has anyone taken their GMATs? Any advice? How long to study? What do study
Re: GMAT
You need atleast 4 weeks of study.
I did in Jan last year. You need to practice for maths questions always looking for 'short cuts' since you are pressed for time. 'Short Cuts' being alternative ways to solve the same question quicker.
Practice the english section... the most important thing is to read the answers to the practice questions and review the reasons why the choices were WRONG rather than concentrating on right answers. After a while, those reasons would start to repeat and you'll get a feel for most of the 'tricks' the GMAC plays in the verbal section.
Good Luck!
Re: GMAT
Preparation varies from person to person. Yes GMAT can be challenging, so do not take it lightly.
Practice practice practice.
A range of materials available online, including practice tests etc.
As mentioned, two major portions - English and Maths. Gmat surely cannot be prepared for overnight, so give it plenty of time. I would suggest start preparing for the test 2-3 months in advance. Give it time and practice the maths part.
You may choose from the different study aids - Princeton, Arco, Barrons, Kaplan etc... Barrons is very good and so is Kaplan. Google it and you would be surprised at the amount of material available....
Lastly, time yourself when you give a practice test. Time management is very crucial for success.
Re: GMAT
How did you guys do with a month of preperation? Did you end up getting into the schools you wanted?
Re: GMAT
NJgal.... It really depends on how up to speed you are. Quite frankly, I suggest you spend no less than 4-6 months, studying every weekend, and weeknights when possible. This is based on the assumption you want to score in the top percentile. If you've taken the SAT, you know it's all about speed and knowing all the types of math problems and analogies etc from the get-go.
I took a course prep with Testwellnyc, but mine was for the LSAT. The instructor was excellent and I felt that the methods they used for teaching the students how to approach the problems was worth every penny. I know they offer GMAT classes too, and probably a free class you can sit in for. So check it out. But do take a prep class, it helps you practice and become familiar, regardless of who you go with. Good luck if you're taking it!
Re: GMAT
Its not that bad. You just have to survive the 4.5 hours or so it lasts (breaks included). Everything on the test was OK with me, I just laothed preparing for the Sentence Correction questions. The AWA component at the beginning can also be challenging for some folks though I made a perfect 6 :D
NJgal.... It really depends on how up to speed you are. Quite frankly, I suggest you spend no less than 4-6 months, studying every weekend, and weeknights when possible. This is based on the assumption you want to score in the top percentile. If you've taken the SAT, you know it's all about speed and knowing all the types of math problems and analogies etc from the get-go.
I took a course prep with Testwellnyc, but mine was for the LSAT. The instructor was excellent and I felt that the methods they used for teaching the students how to approach the problems was worth every penny. I know they offer GMAT classes too, and probably a free class you can sit in for. So check it out. But do take a prep class, it helps you practice and become familiar, regardless of who you go with. Good luck if you're taking it!
Syani - my sister did the LSAT. She scored really well. I definately aiming for the top 15 B schools so need a really good score.
Re: GMAT
In all fairness though, GMAT and LSAT shouldn't be compared. The latter is considerably more difficult and requires a mastery of specific analytical thinking modes for sections such as logic games.
There are a dozen threads in the C&A forum where I've commented on the GMAT... but giving yourself anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks of preparation should be more than enough. I personally know many people who don't even require any preparation for it - this especially applies to those who've recently graduated from University, or are still in study mode. What matters is whether you are fast enough to be able to answer the questions in the alloted time. So picking up a book which goes over the methods and tips to answer questions quickly is all you need to prepare for it.