Hi all,
This is my first post in this forum and I'm very happy to be able to connect with all of you guys!
Like everyone else, I became part of this awesome community thanks to my dream goal! My goal is very specific; I want to study for a MSc Finance or MiM. I'm not here for an MBA, since I'm about to get my undergraduate degree. I'm here for MSc or MiM because they're perfect for young graduates with career aspirations. My top programme choices require or at least give a strong consideration of GMAT scores of 650+, ideally 700+.
I really need some advice regarding my GMAT prep after I've gone through some struggling.
I started prep class in June at a prep center near my area. Back then my english level wasn't that great (FCE) and I haven't seen a test written in English for years! It was difficult and I had a busy schedule (exam period), so I didn't really self study during this period, but at least I became familiar with the exam structure and the logic behind it.
Since the end of July, I managed to get free time so the GMAT became my full-time job. Since then I've been self-studying the whole day for around 3-weeks, raising my starting score of 470 to 540.
I had scheduled my Test Day for 31/08 before I realised that it was too soon! I had some obligations after September, so I thought I would be able to prepare properly until the end of August. Little did I know, I became very stressed trying to even get a 600 until test day and I realised that the time available is just not enough! I studied every day for around 10-13 hours per day - and I mean real studying, no distractions. I had to start from the very foundations! It was really tough to do this and I noticed that my efficiency went down; many hours of studying and energy for so little improvement.
Luckily, I rearranged my schedule and my obligations, so I'll definitely reschedule. My available time to complete the GMAT and the IELTS is around 6-months! I didn't start with IELTS yet, and even though I believe it might help me with my English, I don't really want to halt -I know, this is gmat vocab haha- my momentum with the GMAT prep, so I'm thinking to complete the GMAT first and then focus on the IELTS. Besides, I feel that the GMAT helps me a lot with my English even though I don't practice my writing or speaking skills at all (I haven't even touched the AWA yet). What do you think? Should I consider pure english skills first?
Is there any advice on how do I continue on my own from now on? I want to make the most out of my study time available, and I think 3 months on full time will be enough to raise my score, but after these intense weeks of studying and my little improvement I feel a bit worried about whether I study properly or not! I don't want to waste another 3 months thinking that I'm studying and actually making little improvement.
Here are my recent test results from a mock test:
Score: 540 V27 Q37
Even though the verbal was the scary part for me, after some foundational prep things turned the other way around! Quant became the monster and verbal seems already easier, even though my English are not the best!
So what do you guys think?
When should I plan to take the GMAT? Would 3 months be enough for getting at least the 650+?
Should I give it a break with GMAT prep and focus maybe on IELTS and english skills first or use my prep momentum and complete the GMAT first?
How should I plan my studying during those months for maximizing results and efficiency? So far, 10-13 hours of daily study only for the GMAT is proved to be an inefficient way of imporving my score!
Thanks a lot!
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