Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- The GMAT has 4 main parts: Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Writing
- Most people study for 2-3 months, putting in about 10-15 hours each week
- Official GMAT prep materials are your best friends – they're made by the test creators
- Taking practice tests regularly can boost your score by up to 30 points
- The average GMAT score is around 565, but top business schools often look for 700+
Thinking about taking the GMAT? You're not alone. Over 200,000 people worldwide take this test each year to get into business school. Creating a solid GMAT study plan is key to doing well, but it can feel overwhelming at first. Don't worry – we've got your back. This guide will walk you through how to make a study plan that fits your life and goals. Whether you're aiming for a top score or just want to feel confident on test day, we'll help you get there step by step.
GMAT Study Plan
A GMAT study plan is a structured approach to preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is a standardised exam used by many business schools worldwide as part of the admissions process. A well-crafted GMAT study plan can help you maximise your score potential.
The GMAT is a challenging exam to ace, and the scores are more or less scaled and represent a percentile rather than a straightforward pass/fail test, making it even more challenging to prepare effectively for.
But with a thorough study plan, candidates can manage other aspects of their lives, such as applications, jobs, and other duties, in addition to the exam and get amazing results. You might stay organized, successfully cover all the concepts, and monitor your progress with a GMAT study plan.
Understanding the GMAT Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Types of Questions | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) | 1 (Essay) | 30 minutes | Analysis of an Argument | Measures your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas. |
| Integrated Reasoning (IR) | 12 | 30 minutes | Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis | Assesses your ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats. |
| Quantitative Section | 31 | 62 minutes | Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving | Measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. |
| Verbal Section | 36 | 65 minutes | Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction | Assesses your ability to read and understand written material, evaluate arguments, and correct written material to conform to standard written English. |
Mastering Your GMAT Study Plan: A Section Wise Guide to Ace your GMAT
Preparing for the GMAT is a pivotal step in your journey towards business school. Given the exam’s complexity and its significance in the application process, a well-thought-out study plan is crucial.
You can also check out the GMAT Previous editions on the official website. Here’s how you can build a tailored study schedule that fits your needs and maximises your performance on the exam.
GMAT Study Plan: Prepaing for AWA
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT evaluates your ability to analyze arguments and communicate your ideas effectively. It consists of one essay prompt, and you have 30 minutes to construct a coherent response. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in this section:
1. Understanding the Structure:
The AWA essay follows a structured format:
- Introduction: Restate the argument and identify any flaws.
- Body Paragraphs: Present your analysis in three paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of the argument.
- Conclusion: Summarize your evaluation and suggest ways to strengthen the argument.
2. Utilizing Structural Words
Incorporate structural words throughout your essay to enhance clarity and coherence. These words can help you transition between ideas and strengthen your argument. Examples include "for example," "furthermore," "however," and "consequently."
3. Applying Templates
Templates provide a framework for structuring your essay efficiently. Use the following template as a guide:
- Introduction: Restate the argument, point out flaws, and state your intention to discuss them.
- Body Paragraphs: Address each flaw in the argument systematically, providing supporting examples and contrasting viewpoints.
- Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and suggest ways to strengthen the argument.
4. Crafting Full-Fledged Essays
Practice transitioning from templates to full-fledged essays by tackling sample prompts. Here's an example essay question and a corresponding response structure:
- Essay Question:
"The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self-regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result, an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years." - Response Structure:
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.
5. Final Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the keyboard during the tutorial to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Write at least 500 words per essay to demonstrate your analytical abilities.
- Keep the e-rater (automated scoring system) in mind while writing, focusing on structure and clarity.
- Proofread your essay for spelling errors and aim to finish a few minutes before the time limit.
By following these tips and strategies, you can approach the AWA section with confidence and effectively convey your analytical insights. Remember to practice regularly and stay focused during the exam to maximize your potential.
GMAT Study Plan: Prepaing for Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
The Quantitative Reasoning (QR) section of the GMAT Study Plan evaluates your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems efficiently. While it covers basic math concepts, the focus is on your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you excel in this section:
1. Understanding the Structure
The QR section consists of 21 Problem Solving questions, and you have 45 minutes to complete them. This averages out to about 2 minutes per problem. You'll need to solve various types of problems without the aid of a calculator, so practicing mental math is essential.
2. What Math Skills are Tested?
The QR section tests a range of math skills, including:
- Arithmetic: Number properties, percents, fractions, and ratios
- Algebra: Exponents, linear equations, quadratics, and functions
- Statistics: Mean, median, standard deviation, and probability
- Story Problems: Translating real-world scenarios into mathematical concepts
The GMAT emphasizes practical application over precise calculations. You'll need to employ estimation, testing out real numbers, and other test-taking strategies to save time and arrive at efficient solutions.
3. How Problem Solving Works
In the Problem Solving (PS) questions, you'll be presented with a scenario and asked to solve a math problem. Unlike Data Sufficiency (DS) questions, you'll need to calculate the answer yourself. However, efficient problem-solving strategies can help you navigate these questions more effectively.
4. Example Problem Solving Question
Consider the following practice question:
"At a particular school, 65% of the students have taken language classes. Of those students, 40% have studied more than one language. If there are 300 students at the school, how many have studied more than one language?"
To tackle this question efficiently:
- Estimate the number of students who have taken language classes (about 200).
- Recognize that 40% of these students have studied more than one language.
- Use estimation to determine that 40% of 200 is less than 100.
- Select the answer choice that aligns with your estimate.
