A handy guide to creating a personalized GMAT study plan

GMAT | An overview

The Graduate Management Assessment Test is a standardized exam that assesses the candidate’s skills in critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. It is widely accepted by business schools worldwide as a reliable measure of an applicant’s readiness for the rigors of a graduate business program.

GMAT is an extremely competitive examination, hence requiring great preparation. According to data from GMAC, students who score above 700 typically dedicate an average of 120 hours to their preparation. However, success in the GMAT is not solely dependent on studying hard; it lies in studying smart with a well-structured plan that aligns with your learning style and targets your areas for improvement.

A personalized GMAT study plan enables you to focus on the specific areas where you can make the greatest improvements. This approach allows you to study more efficiently and effectively, maximizing your chances of scoring well on the GMAT.

The six-month strategy to ace GMAT

A well-designed six-month GMAT study plan provides a balanced approach, incorporating focused study, revision, and ample practice. Here’s a detailed plan to guide you on your journey.

Month 1 | Diagnostic test & foundation building

Week 1:  Beginning with a diagnostic test is a crucial step to assess your current level of performance. You can achieve this by attempting a free online mock test. This will allow you to get a feel for the exam and the type of questions you may encounter during the official examination. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to tailor your GMAT study plan accordingly.

Week 2-4: During these weeks, the focus is on building a solid foundation. You start by understanding fundamental quantitative and verbal concepts. This includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, grammar rules, and sentence structure. Following a step-by-step GMAT study plan ensures a systematic approach to learning and reinforcing these concepts.

Month 2 & 3 | In-depth study

Quantitative section: Dedicating six weeks to a comprehensive exploration of quantitative reasoning allows you to delve into problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions. You begin with easier topics like arithmetic and algebra, gradually progressing to more advanced concepts such as number systems, geometry, and word problems. This structured approach ensures a thorough understanding of the quantitative section.

Verbal section: The next six weeks are dedicated to mastering the verbal section. This section consists of sentence correction, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension. By allocating sufficient time to each of these areas, you can focus on improving your skills in grammar, logical reasoning, and effective reading strategies.

Month 4 | Integrated Reasoning & Analytical Writing

Week 1-2: The first two weeks of month 4 are dedicated to preparing for the Integrated Reasoning section. This section evaluates your ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, such as tables, graphs, and charts. Practising with sample questions and understanding the different question types helps you develop the necessary skills for this section. Additionally, you can also start preparing for the Analytical Writing Assessment, which requires you to write an essay analyzing an argument.

Week 3-4: In the last two weeks of month 4, shift your focus to preparing for the Analytical Writing Assessment. This section assesses your ability to analyze an argument and construct a well-structured essay in response. Set a timer and practice writing essays within the given time limit. Focus on clearly articulating your analysis, providing strong supporting evidence, and presenting a persuasive argument. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure as well. Share your practice essays with a trusted mentor, tutor, or study group for feedback. Consider their suggestions for improvement and revise your essays accordingly.

Month 5 | Revision & weakness targeting

Review both the quantitative and verbal sections, with a focus on areas that require improvement based on your performance in practice tests. This is an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and address any lingering doubts or weaknesses.

Month 6 | Mock tests & final revision

• Full-length mock tests under timed conditions are crucial during the final month. This helps simulate the actual test experience and allows you to assess your performance. Analyzing your strengths and weaknesses based on these mock tests helps you concentrate your final revision efforts on areas that need more attention.
• Dedicate at least one hour each day to practice questions, gradually increasing the time as the test day approaches. Consistent practice ensures that you are familiar with the question types and can effectively manage your time during the exam.
• Starting from Month 3, completing a full-length practice test every week is recommended. These practice tests serve as checkpoints to evaluate your preparation level and make necessary adjustments to your study plan. Analyzing your performance in each test helps you identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies.

Remember, this study plan is a guideline, and you can adapt it based on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and schedule. Regular practice, diligent review, and targeted preparation will help you achieve your desired GMAT score.

Achieving excellence |  GMAT 780 study plan insights

Aiming for a 780 on the GMAT is a lofty goal. Only about 1% of all test takers achieve this score. However, with the right approach, dedication, and a good GMAT study plan, it is achievable. Here’s a customized plan that high scorers often follow-

Start early

Embarking on your GMAT preparation journey early is a crucial factor for scoring high. It is recommended to start your preparation at least six months in advance. This ample time frame gives you the freedom to delve deeply into the content, engage in extensive practice, and allocate sufficient periods for revision. By starting early, you lay a solid foundation for comprehensive understanding and optimal performance on the GMAT.

Study material

Selecting high-quality study materials is paramount to your GMAT success. In a GMAC survey, a staggering 78% of respondents expressed that the Official Guide proved to be an exceptionally valuable resource. This highlights the effectiveness and reliability of this study material in aiding test takers in their GMAT journey. By utilizing trusted and reputable resources, you enhance your chances of achieving your desired score on the exam. If need be, take help from professionals who can guide you to achieve a good GMAT score.

Target weak areas

Focusing on and improving your weak areas is a key strategy employed by most individuals who achieve a remarkable 780 score on the GMAT. Surprisingly, while the average GMAT scorer devotes approximately 40% of their study time to addressing weak areas, high scorers allocate a significantly higher proportion, around 60%, to these specific areas. By dedicating ample time and effort to fortify your weak areas, you significantly enhance your chances of attaining an exceptional GMAT score.

Mock tests

Mock tests play a vital role in the preparation of high scorers on the GMAT. These top achievers often go beyond taking just 15 full-length practice tests. Each mock test serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas of improvement, honing test-taking stamina, and refining strategies.

Analytical writing & integrated reasoning

While the analytical writing and integrated reasoning sections do not contribute to the 200-800 score, they still hold significance for top schools. Recognizing this, high scorers make it a priority to perform well in these sections too, ensuring a holistic presentation of their abilities to the admissions committees.

Review mistakes

Successful test-takers allocate several hours to meticulously review their mistakes after each practice test. This allows them to identify patterns, understand their weaknesses, and fine-tune their approach, paving the way for continuous improvement and, ultimately, higher scores on the actual GMAT exam.

Key takeaways

• A personalized GMAT study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for optimal preparation.
• A six-month GMAT study plan offers a balanced approach, allowing in-depth understanding, regular practice, and revision.
• Aiming for a high score like 780 requires early preparation, a focus on weak areas, and frequent mock tests.
• GMAT Club can be a valuable resource for study materials, discussions, and peer support.

Creating a personalized GMAT study plan is a strategic move toward achieving your target score. It optimizes your efforts based on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, providing a roadmap to guide your preparation and leading you toward GMAT success. If you require further assistance with your test preparation, feel free to reach out to us!

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FAQs

Q1: Should I follow a pre-designed GMAT study plan or create my own?

Answer: While pre-designed GMAT study plans can be helpful as a starting point, it’s crucial to customize the plan based on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and preferred learning style. Tailoring the plan to your specific needs can lead to more effective and efficient preparation.

Q2: How can I ensure consistency and motivation throughout my GMAT study plan?

Answer: Set realistic goals, break down your GMAT study plan into manageable tasks, and create a schedule that suits your lifestyle. Additionally, joining study groups or seeking support from friends or tutors can help keep you motivated and accountable.

Q3: Can I adjust my GMAT study plan if I find certain sections more challenging than others?

Answer: Absolutely! It’s essential to be flexible and adaptable during your GMAT preparation. If you find particular sections more challenging, allocate additional time and resources to address those areas within your GMAT study plan.