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nikosgan
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi nikosgan,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so based on the amount of study time that you have put in so, you should not expect to have mastered any aspects of the GMAT just yet. Going forward, you have to be careful about confusing "quantity" of study with "quality" of study. I've never asked anyone to study 40+ hours a week - and while it's great that you might have the available time to study that much, with that number of study hours, you would run the risk of 'burning out' before Test Day (and that is something that we want to avoid). If you are going to try to study that much, then I suggest that you take one hour "off" for every two hours of study. For example, you could study for 2 hours, then stop for an hour, then study for another 2 hours, then take an hour off, etc. You might also find it beneficial to focus on the IELTS first (since all of the skills that you will develop for that Exam should help you to improve on the GMAT) and work on the GMAT after.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on your timeline and your goals:

1) Is your overall goal score 650 or something else?
2) What Programs are you planning to apply to and what are the exact application deadlines for each?

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

You're totally right, Rich! I should focus more on quality of study. I'm trying to make a fresh start with my study plan. Currently I'm using anything I can get from the GMAT club forum. It is awesome and it helps me a lot to study more methodically!

1) My goal is minimum 650. Having the time available (and a lot of motivation), I want to aim for the 700, but I don't know if this is a realistic goal for my current level. 650 for sure!
2) I plan to apply for these programs: MSc Finance and MSc Management at Cass, Durham and Bath. Along with my cv, a 650 in gmat should be enough to prepare a strong application. If I could get a very high GMAT score I might consider some other choices too. The UK universities operate on a rolling admissions basis. For Cass, admissions open in November 2020 and they might close around summer. Sooner is better. I'm thinking to send my applications around Feb-March 2021, giving myself enough time to prepare properly.

I'm still not sure about the IELTS. Maybe my GMAT prep would be more effecient if I boosted my English skills first and then coming back for a stronger prep. Right now I keep preparing for the GMAT, but I'm considering your advice. I'm thinking about rescheduling the GMAT around December, leaving myself some more time in case I need to retake. Any suggestions are invaluable.
Thank you so much for your advice, it is very helpful to me!
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Hi nikosgan,

Assuming that you took your practice CATs in a realistic fashion that matches-up with what you will face when you take the Official GMAT, you will likely need at least another 2-3 months of consistent, guided study to get to the point that you can consistently score 650+ and you will have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

I want to reiterate that shifting to study for the IELTS at this point would likely be a smart choice (since the skills that you will develop for the IELTS should help you to improve in ALL areas of the GMAT, whereas only some of what you will learn for the GMAT will help you on the IELTS).

To be efficient with the many months of upcoming study time that you will face, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in an IELTS and/or GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). While I don't have any suggestions when it comes to an IELTS Course, 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 our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of the available options for both Tests, then choose the ones that best match your personality, timeline and budget.

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