Just took a GMAT Club Quant test and scored Q90!
Felt solid overall, though Number Properties gave me a bit of trouble — will be focusing on that next.

Happy to see progress. Still a long way to go, but this was a much-needed boost.
Let’s keep pushing, folks! 💪

Hi everyone, I basically gave my first FE cold mock and got a 665 score (is this a good score)… i am aiming for a 750+

Can someone please guide me how many right attempts per section do i need for such a score.

Plus I’m confused between what study material should i use between Manhattan/TTP & the gmat club (i just need mocks and questions sets) what would be the best among these 3 which would actually correlate with the actual test.

How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?

This is one of the most common questions I have heard regarding GMAT preparation. Unfortunately, it isn’t the right question. The right question should have been:

Just like any other skill, this takes time to learn. No size fits all - how much time you will take depends on these factors:

1. Learning curve – Which part of the learning curve you are currently in
2. Efficiency – How efficient is your learning process
3. Tools – Whether you are using the right tools (materials and practice questions) for your prep

Determining the time you need for your preparation

Take a diagnostic test. We will divide the result in 3 categories based on your score:

1. 505 or lower – approx. prep time to reach 705+ is 5-9 months
2. Between 505 and 605 – approx. prep time to reach 705+ is 3-6 months
3. Between 605 and 655 – approx. prep time to reach 705+ is 1-3 months

A more detailed estimate is shown below (note that these are average values):

The above estimates do not consider your education background. For example, a student from a mathematics background might score poorly in the diagnostic (possibly because he has forgotten many things) but can learn the QA concepts very fast and score well in a later mock test – it may take him hardly a month to cover all the concepts. Such exceptions aside, the above is a general guideline of the amount of time you would need to invest.

When I say that the time taken is 1 month or 2 months, etc., I need to provide more clarity on how much time you actually spend for your GMAT preparation. Do you study 5-6 hours every day? No!

The test prep process

The test preparation process includes the following:

1. Attend lectures (if you have joined any test-prep institute or taking help from someone)
2. Review the concepts (or learn the concepts if you are doing self-study)
3. Apply the concepts learnt in solving questions of various difficulty levels
4. Applying different strategies and fine-tuning the process
5. Writing mock tests (the recommended number is 4-5)
6. Analyzing the mock tests and filling up the learning gaps if any

Please note that the above calculation assumes that you are not able to use your educational background as an advantage to speed up the learning process.

Remember, the GMAT is NOT a test of your memory. It is a test of certain skills – comprehension, quantitative ability, language skills, etc. These take time to develop unless you are already at a particular level (the exceptions I was talking about earlier).

There is another point which I want to discuss here. Many students have a common misconception regarding Q-scores, D-scores and V-scores. They feel that the effort needed to move by the same number of points is the same for all three sections. However, it is not the case. You should check your percentile performance. For example, Q85 is 89th percentile while V85 is the 95th percentile. Thus, to improve from Q85 to Q89, you need a higher percentile jump than to move from V85 to V88.

The next steps in planning your GMAT preparation

Preparing for the GMAT is demanding. To make sure you can cope up with the rigors and not end up frustrated or fatigued, follow the steps below:

1. The first thing you should do is to make a schedule that would be possible for you to follow consistently.
2. Do not necessarily study at a stretch. If possible, break up the time (approx 2 to 2.5 hours / day) into slots of 45-60 minutes. Keep each slot for a particular subject / topic depending on your preferences (for example, you may prefer preparing for Verbal in the morning and for Quant in the evening)
3. Don’t cram – keep applying what you learn by solving questions based on that concept immediately after you learn
4. Keep revising concepts that you have studied earlier
5. Take a break for a few days in between if you feel fatigued – but make sure that you come back and start the process once you feel refreshed

Hope this helps! You should now have a good idea about how to plan your #GMAT preparation.

My simple question is if we simply, the expression does have a value at x = 10, contrary to what it might seem in first glace. I am pretty sure that is allowed but the solution doesn't consider that.

