Just starting to study and a little overwhelmed

Question

Hi all, I am just starting to study for the GMATs and my goal as of now to take the exam in mid-July. I bought the OG and have taken the diagnostic tests which were included and I definitely have some work to do. That said, I am super overwhelmed by the amount of resources out there (study plans, prep books, courses), so I don't really know where/how to start. My plan as of now is to focus on the areas that need most improvement by purchasing Manhattan Prep books and put in 7-10 hours a week until next month, then take an official practice test to see how I fare. Then I would focus in on the practice questions in the OG. Is this a good starting point? Should I just save time and purchase an online prep resource like Magoosh? Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Lori,

I think Magoosh is great, Manhatten is a gold standard but I personally used Magoosh in the past with great results.

The main problem with Manhatten is that their questions are sometimes too difficult/not reflective of the exam, particularly some of the math. Magoosh also has some difficult ones but I feel are much more applicable to the actual exam. If I were you I'd use Magoosh and the OG until you "plateau", if you ever do, and go from there. Hopefully by late June you're already at your target score.

That being said, if you're ever interested in having a tutor/supplement to your study, I can help with beginning studies but I specialize in pushing people from 500s-600s to 700s and above, specifically in test taking strategies for when "you feel you know everything yet still get questions wrong" and are wondering why.

Good luck!

-Michael