GMAT Prep Strategies: Juggling Full-Time Work and Aspiring for a 700+ Score
Embarking on GMAT preparation while juggling a full-time job can be challenging, but with strategic planning and dedication, it's entirely feasible. Having recently completed my preparation, including a 15-day leave near the exam date, I'm here to share insights and address common questions.Common Questions and Responses:
- Is the GMAT preparation course offered full-time?
- No, the GMAT exam assesses critical thinking, writing, analysis, math, and English. Full-time commitment is unnecessary.
- Is three to four hours a day necessary?
- One to two hours per day, with extra on weekends, is sufficient after starting coaching.
- Is the GMAT a difficult test?
- While not inherently difficult, it requires aptitude, timing, and planning. Conceptual understanding is crucial for success.
- Is it difficult to score 700 on your first try?
- It's achievable with commitment, passion, and regular study. Taking the exam lightly may lead to suboptimal results.
- How much does it cost to purchase mocks, study guides, and the course?
- A good institute should provide all necessary resources; additional purchases may not be required.
Choosing the Best GMAT Preparation Course:
Research is key before committing to a GMAT preparation course. Here are steps to guide your decision:
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Pattern Familiarization:
- Understand the test pattern, practice questions, and gather information from free sources. Demo Sessions:
- Attend demo sessions at different institutes to gauge teaching methods and content. Comparative Analysis:
- Research institutes' fees, considering cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
Masterclass Space: Choose Masterclass Space- Online Courses for GMAT Preparation due to several compelling reasons:
- Effective verbal teacher and teaching style.
- Practice questions with voice and video answers.
- Inexpensive with comprehensive study materials.
- Structured study plans with conceptual training and assessments.
Strategies for Working Professionals:
Flexible Study Schedule:
Attend sessions every day and utilize recorded classes for flexibility.
Weekend Sessions:
Consider enrolling in weekend sessions to accommodate a full-time job.
Daily Practice:
Allocate time for daily practice, balancing study and work commitments.
Study Group Formation:
Form a study group for motivation, competition, and daily planning discussions.
Consistent Progress Tracking:
Maintain a study log to track accomplishments and mistakes, aiding in last-minute planning.
Stick to Study Plan:
Despite time pressure, adhere to the coaching's study plan for effective preparation.
How can I improve my GMAT score through preparation?
Let's assume that the GMAT score of 700 or more is the superior score you indicated. It is equivalent to the 88th percentile. You'll be in the top 10 percentile with just 10 more points. These are impressive results. How can we get there, let's see.
Which subsection split could help you reach a 700?
700 can be obtained by using Q49 (74th percentile) and V35 (76th percentile). The two sections have been divided in a well-balanced manner. How simple or complex is it then? The percentile figures are the ones who speak. Only over 25% of GMAT test takers who took the exam within the previous three test years achieved these scores. It should be doable for many of us, even if it takes some work. Stated differently, you are unlikely to make a compelling argument if you submit your tale to a reputable B school and receive a score below the top 25 percentile.
How should one approach it? Individually at a time
One part at a time, nail it. Assume you begin with quant. Just concentrate on the quant segment throughout one to four weeks. Enroll in any reputable offline or online course. Even though there's a tonne of free material available on the Internet for preparation, highly advisable to enroll in an organized program.
Two causes
Finding, gathering, and organizing free content comes with a high search cost.
If you rely on free information, you won't have a mentor to help you through the difficult phases and portions of the preparation.
The benefit of taking classes online is that you may place them to suit your requirements. Additionally, it allows you to finish one portion before going on to the next. On the other hand, most test prep facilities will cover both verbal and quantitative in tandem if you enroll in an offline course. If so, devote the remaining time to quant prep and do whatever is required to keep in sync with the class during verbal, or vice versa.
Typically, the first week is dedicated to starting the engine and creating a routine for preparation. That's the most you can tolerate before picking up the pace. Over the following four weeks, study the fundamentals (how, what, why, and when) of all pertinent quantitative topics, including how to solve questions of a medium level. Set aside the final weeks to review all you have learned, put quant on hold, and prepare to move to verbal.
How do you assess your level of readiness? It doesn't matter how many hours you spend preparing or how many questions you answer correctly. What counts is how comfortable you are answering questions from every subject you have studied. A reliable indicator of your level of preparation is whether you can correctly answer more than 80% of the questions on that subject in the time given.
Proceed with the verbal component in the same manner. To reach 700 level readinesses in the verbal section, you will require an additional 4 to 5 weeks of preparation.
A lot of students complain that the reading comprehension portion is difficult for them. Please be aware that reading comprehension questions make up over one-third of the GMAT verbal section questions. You need to get this section down pat. The best aspect is that the knowledge you get from RC will improve your comprehension of CR chapters. Even in the quant segment, there is a substantial element to how quickly and effectively you comprehend. Learning to increase your reading focus is the non-negotiable input that leads to aging the RC portion. You become more focused when reading, which will help you do well on the RC. It consistently functions. I understand that it's easier said than done. Create your formula for increasing focus. This strategy is far more effective than any other that people may mention.
It's time to test the work of the past ten weeks. Now, simultaneously revise the verbal and quant. One method to review all topics at once is to solve the full OG for each given year. Begin completing extended practice exams and establish a feedback loop for every examination. Based on your review of the most recent full-length GMAT practice exam you took, always choose two low-hanging fruit—one for verbal and one for quantitative—that you wish to enhance. Those two areas that will enhance you the most in the shortest amount of time. Before you take the next test, make sure you have made enough progress in these areas. For each test, repeat the feedback loop and check its results against score growth.
Finally, leap. Even people with scores well over 750 would admit that they felt they could have studied more before the test. It would seem impossible to prepare enough. It's not only you who thinks that way. Plan a preparatory period of 12 to 14 weeks, decide on a test date, and start working on your timetable on D-day.
Further information on Online Courses for GMAT Preparation, Visit www.masterclassspace.com and mail us at info@masterclassspace.com.