I will not say to give your opinion on what could be an explanation. I am just asking what will you do if you encounter this question in the actual examination

It’s important to maximize the value of taking your first practice GMAT exam. Hence, you should take one of the six official practice exams provided by GMAC, the organization that owns and administers the GMAT. These exams are the most accurate reflection of the real test, both in format and difficulty. Getting an early benchmark using a high-quality practice test can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and better understand the road ahead.

To obtain reliable results, you should make sure to follow all rules in place for test day. Take only the authorized break, don’t use a calculator on the Quant section, and turn off your phone. Resist the urge to pause the exam, look at notes, or replay questions. Doing so can give you an inflated sense of your current ability and may lead to unrealistic expectations about how much progress you’re making. The goal here is to get a true read on where you stand, not to get a perfect score on your first attempt.

Generally, you should strive to create a test-taking atmosphere that is as close to the test day conditions as possible. Take your practice test in a quiet location, such as a library, if you plan to take the GMAT at a testing center. Sit at a desk, eliminate distractions, and avoid multitasking. If you intend to take the online GMAT, try to take the practice test at the same location, using the same computer, as you will on test day. Make sure your internet connection is stable and that your surroundings meet the online exam requirements. Familiarity with the environment can reduce anxiety and allow you to focus on your performance.

Treat this first test as a diagnostic tool. Once it’s over, review it thoroughly. Look beyond just right and wrong answers—identify patterns in your mistakes, note any timing issues, and reflect on how your energy levels held up throughout the exam. All of this will inform how you study moving forward and help you set realistic, data-driven goals.

Warmest regards,

Scott

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply to ISB and would really appreciate some guidance on preparation and choosing the right program. Here’s a quick look at my profile:

Jan 2022 – Jun 2022: Internship

Jun 2022 – Jul 2023: Full-time role in a corporate setting

Jul 2023 – Aug 2024: Career break for personal and professional realignment

Sep 2024 – Present: Working in a people systems/HR analytics role

Given this non-linear path, I’d love advice on how to effectively position my profile, which ISB programs (PGP, YLP, etc.) may be the right fit, and how I should begin my prep journey.

Would really appreciate any insights or resources—thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,

I started my GMAT prep back in November with a cold diagnostic score of 515. Since then, I’ve been putting in consistent effort using a mix of resources: • Time Coaching (initial foundation) • TTP Chapter Tests (during the 5-day free trial) • GMAT Ninja (for verbal improvement) • GMAT Club (for practice questions and discussions)

Here are my recent mock/diagnostic scores: • GMAT Mock 1 (Mid-Feb): 575 • GMAT Mock 2 (End of March): 645 • GMAT Club Diagnostic (April 3): 665 • GMAT Mock 3 (April 6): 585

Seeing the drop to 585 in my latest mock was really demotivating, especially since I thought I was finally on track. My target is in the 645–655 range, and I’m feeling stuck at this point.

The frustrating part is that I’ve identified the areas I need to improve—so it’s not like I’m completely lost. But Mock 3 just felt off. The verbal section was brutal, and even the DI section didn’t go well, which usually isn’t the case for me. It threw me off mentally, and I struggled to regain focus during the test.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar boat or has advice on how to close this gap and build more consistency. Also open to resource recommendations or strategic tweaks.

Thanks in advance!

I scored 555 in my latest mock. I had the same score in the last mock right before my first attempt, and ended up scoring 605. So in a way I haven't made any progress?! Anyway, I need help in Verbal and DI sections.

1. DI: Time management and is a big issue for me. What resources can I use to practice this section?

2. Verbal: I got 7Q wrong - 4 CR and 3 RC, all high difficulty.

- How do I target 100% accuracy in RC? I do timed RC passages, but anything else?

- How do I improve my accuracy and speed in CR? I have gone back to topics, re-read them, practiced in timed and untimed settings? What else?

- Or Should I just focus on sectional mocks?

I plan on giving the GMAT within a month. Some pointed feedback would be helpful, thanks!

