I'm looking for advice on preparing for the GMAT. Specifically, what resources work the best. For a Masters in Economics, most RA schools, DL(if there are any, haven't found one yet) or otherwise, require it so I'd like to be prepared before I put my money down. Thanks. RedStickHam
1. Consider Princeton Review products for your review. 2. Consider taking a review course (preferably, again, from the Princeton Review). 3. Consider buying real GMATs from ETS (published and available in bookstores). 4. Just take it and don't sweat it. (This doesn't work for everyone. ) NB: I have no connection with the Princeton Review, I just like their products and their pragmatic approach to beating (not "taking") the test. Cracking the Gmat 2003 (Cracking the Gmat With Sample Tests on Cd-Rom). ISBN: 0375762507
When I took it, I used Kaplan's. It was rather humorous, but it got the job done. If you check out my website (particularly http://www.blahetka.com/sjsu.shtml). I discuss a bit about the exam on that particular page. As I mention, you do NOT study for the GMAT, you prepare for it. Any good prep program will give you strategies for taking the test, and some practice drills. If you have very little recollection of basic algebra (You needn't be a methmetician, but you do need to know some basic things.), perhaps geometry, english grammar, etc. you will have difficulty and problably need more than just a prep. However, if you are pretty good in those areas, then you just need to get into the rhythym of the exam. Understand that while the test supposedly is looking ot get a basic understanding of how well you may understand a particular area, it is really testing how well you think under pressure- in this case pressure created by time limits. Once you develop a strategy that works for you, make sure you use it. I neglected to use it at one point in my test (paper based at the time I took it), and stubbornly worked on a particular problem. Had I stuck to my strategy and just moved on, I could have increased my score by 3 or 4 points. The strategies you learn for the GMAT can be used in other standardized tests. I took the California CBEST (I was going to do some substitute teaching after I was laid off- but the kids got a reprieve- it was too close to the end of the school year) and I've taken the Series 7, 66 and CA insurance exams. The basic strategies I learned from the GMAt prep were useful in those exams as well. Good luck to you!
