Please advice on Strategy

[dddanny2006]

Hey Stacey

Got my self warmed up with some of the math concepts that would be tested on the GMAT.A vast majority is yet to be completed.Iv'e warmed up to Number properties,Combinatorics,&Probability.I haven't started with my Verbal prep at all.Iv'e booked my GMAT date for the 3rd week of April,did it just yesterday.

My target is a score of 700+.Do I have sufficient time at my disposal to get that crucial 700+,I am an Indian and as a result I need to crack a 700+ due to the strong applicant pool.Can anyone guide with regards to the study plan I need to adopt?I'm an above average student and cant boast of high Undergraduate pedigree,having said that I needed to know if a 700+ can be cracked by people with average intelligence?Im determined to get there and hopefully will.Any inputs on the same will be appreciated.What sort of work does one have to do to get a 40+ on the Verbal section?What are the easy topics that verbal offers on the Test day?,and what's the best way to tackle Verbal?Any good material that could possibly turn the tables around in the market?I have an Ielts score breakup of 8.5 8.5 8.5 and 7(Writing),is this any guarantee of getting a good Verbal score?
Also,I find the 700-800 level combinatorics problems hard,how can I overcome this?If I find those problems hard,am I ever going to improve,or is it the end for me as far as those go?

As far as the Quant goes I'm relying on the Manhattan GMAT set,will use Veritas for Combinatorics and Probability as they have the best book in that area.

Please guide me in my journey to the 700+ club


Thanks & Regards

Dan

[StaceyKoprince]

Most people study for about 2 to 4 months - closer to the 4-month end if they want 700+. It's impossible to say how long any specific person will take, though. You're going to go for it and, if the time approaches but you're not there yet, you'll just postpone your exam, that's all!

Read this (right now):
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/

Now, couple the above with the knowledge that there is typically just one question in combinatorics and probability combined on the real test.

So what should you do about the fact that you're struggling with 700+ combinatorics questions? (Answer below. Think about it.)

Next, take a look at this to help you develop a study plan:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... an-part-1/

(Note: I actually just wrote a new version of that last article; it should be up on our blog in the next week or so, so you may want to check for it. For now, you can start with the old version.)

Also take a look at this; it talks more about how to study:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

After you've taken your first test (according to your study plan), use the below to analyze it (this should take you a minimum of 1 hour):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Figure out your strengths and weaknesses as well as what you think you should do based on that analysis. Then come back here and tell us; we'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)

The answer to my question: your goal should be to get hard combinatorics questions wrong fast. :) Save that time and mental energy for better topics - things that are more commonly tested and that you're better at!

You'll have timing issues (everybody does), so take a look at these as well:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -to-do-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

I'm not familiar enough with the IELTS scoring scale to be able to give you an idea of how you might do on GMAT verbal - you'll just need to take a practice test to see what you're starling score is.

A 40 on verbal is the 90th percentile - that's the equivalent of getting a 50 on math. By definition, only 10% of people score that high or higher, so it's quite challenging to score that well. Re: materials, I like our own books - but then I'm biased. :)

The single biggest thing to remember is that this test is first and foremost a test of your business skills, not your academic skills (see those articles I linked above). If you can really internalize that and take the test in the way that it's meant to be taken, then you will greatly improve your chances of earning a high score.