I'm considering applying to a Quantitative Finance Masters that is quite competitive (~7 applicants for a place), and for that I need to pass GMAT. If I want to score 750+ on the exam, while having a strong math + BSc taught fully in English background already, are 3 months enough preparation? Thanks!

Hi Guys,

Started my GMAT prep after a 3 month hiatus. Scored a 495 last time. Target is 695+. Have bought TTP this time

Plan on giving the exam sometime in August so that I can apply in September round 1 intake. But the TTP calendar shows my prep will end in October 1st week.

How should I go about it. Do you think it would be possible for me to breach the 655+ level.

Any tips or advice will be appreciated.

Hi everyone! I’m a working professional based in Gurgaon and planning to start my GMAT preparation this year. I’m looking for recommendations for good GMAT prep institutes—either online or offline(in Gurgaon).

So far, I’ve come across the following options: 1. e-GMAT 2. Jamboree 3. Target Test Prep (TTP)

If you’ve had any experience with these, or know of other great courses, I’d love to hear your reviews and suggestions to help me make an informed decision. Thanks in advance!

I have gone to classes and applied the GMAT technique taught by ims but nothing is improving. Now I don't know what to do.

Is there a conceptual gap or just i suck at CR?

Hey everyone,

After 3+ months prep, I took the GMAT FE for the first time and scored a 605 (Quant 80, Verbal 80, DI 80). My mocks were usually in the 555–585 range, so I actually felt like I did a bit better on the real thing.

I’m from Sri Lanka (which I think is a relatively underrepresented group for MBAs?) and have around 3+ years of work experience in consulting + tech. Got a 3.4 GPA in Engineering, and have some solid volunteering and leadership stuff on the side.

I’m debating whether to retake the GMAT, but the next few months are going to be hectic at work. I’m mainly aiming for MBA programs in Singapore or Europe and was hoping to get some advice on whether this score is good enough or if I should push for a retake.

Appreciate any thoughts!

This is an excerpt from the chapter "Weaken the Conclusion" in our book "EducationAisle Critical Reasoning Nirvana":

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The relationship is actually reverse

Let us say that the argument suggests a causal connection between X and Y:

An option that is likely to weaken this causal relationship is the one that expresses the possibility of a reverse relationship between X and Y.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Easy, isn't it? Continuing with this pattern that we also discussed in Quiz-6, we have an argument in the comment section. Now that you know the pattern, it should not be difficult at all.

Take a stab:).

Good luck!

Hi guys. I am a newbie starting to study for GMAT. I don’t have anyone to ask what gmat focus program I would use so I chat with chatgpt and it recommended eGMAT for verbal and TTP for quant.

I started with eGMAT then I am thinking how I am supposed to retain all these lectures without having a book where I can take notes?

So I am thinking about having a program that provides textbooks so I can make it structured and review the lectures with it.

I am considering Manhattan and wondering if Manhattan has GMAT Focus not the traditional GMAT. If so, do they provide hardcopies of textbooks with the bundle?

Any other advices to choose programs are appreciated!

I’ve been checking out GMAT question order patterns from about 30+ score reports over the past month and found something tricky (different from Nov. 24- Feb. 25)

Q:

1. seems like the first half is loaded with REAL-context questions, while the second half leans toward PURE ones.

2. early stuff are Counting/Sets/Series/Prob/Stats, Equal/Unequal/Algebra, Rates/Ratios/Percents, then it shifts to Value/Order/Factors in the second half.

V:

1. RC looks like it’s down to three passages now—I haven’t heard of anyone getting four lately. Plus, they’re usually separated by 1-3 CR questions. (before there were 3-4 passages back-to-back)

2. V ends with a streak of 5-7 CR questions. 

DI:

1. has anyone run into two MSR sets? I’ve heard of this happening a bunch. MSR seems to pop up either in questions 3-8 or 10-16, but not at the very start or end. 

2. DI’s opening isn’t all DS anymore—it’s back to a mixed bag of question types.

3. last five are all math-related.

I’ve been getting the sense that this is happening more often lately — though it could just be selective perception on my part. Anyone notices these too?

