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Hi all,

I'm new here so just wanted to share some first impressions of the GMAT from my perspective and try and get some tips from you guys.

So I have been toying with the idea of doing GMAT for about a year now. I always wanted to go back into tertiary education, hence the GMAT made sense. Anyway I came across this website, and specifically the study guide by the founder bb. So today after work I did the diagnostic test as recommended and scored 530. Q36 V27 IR3. I was quite disappointed with that score as i'm normally quite good at these sort of cognitive/Logical/Numerical Reasoning tests.

Anyway I have a Economics/Statistics background and really want to nail my quant score, just i've forgotten a few things from undergrad - long division by hand, quadratic graphs, prime numbers, isosceles triangles (lol). Going through the website & online, there are a vast aray of study materials/courses, its somewhat overwhelming.
I have decided I will do self study offline, and I'm trying to decide on books, problem is I don't know whats good, whats full of crap, whats been given fake reviews, who's getting commission where etc (GMAT seems like big business!)

Also once I get the books how do you go about tackling them, ie wouldn't read every page surely? I have roughly 12 weeks and 12-15 hours per week (10 on weekends). Ideally i want to get my quant to mid 40's, (need to get the sufficient questions right) before I start on the verbal. Not really sure where I can get unbiast book oppinions so I will ask you guys to help.

Also the AWA I could do with some help on as essays are my weakest area.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kdoug18,

To start, a 530 is a solid initial CAT Score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). Since you have not clearly defined your Score Goal, it's not clear whether a 'book heavy' study approach is actually the best one for you. That having been said, many Test Takers who use a book heavy approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. In addition, even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your goals:

Goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) What is your Official Test Date?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
4) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Kdoug18 · Answer

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the reply. That's good to know. Ad I was saying there's a mix between some of the basics I know and some stuff I've forgot for quant.

For the verbal I think I mainly need a lot of practice on breaking down each of the different styles of questions. Especially the SC.

1. Ideal score is 710-730, although I of course will aim for 800

2. No date booked as of yet, I went online and my local test centres have availability for tomorrow, however looking at 1st week in July at present.

3. NUS programme closes 2nd week of July I believe so would apply end of 1st week, for a Jan start. Rest would be starting autumn 2019 I believe so would apply around sept/Oct 18.

4. Looking mainly at NUS MSc Management at present, will also maybe apply for NTU & HKU, however would also consider some UK unis (where I'm from) such as Warwick, LSE, etc..
I have just under a years work exp and will be applying for Msc level.

Hope that helps,
Regards

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Kdoug18,

With an early July Test Date, you have a little over 3 months of potential study time - which is good. That having been said, raising a 530 to a 710+ will almost certainly require at least another 3 months of study - and you'll have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. In addition, you want to make sure that you've given yourself enough time to work on your application(s) - so you might need to set aside some time for those activities while you're studying.

Regardless of which study materials you choose to use, I suggest that you actually do 'some Quant and some Verbal' each week (as opposed to the "all of one, then all of the other" that you're thinking about). You'll likely find it easier to retain everything overall if you're working on a mix of GMAT subjects. Given your Score Goal and timeframe, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led), so you should plan to look into the available options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at out site (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then you can feel free to contact me directly.

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

rohan2345 · Answer

Hi Kdoug18, 12 weeks is good enough to achieve a good score. Its a good thing you have taken a practice test. You now know your weaknesses and can work on them. If you are willing to study dedicatedly for that period, you are sure to achieve your goal. I believe you may benefit from taking a GMATPREP course. If you want to go for offline course, you can try out the MGMAT guides they are phenomenal and cover the entire syllabus really well. I must add that if you are particularly looking to discover and improve on your weak areas in quant; a subscription to GMATCLUB tests is the best way to do that. They are indeed phenomenal and will not only pinpoint your weak areas but also help you improve on them. Further taking multiple mocks might help. Apart from the GMATPREP, Manhattan GMAT tests and Veritas Prep Tests in my experience have a good verbal and Quant section and will certainly help you point out and improve your weak areas. Further another advantage of taking many mocks is to build up your stamina. Apart from the GMATPREP tests, taking practise tests of any major GMATPREP company ought to do that. Lastly I would also encourage you to purchase the latest version of OG and the verbal review for some great additional practice. Here are some links that will help you with your decision. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ve ... 68383.html https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-ma ... ml?fl=menu Hope this helps. All the best.

GMATPill · Answer

Waiving through all the online bs is all about filtering out what works for you. Which style works for you? Sometimes you don't know yourself until you try. With online courses - each person learns differently. We use a very visual and think out loud approach that many of our students like. There are other approaches out there - ultimately, you have to see what works best for you. We do invite you take a look at these sample videos: https://www.gmatpill.com/sentencecorrect ... ythons.mp4 https://www.gmatpill.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/q077-reticulated-pythons.jpeg https://www.gmatpill.com/criticalreasoni ... Estate.mp4 https://cdn.gmatpill.com/cr-slide.jpg You can learn more about GMAT Pill at https://www.gmatpill.com/testimonials Get started with some practice questions here: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/ The questions are free but a paid membership is required for video explanations. Enjoy!

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