Planning to start preparing for GMAT

Question

Hi,

I'm planning to start my preparation for GMAT within this week. As suggested by my many people, I went through Manhattan's diagnostic test and scored a total of 650(Q-48, V-30). I'm currently working full time and considering the same, I want to know how many months of preparation would it take to prepare. My target score is 720+ and I'm planning to take the self study route. What resources can I start with before starting with the Mock tests. Can anyone share their study plan and help? Thanks.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi RupK23,

A 650 is a fantastic initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 550 most years). With just this one result though, we don't know if you got a little lucky or unlucky during the Exam (meaning that your actual 'ability level' might be higher or lower than this 650). If you are just beginning your studies, then statistically-speaking, raising a 650 to the point that you can consistently score 720+ would likely require that you commit to at least another 2 months of consistent, guided study - and you'll 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.

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) What study materials do you currently have access to?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT - and are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
4) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

RupK23 · Answer

Hi,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Yes, I agree that with one result it is trickier to know one's actual ability. And that's why I want to know on how can I target a guaranteed score of 720+. How many hours of preparation and what study materials would help me reach this target?

Below are the answers to your questions:

1) What study materials do you currently have access to?
  I have not purchased any study materials as of now but I do have access guides from Manhattan series for verbal and quant. Also, I have access to the books from Wiley series(RC,SC and CR Grail) and OG 2020 as well. Please suggest if any other materials are needed to be referred?

2) When are you planning to take the GMAT - and are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
  I'm planning to take GMAT somewhere in May. But I have not decided whether to take the At-home GMAT or at the test center. I would mostly prefer giving at the test center.

3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?
  
I'm planning to apply for Fall 2022 for an executive MBA program as I have an experience of more than 4.5 years as of now.
I'm planning to apply to ISB(India), and to best B-schools in Germany(and rest of the Europe) like - Mannheim Business School, TU Munich, ESMT Berlin, HEC Paris, LBS. The first target is to score really well in GMAT, so that I can strengthen my application.

As far as I know there are no admissions for MBA in the Spring season? Are there any exceptions to that?

4) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?
  Considering the fact I'm working full time, I can devote 2 hours per day on weekdays and 4-6 hours each day on weekends.

It would be great if you can also provide guidance on what all mocks I can take once I'm done with the concepts. Thanks.

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

RupK23  - Welcome to GMAT Club, and I wish you a very happy new year. Please check our in-house GMAT study plan available in the below link, for you are just starting out.

GMAT Study Plan

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi RupK23,

To start, a CAT/mock is really a 'measuring device' - when used correctly, it will give you a realistic score and help define your strengths and weaknesses, but it will NOT help you to fix any of those weaknesses. To raise your scores, you have to learn the necessary Tactics and put in the proper practice and repetitions. The CAT will show you whether your studies are helping you to improve or not. In addition, the process of taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of energy and effort - and takes time to 'recover' from. This is one of the reasons why you typically shouldn't take more than 1 CAT per week - and your last CAT should be taken about 1 week before Test Day. Going forward, you really shouldn't take more than 1 FULL CAT per week.

From what you have described, your initial study plan is "book heavy"; unfortunately, many GMATers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. 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. There's no harm in starting off your studies with the books that you have, but you will likely find it necessary to invest in some non-book study materials at some point. For practical purposes, you might consider studying as you like for the next 2 weeks, then take a NEW CAT under realistic testing conditions (re: take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, if you will be at a Test Facility, then wear a face mask, etc.). Once you have that Score, you should post back here (or you can PM me directly) and we can discuss the results and how you might best proceed with your studies.

As far as your applications are concerned, each School/Program has its own application deadlines, so if you have a specific list of Programs that interests you, then you should be able to research them individually and find the exact application deadlines/rounds for each.

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi RupK23,

Since you are just starting out with your GMAT prep, I have the perfect article for you.

How to Start Studying for the GMAT: 5 Steps for Success

If after reading this article you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out.

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi RupK23,

You can go through this   article   to understand how to strategize your prep. And if you need any help with the right resource, I suggest you to check the free trials of the courses and then choose the one which suits you. You can go through this   article   to understand a  few key factors that you should keep in mind while evaluating the online courses .

And if you wish to have a detailed discussion regarding the study strategy, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

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