assume that when I've brushed up my math fundamentals and solve more questions, I can aim for a high score in this section, so there is much space to improve for me, which shouldn't take too much effort.
Regarding the verbal section, I think I had luck, bc it felt like most of the time I just guessed and I had huge problems with understanding the text (I am not a native speaker).
Next week I will be on vacation so I really can start with the preparation not before the 28th of November, meaning i have 5 weeks to prepare.
I won't have the time to prepare for the GMAT full time since I have to work at the same time. I know, this all sounds bad, but as I said earlier, I am confident to achieve the score I am aiming for, since I am very dedicated and motivated.
How would you recommend to proceed?
This is my current plan:

Quant:

1. Brush up my math fundamentals (by going through the offical GMAT Guide Math section in the beginning)
2. Develop strategies for different types of problems (By reading the Manhatten Prep straty guide books)
3. Start solving problems
4. Track all the mistakes

I don't have a plan for verbal yet, maybe you can help me out here. 
Also, do you think it is better to first focus on the quant part and when I have achieved the result I am aiming for in this section, I change to verbal?
Or study for verbal and quant at the same time?
And last questions: Is it sufficient to learn with books or do you think a video course is absolutely necessary?

Thanks for your help!!!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Or study for verbal and quant at the same time?

Studying Verbal and Quant at the same time is helpful so one skill doesn't rust if you studied the other for 2 weeks solid, for example.

Regarding the verbal section, I think I had luck, bc it felt like most of the time I just guessed and I had huge problems with understanding the text (I am not a native speaker).

5 Verbal tips

There's an idiom list for SC you can also find on the gmatknight blog.

And last questions: Is it sufficient to learn with books or do you think a video course is absolutely necessary?

Consider checking out the gmatclub study plan post.

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

It takes time for verbal to click. So, you'll likely get better results by working on quant and verbal alongside each other rather than putting off verbal until you've achieved your quant score goal.

For some insights into how to prepare for GMAT verbal, see this post.

How to Score High on GMAT Verbal

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Schachfreizeit,

For some more advice on how to best study for the GMAT, feel free to check out the following article:

GMAT Study Plan: The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

kntombat · Answer

Schachfreizeit , I agree with what  kapil1995  is saying.
Your real base score will only be found after you give Practice exam 1 on mba.com
While MGMAT Mocks are good, they are not exactly the original exam.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Schachfreizeit,

A 580 is a solid initial CAT score (the Average Score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). That having been said, many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if your studies are going to be limited to essentially just 5 weeks, then there will likely be a limit to how much you can improve in that time. A 650 might be possible if you are really efficient with your studies, but it takes time to hone all of the necessary skills needed to consistently perform at that level.

1) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

Schachfreizeit · Answer

I am planning to study at least 100h for the Gmat, so I would say around 25h per week. I am writing the GMAT at a test facility

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Schachfreizeit, I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com

	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

Test on January 3, just started to prepare

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