Reliable Target Scores?

[findram]

Hi,

I just took Manhattan's free GMAT test. Got 670 (89%ile). Quant 46(79 %ile) and Verbal 35 (77%ile).

This is my first GMAT test. I am yet to start my GMAT preparation. Never touched any GMAT related book or material, as of today.

I am planning to apply b-schools for the coming academic year. One of my potential options (b-school) has two rounds of admissions. First round deadline is on Aug 30th and the second round is on Nov 30th. A high GMAT score is an important factor in it's admissions; 750s are not uncommon. Also, it is general consensus, at least for this school, that people who applied during the first round has better chances of getting admitted.

Given this scenario, would you you please suggest me on the following:

1) What score should I aim for? I am confident that, Given a two weeks of preparation, I can do much better in Quant. Its not same with Verbal but, still, I am confident that I can improve on my first test scores in Verbal too. Given this situation, again, what scores should I aim for? A reliable target is important for me, as I have a tendency to mould my preparation accordingly.

2) If I want to apply for the first round, I should be done with GMAT by Aug 15th, that is approx 150 hrs of preparation. Is this time/preparation sufficient for the score I aim for?

3) Would you also please advise me on what books/materials and tests should I go through.

This whole thing called GMAT is very new to me. Any suggestions would help me a lot.

Thanks
Ram

[tim]

1) Aim for 800, or even 850. :) You haven't asked for a realistic goal, and as long as you won't be devastated when you don't get a perfect score, you might as well aim as high as you can. Besides, YOU don't know what your limit is right now, so why sell yourself short at 700 or 750 or even 790?

2) 150 hours is a lot of time, and if you are using it effectively that should be enough time to realize some significant gains..

3) i hate to be a salesman here, but the answer is MGMAT materials. :) Given your time frame and ambition, it would make most sense for you to do the guided self-study program. It's self-paced and significantly cheaper than our live classes. If you choose this option, be sure to do these super-important things:
* Download the Study Organizer and the Official Guide Tracker, then use these spreadsheets consistently and correctly from Day 1. You don't have time not to do this properly.
* Make sure you view all nine sessions from our online class recordings, the earlier in your studying the better.
* Use your office hours, one about 1/3 of the way through the process and the other about 2/3 of the way through. You need to check in with an instructor who can help you make sure you are on the right track.
* Don't take any more practice tests until you're done watching all nine class recordings, and then never take practice tests with less than 10 days between them. Practice tests should be used only to practice timing and to identify weak areas you need to work on.

i hope this helps; good luck with your studying..