GMAT Study Plan: Approach and Staying Organized

[coxmm]

I have been studying for the past month and a half for the GMAT. I would like to take the exam in October or November and I am currently using MGMAT's Self Study course. For the first couple of weeks I merely did a "math refresher" and read through the FOM book and completed problems. Afterwards, I started using the 9 week syllabus provided. My biggest problem is developing a study plan and retaining the material. I often find that absorbing so many different topics is stressful and then I begin to enter "freak out" mode. Does anyone have a study approach they can recommend? I often find that it's best for me to read the chapters in the books and write down key points. I constantly find myself getting stressed out with developing a good study plan and staying organized.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Matt - Fall 2014 Candidate (Columbia EMBA and NYU Part-time)

[StaceyKoprince]

First, there is a LOT of stuff to study, but you've given yourself a good timeframe to study, so don't freak out. :)

Second, try not to look at it all at once. You're making progress; that's what counts. I love that you started with FoM - that was a great idea.

Third, you could study for 3 years if you really tried to do it all. But nobody wants or needs to do that! Your task is to prioritize your own study based upon your particular needs - each person is different.

Take a look at this article for ideas about how to customize the syllabus / your study based upon your own strengths and weaknesses:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... an-part-1/

Also read this:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/

I just wrote an article that talks about How To Learn - it'll get published on our blog sometime next week. Just keep checking back till you see it. Do what it says. :)

Check back in and let us know how it goes!

[coxmm]

Thanks so much for your help, Stacey! I tend to enter into "freak out" mode occasionally, usually after looking at the breadth and depth of the material. Math has never been my strong suit, so I worry about that, but FoM was a HUGE confidence builder and helped me refine lost skills. Thanks for passing along these articles! I will be reading these tonight before my study session begins. I will check in with my progress. Thanks again!

Matt

[StaceyKoprince]

you're very welcome! good luck! :)