Fall 2013 Game Plan

[dallin.rosdahl]

Hi,

I am getting ready to take the in-person comprehensive class here in the DC area starting in two-weeks. My GMAT background is I have spent roughly 6 months lazily studying OG problems and reading MGMAT study guides but I didn't feel like I was progressing much and I was having a hard time staying focused thus the enrollment in the in-person course.

I have taken the recommended CAT prior to day one of class and scored a 630. My target schools are HBS, Stanford, Wharton. I am a West Point graduate in Economics with a 3.84 UGPA. My goal for the GMAT is 730-760.

My current plan of attack for the GMAT is to take the course and complete all required homework assignments focusing on what I already have identified as my weaker points (RC, SC, and basically all QUANT) and to complete 3x MGMAT CATs as well as 1x practice GMAT from GMAC.

My class finishes on 5 November, and I would like to take the test for the first time on or about 23 November. I am comfortable with the idea of retaking it in January or late December should the test not go as planned. Post-class completion I will complete probably 1x MGMAT CAT and the official practice test.

Am I being too ambitious with a goal test date of 23 November? I anticipate work getting a little more busy post-January 2014 thus I am very interested in getting the GMAT behind me so I can focus on b-school apps starting next summer.

Thanks for any advice!

Regard,

D

[StaceyKoprince]

During the class, don't take more than 2 more CATs.

Practice CATs are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina and timing, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.

2 weeks is... tight. I'd tell most people to take more time. The amount of work during the course is overwhelming, frankly. (We're working on that!) There is no review time built in, so even if you do get through everything, you still want a bare minimum 2 to 3 weeks for review after. Most people have a week or two of catch up after the class is over. (Though if you prioritize well and don't try to do everything, then you can come out of the class on track.)

Bigger issue: you've picked a date that's still 2.5 months in future. You don't need to decide today. Give yourself some time to see how the class is going. Work or life may throw you a curveball and you may need an extra couple of weeks at the end.

So, have that date in mind as a goal, if everything goes perfectly, but give yourself the flexibility to adjust if that's the wisest decision to make. :)

At the end of the course, sign up for the Post-Course Assessment (your teacher will explain how to sign up and what the requirements are) - this is a conversation with an instructor to figure out what to do between the end of the course and your test.

And, of course, feel free to ask your instructor for advice (and feel free to come back here too).

You've got a little time before your class starts. If you want to hit the ground running, do some of the Foundations of Math work to brush up on your skills; that'll make the later lessons a bit easier (though not easy!). If you find that a breeze, then you can start to dive into the first week's homework assignments. Do the math first. The verbal homework is usually designed to follow on after a week's class lesson, while the math homework is usually designed to be done in preparation for the next week's class lesson. So it's no problem to get ahead on math (if you have the luxury of time!).

Good luck! Check back in and let me know how it's going. :)