<p>Just finished my first semester of undergrad (although I'm only a few credits shy of Junior standing thanks to AP credit) and have my sights set on a top-tier business school (Harvard, Kellogg or Wharton most likely). I decided to take a practice GMAT today just to see how I would fare, and I scored a 730 on my first try. </p>
<p>I know this is good, but I would still like to see some improvement with practice. I go to a somewhat decent state school but nowhere near top-tier and even with a 4.0 I will need everything I can get to help me get in. I don't want to go overboard with the studying and prep courses, but I also want to do the best I possibly can. </p>
<p>When should I start preparing and when should I actually get around to taking it? Also, any suggestions for prep books/courses? Thanks!</p>
<p>Slow down! Most MBA programs (including Harvard, Kellogg and Wharton) require at least a couple of years of work experience prior to admission. Although some programs will pre-admit you as an undergrad (for example, here’s HBS’s program: [2+2</a> Application Process - MBA - Harvard Business School](<a href=“http://■■■■■■■.com/d3jdlff]2+2”>2+2 Program - MBA - Harvard Business School)), you need to work first. </p>
<p>You shouldn’t plan on starting an MBA program for a couple of years after graduating undergrad. I recommend taking the GMAT at some point during your senior year of undergrad; it’s easier to take standardized tests while you are still in the school mindset than after you’ve been working for a few years. Your GMAT scores are good for five years.</p>
<p>There isn’t one right way to study for the GMAT. You should create a study plan based on how you best study. Personally, I bought Kaplan’s book ([Kaplan</a> New GMAT Premier 2013 with 5 Online Practice Tests (Kaplan Gmat Premier Live): Kaplan: 9781609780937: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://■■■■■■■.com/8yzpdh8]Kaplan”>http://■■■■■■■.com/8yzpdh8)) and studied it for two days straight right before the exam, and I achievedmy target score. That said, you might find that in person exam prep or a more structured program works better for you.</p>
<p>ripsta,
who said that people scoring 700s don’t study ? They put in tons of efforts(unless they’re not already geniuses). I’m sure studying hard.</p>
a 730 is an amazing starting point, so congrats! It actually might be a great idea to take it now, when you are still in the habit of studying. People who take it a few years out of school tent to have a harder time getting into the rhythm of studying again. Plus, your scores are good for 5 years, so even though you might not apply for a few years, since most schools want work experience, you’ll still have those scores and don’t have to worry about it again when app time rolls around!