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aayushamj
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
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Hi Ayush,

Many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level, so you'll likely end up needing to invest in some non-book resources. Since you've already acquired some practice materials, you can get started with those though. The OG books are great sources for practice questions, but they're not designed to teach you Tactics, patterns or the little 'secrets' behind the GMAT - for those, you'll need Course-oriented materials. I suggest that you study as you see fit for the next 2-3 weeks, then take a FULL LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections). That score result will give us a better idea of how well you're improving and what changes to your study plan might be necessary.

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

Thanks for the advice.
I have just completed the Diagnostic Test on the OG 17 and got the following scores
Please do not judge my current ability as it has been years since I have picked up a book.

Problem Solving - Below Average
Data Sufficiency - Below Average
Reading Comprehension - Average
Critical Reasoning - Below Average
Sentence Correction - Average

I will be solving all the problems again now using the answer sheet in the OG and then retaking the test.
Then will brush up Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency and Critical Reasoning basics from OG before giving my first CAT of mbadotcom
Hopefully will not get a score lower than 400 and know what my actual standing is so I would likewise improve on problem areas.

My aim is somewhere between 700-710 now. The more I am reading posts on GMATClub I am learning I am not alone and many people have gotten from 400 to 700.

Please help me what can I do to increase my knowledge in AWA and IR section.

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi Ayush,

Many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level, so you'll likely end up needing to invest in some non-book resources. Since you've already acquired some practice materials, you can get started with those though. The OG books are great sources for practice questions, but they're not designed to teach you Tactics, patterns or the little 'secrets' behind the GMAT - for those, you'll need Course-oriented materials. I suggest that you study as you see fit for the next 2-3 weeks, then take a FULL LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections). That score result will give us a better idea of how well you're improving and what changes to your study plan might be necessary.

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

Right now, it's too early to be spending time on the Essay and IR sections. You'll likely gain skills in both areas by focusing on the Quant and Verbal sections first. To that end, while working through random practice questions can help you, we won't know exactly what you need to focus on until you take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study plans.

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

I am working my way upto the Quant section so that I can get a decent score on the first CAT that I will give on 31st so you may judge my ability.
For Quant part I am right now only concentrating on solving OG problems before the CAT.
Then will concentrate on solving Manhattan Foundation Maths after first CAT and will also buy the rest of Manahttan books if I think I can solve them as they are expensive.
I am not knowing what to do on the Verbal part.
How do I practise verbal part, I am finding Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction questions tough.


I want 750 anyhow to get into ISB, Hyderabad


EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi Ayush,

Right now, it's too early to be spending time on the Essay and IR sections. You'll likely gain skills in both areas by focusing on the Quant and Verbal sections first. To that end, while working through random practice questions can help you, we won't know exactly what you need to focus on until you take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from wwwdotmbadotcom (and they come with some additional practice materials). A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can talk through your study plans.

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

Before we can talk about the best overall study plan for you, we really need to see a FULL-LENGTH CAT score. Remember to take the FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) so that we can see how you handle the endurance and fatigue 'challenges' of facing the full Exam.

In your original post (about 1.5 weeks ago), you stated that you wanted a 630 so that you could apply to HEC Montreal and Concordia University. Now you're saying that you want a 750 so that you can apply to ISB, Hyderabad. Those are two significantly DIFFERENT sets of goals - so which one is your actual goal?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
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Quote:
I want 750 anyhow to get into ISB, Hyderabad

Why do you think a 750 is must to get an admit from ISB? I knew someone, with general Indian IT Male profile (NON-IITian), who got into ISB with 710. IMO, 750 would increase your chances but it is not a must.
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aayushamj
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750 with ISB is my actual goal.

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi Ayush,

Before we can talk about the best overall study plan for you, we really need to see a FULL-LENGTH CAT score. Remember to take the FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) so that we can see how you handle the endurance and fatigue 'challenges' of facing the full Exam.

In your original post (about 1.5 weeks ago), you stated that you wanted a 630 so that you could apply to HEC Montreal and Concordia University. Now you're saying that you want a 750 so that you can apply to ISB, Hyderabad. Those are two significantly DIFFERENT sets of goals - so which one is your actual goal?

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

I have a question again,
sorry to disturb you so often.
My aim is though for ISB.
My profile is not so good.
I have 6 years of work experience in an automobile dealership and have done my graduation in BBA from a not known university with 67 percent.
Also, I had not taken Maths in 11th and 12th.
Please help in how I can get into ISB.
My CAT score I will communicate to you on 30th as I am preparing this week for giving the first CAT so the score comes as high as possible.
I am not hoping for more than 450 though.
But want to get around 750 when I actually give GMAT so I get into ISB.



aayushamj
750 with ISB is my actual goal.

EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi Ayush,

Before we can talk about the best overall study plan for you, we really need to see a FULL-LENGTH CAT score. Remember to take the FULL CAT (with the Essay and IR sections) so that we can see how you handle the endurance and fatigue 'challenges' of facing the full Exam.

In your original post (about 1.5 weeks ago), you stated that you wanted a 630 so that you could apply to HEC Montreal and Concordia University. Now you're saying that you want a 750 so that you can apply to ISB, Hyderabad. Those are two significantly DIFFERENT sets of goals - so which one is your actual goal?

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