Going Solo

[saludi01]

Hello MGMAT community,

I am enrolled in the self-study guide course. Any interesting advice on making my study experience fun and painless?

Thanks for your input.

Ivy

[StaceyKoprince]

Try to approach it the way you would a new sport or game you're trying to learn. You're trying to learn how to win, how to "beat" the computer, etc. The more you can make it like a game, the more it will seem like fun instead of work. (Though it is going to feel like work, too! :)

If you know someone else who is studying for the GMAT, set up a study group. Study together once or twice a week, teach things to each other, discuss different approaches to problems, etc. If you've got a study partner, you'll help keep each other motivated (and you can learn from each other's strengths too!). If you don't know anyone else who's studying, then try to use our forums here or the Beat The GMAT forums to have "online study buddies" with whom you can check in frequently, compare tips, etc.

Start with a practice test - but don't worry about your initial score. Use the initial test to determine what your strengths and weaknesses are (in terms of both accuracy and timing). Set up your study plan accordingly - start with lower-level problems and study more in your weaker areas. For questions you're getting right but too slowly, think about how to maintain your effectiveness while speeding up. Etc.

Good luck - let us know how it goes!