|
|
|
Start Your GMAT Preparation Early! This is very important. Here’s why.
You will be taking the GMAT far in advance of the due dates for applications for admission. You will need time to prepare, register and take the GMAT so that you get your score in time to meet the application deadlines. You will likely be surprised at how far in advance of starting classes this timeline is.
For example, here are the application deadlines for Stanford’s MBA program for classes that started Fall 2010 (graduating Spring 2012):
| Round 1 | Oct 7, 2009 | ||
| Round 2 | Jan 6, 2010 | ||
| Round 3 | Apr 7, 2010 |
Here is the timeline you are working against to start classes in the Fall 2011 at Stanford (graduating Spring 2013)
| Round 1 | Oct 6, 2010 | ||
| Round 2 | Jan 6, 2011 | ||
| Round 3 | Apr 6, 2011 |
Have not taken the GMAT? Have not registered for the GMAT? Have not started preparing for the GMAT? We have
not even discussed getting your application submitted. Better get busy!
Consider all the steps and use the above dates to extrapolate future deadlines. You will quickly see how far in advance you need to start working on your GMAT and application.
Common advice is that you need 2 to 3 months to prep for the GMAT. I suggest you add a buffer of at least another month or two. The prep work becomes a grind. Work and life always find ways to interfere with your best intentions. Moreover, the GMAT is not something to cram for.
Plus, I found that my studying and test taking skills were terribly rusty because I had been out of school and in the workplace for 10 years, using much different skills. I needed extra time to re-learn how to study effectively and how to take standardized tests. This was a big surprise to me.
Couldn’t decide which prep book to get.
Bought one (tips for picking a prep book)
Cracked open book
Got disillusioned
Read about GMAT prep on the web
Opened book again and picked a section. Verbal or math? Looked at a few questions from each section. Oh, boy. Where to start?
Read about business schools on the web; resolved to get back to prep
Worked on verbal section. Realized that my study skills were out of practice. Discovered that test questions are foreign to my brain.
Egads, work went crazy, no time for prep for 3 weeks
Tried setting aside 45 minutes a day after work to study
Was so brain-dead after work that studying was minimally effective. Planned to set aside 3 hours on Saturday and Sunday for prep time. This proved to be such a drag, but was more effective. Brain more engaged.
Sick of studying. Procrastinated, didn’t want to read anything about the GMAT or b-schools.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Took some online GMAT sample tests
The holidays interrupted all good intentions. Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, Christmas travel.
After the holidays, got back to studying. Found that I had much better study skills than a few months ago and test questions are not so foreign.
Took sample tests; prepped like a dog …
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Assessed my weaknesses and worked on improving them. Also found that I needed to work faster at some types of questions.
Finally, the day to take the GMAT arrived. Humored myself with the thought that at least I will be able to move on with my life.
He did get in on a short timeline. There are all sorts of stories. Go for it. Do not let my detailed timeline story derail you. I applied during a serious economic downturn. The b-school I attended accepted only 1 applicant out of 10 at the time. When times are tough, many people want to go back to school. Do what you need to get your best score and beat out the competition.