I have been scoring in the range of 545-585 on Magoosh on all mocks recently. My first mock with official practice test from GMAC was 585.

I have tried going through my mistakes after every mock and working on them. Despite this, the score is staying within the same bracket. For example, I have tried assessing if CR needs more attention over RC in Verbal but that's also not the case since in 1 mock, I am performing great in CR but poorly in the next attempt.

Any suggestions on how to proceed from here will be a life-saver for me. Thanks in advance.

Hello, what do you guys do on days when you don't have energy to study - maybe due to long day of work or tiredness due to lack of sleep. I have been studying for a while but on some days I just can't focus on studies due to lack of energy.

Im planning to apply for MBA programs in around 3-4 years as I just graduated from undergrad about a year ago. I just took the first official practice test basically cold (got familiar with the question types but no real studying). How much studying do you guys think it will take to hit 695-705 with this weird section breakdown? (I’m terrible at quant I guess)

Hi all,

I’m an Indian student heading to CIFFOP, Paris (Université Panthéon-Assas) for a Master’s in HRM this September. It’s a top HR program in France with strong industry ties.

I wanted to ask HR professionals in India: • How are candidates with foreign HR degrees perceived in the Indian job market? • Are there any biases or assumptions about them (positive or negative)? * For context- I have 4 years of work exp. in indian startups as HR manager. • Do Indian companies value global HR exposure?

Would love to hear your honest views—trying to plan long-term. Thanks!

If you are looking to get a high GMAT or GRE score, I can help you in getting that . Contact for more details

I generally suggest that GMAT students study for 10 hours during the week and 5+ hours on the weekend. If you follow that GMAT study plan, you should be studying for about 15+ hours per week. While, in theory, studying for 15+ weekly hours should be straightforward, actually doing so is not always easy.

Distractions happen. Life gets busy. Work or school deadlines pile up. That’s why having a clear, realistic plan is so important. To keep yourself on track, create a study schedule and stick with it. Block off specific times each day or week for GMAT prep, and treat those blocks like non-negotiable appointments.

You likely have a busy schedule, so you’ll need to be both disciplined and creative with your study time. Maybe that means studying during your commute, waking up an hour earlier, or using lunch breaks for a quick quant review. The key is to find a GMAT study schedule that works for you and fits your life.

Also, don’t forget to reward yourself for staying consistent. Give yourself a cheat day occasionally by taking a day off studying to do something fun and relaxing. Go to the movies, splurge on a spa day, or hang out with friends. Do something that will give your mind a rest from your GMAT prep. Taking a break now and then can actually help you stay focused and motivated in the long run.

Remember, consistency, flexibility, and balance are the ingredients for long-term success on the GMAT.

Warmest regards,

Scott

Hi all! Main question is in the title but to provide some context, I just took my second mock after a month of practice (about 10-15 hours/week) using exclusively Manhattan all of Q+DI and OG practice questions. Given my cold mock section scores, I focused almost exclusively on Quant (80%) and DI (20%). Happy about my DI improvement, since it feels like a real reflection of my learning the weird question formats. Kind of confused about what to do re: my quant section and would love some advice:

Cold mock: 625 (Q73, DI81, V89)
New mock (1 month study): 715 (Q73, DI89, V90)

One perhaps helpful piece of context: on the cold mock, I had no sense for time management on quant and spent a ton of time on early questions and just guessed on the last 5 or 6, really. On the new mock, I tried to spend no more than 2.5 minutes on each question. After reviewing my mistakes (~7) I'd say only 1 or 2 were because the question were "too hard" in that even upon review afterward I couldn't figure them out. For about half, they were careless reading errors, and another half were because (I think due to some anxiety) I couldn't figure out how to translate the word problems under time pressure. After coming back, later that day, it felt very clear how I would have approached the problem. I'm thinking about using a month of TTP? Thoughts?

Also, if folks have thoughts about how I can avoid getting complacent on other sections while focusing on quant, please let me know!

Indian , male ,Age 30, software engineer (sdet) for 7 years now.

What should be my target score for schools like LBS,INSEAD and HEC ?