Where to begin with?

Question

Hello! I am about to start preparing to take the GMAT. I however do not know much about the exam yet in terms of what would be the best source to study from. I have the 2017 official guide with me from which I intend to begin. Kindly help me out with resource materials and also on what would be the best way to proceed with this.

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pushpitkc · Answer

Hi mahimabachhawat

Since you are beginning with preparation, I would recommend you to do the following things.

1. Download the GMATPrep software and take one of two free tests you get. Once you have a
preliminary score, the experts on the forum will give you a clear idea on how to proceed.

2. It makes sense to clear your concepts for every topic and then follow it up with some practice.
To build your concepts, you could use Manhattan Guides for Verbal and Quant.

Verbal Section Prep
You could use the PowerScore CR bible to get a basic understanding of how the CR section.
For RC, you could refer to the below given link
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-club-s- ... 83101.html
As for practice, you can find all the questions at GMATClub. You should use the Timer to time
yourself once you are familiar with the concepts.

Quant Section Prep
Follow Bunuel. Solve all the questions in his signature. They contain some awesome questions
that give you the true taste of GMAT(Baker's Dozen, 12 Easy Pieces etc..)
Even otherwise, make sure you solve each and every question he puts up on the forum.

Link to GMAT Quantitative Mega-Thread(beneficial in understanding concepts)
https://gmatclub.com/forum/ultimate-gma ... 44512.html

3. For some of the best books that could help you, you should look at this link
https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-gmat-bo ... 18706.html
Since this post has not been updated, the versions suggested might be slightly old
but the books will remain the same.

Last but not the least, you could check out the study plan:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-plan-217827.html

Hope this helps you!

mahimabachhawat · Answer

Hi thanks a lot for sharing this. Also if you’ve already given the exam could you tell me the amount of time which is ideal to prepare for the exam

Thanks again

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pushpitkc · Answer

I would say between 3-6 months based on the score you get in that preliminary exam!

mahimabachhawat · Answer

Thanks a lot  pushpitkc

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mahimabachhawat,

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 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 come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Best Books
 
 For Concept Learning
 
Manhattan Quant Guides
Manhattan Verbal Guides
For CR: The Powerscore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible
For RC: Aristotle RC Grail

For Practice
 
The Official Guide for GMAT 2015-18
The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review 2015-18
The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review 2015-18

Strategies
 
You can start with Quant or Verbal which suits you. If you have started with Quant then Start with the Arithmetic but if started with verbal then start first with Sentence correction. One month for learning Quant concepts and one month for practicing question and same practice for Verbal. During you Practicing question don't forget to make an error log to track your weak areas after practice. Once you know your weak areas revise your Concepts related to those areas and do some more Practice. 6-8 CATs are enough for practice the real tests. Make your Stamina for sitting 3 hours in the test and don't study more than 2 hours in one sit and 4 hours per day

Top CATs for Practice
 
1. Official GMAC CATs
2. Manhattan CATs
3. Kaplan CATs
4. GMAT Club Quant CATs

Good Luck

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