First Step: GMAT
I'm officially beginning to prepare to apply to business school. I have been researching MBAs, attending forums and information sessions, and talking about this time since my senior year of undergrad in 2005. Needless to say, this is a long-awaited step for me.
I say first step as if I haven't been preparing for this for the past six years. When I was in college, I worked to get good grades, do extra-curricular activities, and generally stand out in any way that I could. After college, I found other ways to be involved in the community (and found one of my favorite organizations - Rotaract) and unearthed leadership opportunities there as well. I have worked my tail off at work to show some progress (and to keep my attention span, I do work in insurance after all). And I have carefully monitored my life to remain mobile enough that I can scurry right off to school without many roots to pull up (read: boyfriend and real estate).
But that is all preparation that is loosely tied to business school, and could very well be re-directed towards other endeavors should I choose a different route. I am now embarking on the first step that says yes, I am applying to business school. Top ones. With no "safety" schools, just in case.
So what is my first real step? I am going to dive into studying for the GMAT. I have the books (some of them) - at least the OG's, a Kaplan and a PR. Based on the blogs and websites that I have read, here is my intital plan of attack:
1. Take an online practice test to see where I need to focus. I can tell you right now that it will be math, but I need to determine which concepts I really need to work on.
2. Start on the Kaplan and PR books, for practice and concepts mostly.
3. Take practice tests periodically to see if I'm improving (hopefully!)
4. Move on to OG's. I hear that these are the best, and I want to study the books with the most relevant practice questions in the time nearest to the test.
At this point, I'm aiming for a February test date. My ideal time study time would be four months I think, but that puts me taking the test during the holidays which just seems to be asking for trouble. I'll go with February, which will still give me adequate time to try again should I need to.
Does anyone have any recommendations/advice based on my plan so far? The wisdom of the MBA applicant (or student!) blogging community is always appreciated!!
Posted in: GMAT, studying on Monday, July 14, 2008 at at 9:33 PM
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Hey there,
I am in a similar situation like you, I suppose. I have just graduated from college with Second Class Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration. Now, I am also not involved in any job or other relationships, except a service web site that I and friends of mine are working on.
I am wondering on the GMAT and whether Masters in a Business School is the way to go. I am not sure what class of an institution I could qualify. I believe achieving good GMAT score is a matter of study. I have just found Kaplan materials. But I have no clue on planning my studies. I will dig down further and see.
Take care
hi there - i'm pretty early in this process, but i've wondered about what schools i would qualify for as well. i've been told that a good place to start is to look at the stats on the current students at a school and see if yours match up.
obviously, it's not an exact science, but it's a good place to start!
good luck to you!
-ardent
Hey!!
Can u tell me where did u get your OG and what is the book called and author also.
Thanks,
Suyash
Hey,
Your plan looks good. In addition to your list, I would strongly recommend Manhattan SC guide for Sentence Correction.
All the best to you!!! Hope you do well.
Regards.
suyash: certainly - it's The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 11th ed., by Graduate Management Admissions Council. I'm working on getting a "books I've used" list on my blog - stay tuned :o) hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions
teacher: thanks for the advice - i'll add that one to the list. i appreciate it!