Schedule Date first or Study first?

Question

Hi Experts,

I just joined GMATclub yesterday and i need some suggestions/ help over my issue.

Well I am planning to give exam around second half of this September and have started studying also but not able to focus, since I am working professional, devoting time in weekdays is pretty difficult. It has been more than 3 weeks i am unable to plan and study. I have been through GMAT study plans in forums but what I basically wish to ask that whether before starting study should i book the date first or should I study first for some period and then book.

What do you suggest??

Kaushik

dabral · Answer

Kaushik,

First get a sense of roughly where you stand. You could first review all the different types of GMAT problems, do a bunch of easy ones(the first 20 or so in each section in the official guide are easy ones). Then you can take the initial diagnostic in the official guide to GMAT, the diagnostic is on the bit difficult side but it will still give you a sense of where you stand. If you are fairly strong, then I would recommend you to spend another week or so and take an initial full length computer adaptive test, and get a sense of where you stand and how much effort you need to hit the target score. You can use this to set a test date. In reality, it is a bit hard to predict when one would be ready because it really depends on the individual. I have seen enough cases where everything is planned but then the student ends up taking the test three times, so try to do your best to get an accurate estimate of effort required to hit your target score.

Cheers,
Dabral

Kaushikghosh · Answer

Thanks Dabral,

I have followed what you have suggested and took the diagnostic test to see where i am standing and i think i have found that. My score was pretty low but that was good enough to guide me what next I have to plan. So i am planning to take 2-3 test more to increase my score in diagnostic test and most important getting use to exam strategy. I have noted down the areas where i lack the most and would work on them on priority. After 3 test I would again see where i stand and how much time i would require before taking the exam.

Thanks again for help!!!

Regards
Kaushik

RichEconomistGMAT · Answer

Hi Kaushikghosh,

A good number of students give themselves anywhere from 2-3 months to prepare for the GMAT. However, before we discuss that further, I'm curious if you've: 1) taken a full-length, timed practice exam, 2) invested in study prep materials (if so, which materials) 3) planned for this short turnaround based on a deadline that can't be moved. Once you've taken a full-length practice exam, let us know the results and we'll be able to proceed from there.

Best,
Rich

Kaushikghosh · Answer

Thanks Rich for suggestions,

Here are the answers to your queries:

1. Taken a full-length, timed practice exam -  I have taken a practice exam skipping AWA but not on a serious note, I just gave to get the rough idea. I'll again do the test in coming weekend or in weekday if possible, can you wait a few days, ill update you the result ASAP. 
2. invested in study prep materials -  Yeah i am studying from Manhattan GMAT 8 strategies 5th Edition. Till now I do have only this resource. 
3. planned for this short turnaround based on a deadline that can't be moved -  No, the plan is not chalked out properly because i am not able to set deadline and plan a strategy to how to achieve the target.

Regards
Kaushik

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kaushik,

To properly plan out your study routine, It's important to define your goals and general timeline.

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) Do you know which Schools you'll be applying to?

With a Test Date in the latter part of September, you have about 2 months to study, which might not be enough for you to achieve your goals (considering what you've described about your studies so far). Your first FULL-LENGTH CAT score will provide some valuable information about your strengths and weaknesses and will provide a way to measure your progress going forward.

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

dabral · Answer

Kaushik,

I would recommend that you first strengthen your basics, especially if you are have a lot of conceptual holes. Just taking practice tests or doing practice questions alone will not address it. The flow chart is to first learn all the concepts, understand how they are tested in the GMAT, and then dive in to doing practice questions. Learning concepts by doing practice problems is an inefficient way.

Cheers,
Dabral

Kaushikghosh · Answer

Thanks sir,

Then would you guide please what are the ways/Approach one should follow to get his/her hold of concepts strong because the approach I am following is studying and making notes through material/resources and then practice questions from different sources including OG. Would that approach be right ?

dabral · Answer

Kaushik,

You should choose a source for picking up the concepts: it could be books, an online course, an in person class, or online forums like gmatclub. It is really a trade off between your time and the efficiency you can obtain from using a resource that has everything organized in one place. I don't make any specific recommendations about that because I myself provide an online course.

Dabral

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hello Kaushik,

On the one hand, if you set the date it could be used as a motivational tool. On the other, it could be the source of a lot of stress if you don't have enough time for a realistic study plan. The second half of September is quite close if you don't stick to a consistent study schedule. I would suggest a 2 to 3 month study plan, but one that fits with your personal schedule and one to which you can realistically adhere. As your studies progress, you'll gain a better understanding of when to schedule your exam.

I hope that helps!

Kaushikghosh · Answer

Thanks Sir,

I will also search on the resources other than the books such as you have mentioned.

Kaushikghosh · Answer

Hi Experts,

Thanks for the advises.

But I have one practical issue bothering me. I am a consultant by profession and currently working on one project and soon to get deployed ( maybe in a month) on another out of home location which worries me a lot as i have to leave home for sometime and I don't know how would be the living condition in next project.

Now that I have learned that 2 to 3 months would be the ideal time for preparation, I have came up with a plan, described as follows in broad way.

1. In August month - 1-2 hours/weekday and 10-12 hours/weekend, that equals to 17-22 hours per week.

2. In September month, I am planning to take whole month off. Study plan would be 10 -12 hours daily.

what do you think of the above plan? Is it executable? Would that be enough hours to put up a score of 700+.

Schedule Date first or Study first?

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