GMAT Study Plan: Prepaing for Verbal
Preparing for the verbal section of the GMAT requires a focused and methodical approach. This comprehensive study plan for GMAT is designed for individuals aiming for a Verbal score of V35 or higher, with a commitment level slightly above average.
By following this plan diligently over a period of 1.5 to 2 months, spending 2-3 hours per day for 5 days a week, you can significantly improve your verbal skills and achieve your target score.
Part 1: Sentence Correction (SC)
The Sentence Correction (SC) section focuses on English grammar rules and sentence structure. To excel in this section, follow these steps:
- Select a reputable SC book such as MGMAT SC, PowerScore SC, or VeritasPrep SC to study and master the necessary strategies and content.
- If English is not your native language or you need to brush up on grammar rules, consider using resources like GMAT Club's Grammar Book or MGMAT Verbal Foundations.
- Enhance your ear for English language by reading 1,000-2,000 pages of quality fiction books. This will improve your ability to recognize correct sentence structures and grammatical errors.
- Maintain a detailed error log to track questions you got wrong and identify common traps. Develop a checklist to review key concepts and rules while solving SC questions.
Part 2: Critical Reasoning (CR)
Critical Reasoning (CR) involves analyzing arguments and making logical deductions. To tackle this section effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Utilize recommended CR books such as PowerScore CR, MGMAT CR, or Veritas Prep CR to learn strategies for dissecting arguments and identifying assumptions.
- Treat CR questions as a game and practice identifying assumptions in everyday scenarios. Familiarize yourself with different question types and strategies for approaching each type.
- Adhere to the strategies outlined in your chosen CR book, including reading the question stem first and paraphrasing the argument in your own words before analyzing answer choices.
- Practice answering CR questions without looking at answer choices to strengthen your analytical skills and ability to identify key components of arguments.
Part 3: Reading Comprehension (RC)
Reading Comprehension (RC) evaluates your ability to understand and analyze complex passages. To improve your performance in this section, follow these steps:
- Choose RC books such as Manhattan GMAT RC or Veritas Prep RC to learn effective reading strategies and techniques for extracting key information from passages.
- Develop a systematic approach to tackling RC passages, including reading the entire passage carefully, making notes, and analyzing the author's tone and purpose.
- Read a variety of fiction books to enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills. Focus on understanding the underlying themes and purposes of the passages rather than getting bogged down in details.
- Learn to read passages from the author's perspective, focusing on the main ideas and arguments rather than getting distracted by irrelevant details.
GMAT Study Plan: Prepaing for Integrated Reasoning
The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section of the GMAT is designed to assess your ability to handle complex, multi-layered problems, similar to those you will face in professional settings. Here are some strategies and tips to help you prepare effectively for the IR section.
What Makes Integrated Reasoning Different?
The IR section is distinct from other GMAT sections in several ways:
- Multiple Skills Required: You must use both quantitative and verbal skills to answer a single question.
- Data Manipulation and Synthesis: Unlike quant and verbal questions, IR questions require you to manipulate and synthesize data.
- Relevant and Irrelevant Data: You need to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to answer IR questions correctly.
IR Question Types
The IR section includes four types of questions:
1. Graphics Interpretation: Analyze information presented in graphs or charts to select the correct statement from a drop-down list.
2. Table Analysis: Sort data in tables to determine the answers to true/false questions.
3. Two-Part Analysis: Select two correct answers from a table based on various scenarios or mathematical expressions.
4. Multi-Source Reasoning: Interpret multiple texts to answer multiple-choice questions or evaluate statements.
Study Strategies
1. Leverage What You Already Know
Many skills you use in the quant and verbal sections are also essential in IR. Critical thinking, organization, estimation, and prioritization skills are particularly important.
TTP PRO TIP: You already have many of the tools needed to succeed in IR from your quant and verbal study.
2. Practice Timing
You have 30 minutes to complete 12 IR questions, averaging 2.5 minutes per question. Practice managing your time effectively to ensure you can answer each question.
3. Get Comfortable with IR Questions
Familiarize yourself with the structure of each IR question type. Regular practice will help you efficiently organize and interpret the information presented.
TTP PRO TIP: Practice questions of varying difficulty for all four IR question types to build familiarity.
4. Don’t Pick and Choose Question Types
Practice all types of IR questions rather than focusing only on the ones you find most difficult or easiest. Efficiently finding relevant information in any given question is crucial.
5. Sort Data Effectively
Learn to organize data in tables and graphs to see the information clearly. Mastering data sorting will significantly enhance your performance in IR.
- Save IR Prep Until Near the End
- Focus on mastering quant and verbal skills first. Then, near the end of your GMAT prep, spend time working on IR.
- Develop a Timing Strategy
- Allocate your time based on the complexity of the questions. Ensure you answer each question, as leaving questions blank lowers your score more than incorrect guesses.
TTP PRO TIP: Be sure to answer each IR question to avoid a lower score.
6. Practice with the IR Calculator
Use the on-screen calculator provided in the IR section. Familiarize yourself with its functionality to maximize its utility.
7. Complete the IR Section in Practice Tests
Always complete the IR section when taking full-length practice tests. This practice is essential for building stamina and familiarity with the test format.
TTP PRO TIP: Replicate test-day conditions by completing the IR section in every practice test.
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- GMAT Question Paper
- GRE to GMAT Score Conversion
- GMAT Online Test
Conclusion
Preparing for the GMAT requires a holistic approach that addresses each section's unique demands. By dedicating time to practice, developing effective strategies, and honing your critical thinking skills, you can maximize your performance on test day.
